Min calls for efforts to arrest HIV spread
Addressing the governing body meeting of Mizoram State Aids Control Society in Aizawl, Lalrinpuii, who is also chairman of the society, said there is no room for complacency.
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News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Breast Milk For Sale: Mothers Making Millions Online. But Is It Safe For Other Babies?
Last Updated: Women in the US are earning millions by selling breast milk, but is it safe for babies? Discover 5 essential facts about the benefits and risks of buying breast milk Breastfeeding is on the rise across the United States, with an increasing number of women choosing to nurse their infants rather than rely on formula. As this trend gains momentum, an intriguing development has come to light: many women are now earning up to $1,000 (approximately Rs 87,000) per month by selling their surplus breast milk. Online communities on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook have emerged, where individuals prioritise purchasing breast milk over formula, believing it to offer superior health benefits. Remarkably, some bodybuilders are also reported to consume breast milk for its perceived nutritional value. Why Is Breast Milk Considered Unique? Health experts widely agree that breast milk offers numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. It contains essential nutrients, antibodies, proteins, and healthy fats that support immunity and development. The first form of breast milk, colostrum, is often referred to as the baby's 'first vaccine' due to its protective qualities. For babies, breast milk plays a vital role in both physical and cognitive development. For mothers, breastfeeding supports postpartum recovery, strengthens emotional bonding, and may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It is also a safe, natural, and cost-effective source of nourishment during the early months of life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, citing its unmatched health benefits. The Risks Of Buying Breast Milk Despite its growing popularity, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against buying or feeding breast milk obtained from unregulated sources. While sharing breast milk may appear harmless, it can pose serious health risks, especially if the donor's medical history is unknown. Diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and various bacterial infections can be transmitted through breast milk. Improper storage and handling can also lead to bacterial contamination, potentially making the milk unsafe or even fatal for infants. Additionally, some sellers may engage in unhealthy practices to increase milk production, potentially compromising its nutritional quality. Without proper medical supervision or laboratory testing, purchasing and using breast milk from informal sources can be highly risky. A Global Phenomenon With Ongoing Debate The trend of selling breast milk is not limited to the United States, it's observed in several other countries as well. However, the safety concerns highlighted by health authorities remain universally relevant. As demand grows, so too does the debate about regulation, safety, and ethics surrounding the informal breast milk market. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 11:28 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
12 HIV infected people awaiting house plot allotment in Namakkal district
NAMAKKAL: Twelve HIV infected people in Namakkal district are still waiting for allocation of house plots on poramboke land even 10 months after they were issued pattas for the same. In October 2024, adi dravidar welfare minister Dr M Mathiventhan issued pattas for 12 people. As per the patta, each plot measures 900 square feet. Eleven of the beneficiaries will get plots at Vattur in Tiruchengode taluk while one in Sanipatty village in Paramathi-Velur taluk. The Namakkal district administration has not yet allocated the plots to them. The beneficiaries have been going from one office to another to get the plots allotted to them. "These people are already enduring the challenges caused by HIV. They rely on medications. Their livelihoods have already been compromised. In this situation, where can they seek shelter if they have not yet received their land for residence?" asked Tamil Nadu Congress Committee spokesman Dr P V Senthil. He said these people had been ostracized by their family members, friends and relatives. 'How can they survive when officials refuse to provide them with even a small plot of land,' he asked. When contacted by TOI, a revenue department official at the Tiruchengode taluk said some encroachers had taken possession of the mentioned poramboke land and officials had failed to evict them. In response to TOI's inquiry, district collector Durgamoorthi stated that she would investigate the matter. "I have just been made aware of this situation. I will instruct district revenue officer Dr Suman to address this issue and ensure that plots are allocated to those in need as soon as possible," she said.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
Kennedy could soon reconstruct US preventive care panel
Washington: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could imminently overhaul a key federal advisory panel that recommends which preventive services insurers must pay for, health and medical news website STAT News reported on Tuesday, citing a person familiar with the plans. Federal health officials are vetting new members for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force , the report said. It also cited David Mansdoerfer, who advises a group allied with Kennedy, as saying he knew people being considered for the panel but that he declined to name them. Mansdoerfer, who served during President Donald Trump's first administration as deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, later told Reuters that he knew "a couple" of those being considered. He added that he was not actively involved in the process, which he said could take from a few weeks to two or three months. The Office of the White House Liaison at HHS is in charge of the vetting, said Mansdoerfer, now the chief strategy adviser to the Independent Medical Alliance, a group of physicians allied with Kennedy. This was also the case with candidates for advisory committees during his time at the department, he said. Asked if the people he knew of who were under consideration were physicians, Mansdoerfer said they were all clinical health professionals. He had earlier told STAT that the existing panel was "MD heavy" and that the reorganized one was likely to include other kinds of healthcare providers. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Kennedy planned to remove all of the panel's 16 members. An HHS spokesperson said Kennedy had not yet made a decision. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force includes medical experts serving staggered four-year terms on a volunteer basis. Its role in choosing what services will be covered by insurers was established under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The 40-year-old group, whose recommendations provide guidance to doctors, looks at everything from routine screenings for breast cancer to drugs to prevent HIV infection.
