Latest news with #WAO
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
'Gay sex party' or HIV outreach programme?: Kelantan deputy MB urges thorough probe
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan has called for a fair and thorough investigation into the recent police raid at a bungalow in Kemumin, Kota Bharu, which was alleged to have been the site of a 'gay sex party'. The raid, carried out by the Kelantan police, has sparked controversy after several NGOs and individuals denied that any illicit activities took place, claiming instead that the gathering was a health outreach event focused on HIV awareness and testing. "The Kelantan state government calls for the investigation to be conducted neatly and thoroughly so that no party falls victim to misunderstanding, slander or public punishment before the truth is determined," said Fadzli on Facebook on Sunday (July 20). In a joint statement, Suaram, the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and Amnesty International Malaysia refuted claims of immoral conduct, stating that 'the participants attended to get information and undergo sexual health tests.' The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) also confirmed that a field engagement session was conducted on June 17 in Kota Bharu under the Different HIV Services for Key Population (DHSKP) programme, which is supported by the Health Ministry. They were referring to reports quoting Kelantan police saying more than 20 men were arrested in a bungalow in Kota Bahru, allegedly for attending a 'gay party'. However, Fadzli maintained the state government's firm stance against activities it deems immoral or in contradiction to Islamic principles. "Any form of disobedience that attempts to normalise will not be allowed a place to reside in this state," said Fadzli, adding that all stakeholders must play their role in safeguarding the sanctity and harmony of society. Fadzli stressed the importance of transparency, especially in clarifying whether the attendees were from outside Kelantan. 'If it is true as reported, that the participants of the programme came from outside Kelantan and do not involve the people of the state, then this information also needs to be explained publicly so that innocent Kelantan citizens do not become victims of accusation and slander,' he said. He also urged organisers of any programme, especially those that may stir public sensitivities, to seek prior approval from relevant authorities.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kelantan govt wants full probe into gay party incident
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has called for a thorough inquiry into last month's alleged gay gathering at a bungalow in Kampung Kemumin, urging that no party be subjected to misunderstanding, slander, or premature public judgement. Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state is aware of the ongoing polemic between the Kelantan police and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as individuals who have denied that any immoral activities took place during the event. "To resolve this issue, the state government urges that investigations be carried out carefully and comprehensively so that no party becomes a victim of misunderstanding, false accusations or societal punishment before the truth is established. "If investigations prove that police actions were based on solid grounds, stern action must be taken against those involved. "Conversely, if the claims by the NGOs and individuals are proven to be true, corrective measures should be implemented. Justice must prevail," he said here today. The police raid occurred in mid-June but was only reported only on Thursday. Homosexual acts are criminalised in Malaysia and carry prison sentences under the country's civil laws. For members of the Malay-Muslim majority who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), the risks are even higher. They may also be prosecuted under the separate Islamic legal system enforced in several states—where punishments can include public caning or mandatory programmes aimed at "rehabilitation." Fadzli also said that if the participants involved were not from Kelantan, this fact should be made clear to the public to avoid unwarranted blame being placed on the state's residents. "Transparency is essential to prevent the public from making baseless assumptions or unfair judgements. "If it is true, as reported, that the participants were from outside Kelantan, then this must be clarified openly so that innocent Kelantanese citizens are not unjustly criticised," he said. Fadzli stressed that any party intending to organise events, especially those that could raise controversy or confusion, must obtain permission from the relevant authorities. "Failure to follow proper guidelines and procedures could lead to unintended consequences and threaten the harmony of the state," he said. He acknowledged receiving multiple inquiries following the police raid, which sparked a public outcry after it was initially described as a "gay sex party". "NGOs, including Suaram, the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), and Amnesty International Malaysia, issued a joint statement denying the allegations. "They insisted that the participants were there to access health information and undergo sexual health screenings, not to engage in illicit activities. "The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) also confirmed that a field engagement session took place on June 17 under the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) model, supported by the Ministry of Health," he added. Fadzli said the state government reaffirms its firm and uncompromising stance against any activity that contradicts Islamic teachings and moral values. "Any attempt to normalise immoral behaviour will not be tolerated in this state," he added. He also expressed appreciation for the swift and firm actions taken by the Kelantan police in line with the principle of amar makruf nahi mungkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil), which remains a core tenet of the state's governance.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'Gay party raid': Kelantan govt seeks full investigation to uncover the truth
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has called for a thorough inquiry into last month's alleged gay gathering at a bungalow in Kampung Kemumin, urging that no party be subjected to misunderstanding, slander, or premature public judgement. Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state is aware of the ongoing polemic between the Kelantan police and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as individuals who have denied that any immoral activities took place during the event. "To resolve this issue, the state government urges that investigations be carried out carefully and comprehensively so that no party becomes a victim of misunderstanding, false accusations or societal punishment before the truth is established. "If investigations prove that police actions were based on solid grounds, stern action must be taken against those involved. "Conversely, if the claims by the NGOs and individuals are proven to be true, corrective measures should be implemented. Justice must prevail," he said here today. The police raid occurred in mid-June but was only reported only on Thursday. Homosexual acts are criminalised in Malaysia and carry prison sentences under the country's civil laws. For members of the Malay-Muslim majority who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), the risks are even higher. They may also be prosecuted under the separate Islamic legal system enforced in several states—where punishments can include public caning or mandatory programmes aimed at "rehabilitation." Fadzli also said that if the participants involved were not from Kelantan, this fact should be made clear to the public to avoid unwarranted blame being placed on the state's residents. "Transparency is essential to prevent the public from making baseless assumptions or unfair judgements. "If it is true, as reported, that the participants were from outside Kelantan, then this must be clarified openly so that innocent Kelantanese citizens are not unjustly criticised," he said. Fadzli stressed that any party intending to organise events, especially those that could raise controversy or confusion, must obtain permission from the relevant authorities. "Failure to follow proper guidelines and procedures could lead to unintended consequences and threaten the harmony of the state," he said. He acknowledged receiving multiple inquiries following the police raid, which sparked a public outcry after it was initially described as a "gay sex party". "NGOs, including Suaram, the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), and Amnesty International Malaysia, issued a joint statement denying the allegations. "They insisted that the participants were there to access health information and undergo sexual health screenings, not to engage in illicit activities. "The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) also confirmed that a field engagement session took place on June 17 under the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) model, supported by the Ministry of Health," he added. Fadzli said the state government reaffirms its firm and uncompromising stance against any activity that contradicts Islamic teachings and moral values. "Any attempt to normalise immoral behaviour will not be tolerated in this state," he added. He also expressed appreciation for the swift and firm actions taken by the Kelantan police in line with the principle of amar makruf nahi mungkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil), which remains a core tenet of the state's governance.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
World Allergy Day 2025 – Decoding Anaphylaxis: The dos and don'ts of the life‑threatening allergy
Every year on World Allergy Day, the global health community turns its attention to allergies and their aftereffect. World Allergy Day is celebrated annually on July 8th to raise awareness about allergies and their impact. It's a joint initiative of the World Allergy Organization (WAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The day aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals about allergies, promote understanding of allergic diseases, and advocate for better resources and care for individuals with allergies. In 2025, the spotlight is firmly on anaphylaxis, the most severe kind of allergic reaction. Striking rapidly and affecting multiple body systems, anaphylaxis can escalate from hives to respiratory distress, cardiovascular collapse, or even fatality within minutes. Without rapid treatment, the consequences can be dire. Globally, 0.05–2% of people may experience anaphylaxis during their lifetime, with Emergency Department visits surging across age groups. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) has identified anaphylaxis as a fast-growing public health threat, with up to 5 million cases globally each year, and an estimated 8,000 deaths annually. Alarmingly, only 60% of countries guarantee access to epinephrine auto-injectors – life-saving devices critical in emergencies. Studies reveal that 52–60% of individuals at risk do not carry epinephrine, and in the UK, nearly one-third of children with serious food allergies remain unprescribed the critical EpiPen. On World Allergy Day, let's dive deep into the science of anaphylaxis, the vital dos for survival, the dangerous don'ts, and how to ensure readiness – because early action can make the difference between life and loss. What is Anaphylaxis ? Anaphylaxis is an acute, systemic allergic reaction that unfolds in two phases: an immune-driven release of histamine and mediators, followed by a late-phase inflammatory response that can intensify hours later. It's a swift allergic reaction triggered by allergens like foods (peanuts, shellfish), insect stings, medications, or latex that bind with IgE antibodies, triggering mast cell degranulation. It typically unfolds within minutes to hours. Symptoms encompass: Skin: hives, itching, swelling Respiratory: wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, breathlessness Cardiovascular: drop in blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness GI: nausea, vomiting, cramps Though less than 2% of people face anaphylaxis , hospital visits are steadily rising. Fatal outcomes are rare (< 0.5% in hospital cases), but the risk is high, especially when diagnosis or treatment is delayed. Critically, only epinephrine (adrenaline) halts this process – every second counts. The critical 'Dos' – immediate and effective response Use Epinephrine immediately: Inject intramuscular epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg, up to 0.5 mg adult dose) into the mid-thigh at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Early injection sharply reduces hospital admissions and fatalities. Request prescriptions for two auto-injectors and always carry them. Call emergency services: Use EMS even after epinephrine, as symptoms can recur in 30% of cases (biphasic reactions) within 1–72 hours. Monitoring at a hospital for at least 4–6 hours is standard; in severe cases, observation may extend to 24 hours. Educate your circle: Ensure family, caregivers, educators, and co-workers know how to recognize anaphylaxis and use auto-injectors. Advocacy for first-responder programs in high-risk public venues like schools, malls, and food courts is growing. Specialized follow-up: After an episode, consult an allergist for diagnosis, prevention planning, and consideration of immunotherapies – food or venom desensitization shows 80–98% effectiveness. The golden rule: Do use epinephrine IMMEDIATELY when anaphylaxis is suspected. It reverses airway swelling and increases blood pressure within minutes. The key 'Don'ts' – common and dangerous mistakes Don't wait for escalating symptoms: Delaying epinephrine sharply increases the risk of fatality and hospitalization. If in doubt, inject. Don't substitute with antihistamines alone: Antihistamines or steroids may help minor symptoms, but won't counter airway obstruction or shock – and are not substitutes for epinephrine. Don't assume one dose is enough: Up to 35% of patients need a second dose for symptom control. Don't skip preparations: Expired or absent auto-injectors, lack of an action plan, or ignorance among contacts can turn manageable scenarios deadly. When time is of the essence, avoiding these missteps can be just as important as taking action. Prevention and preparedness – Beyond the emergency hours Effective prevention complements rapid response. Know your triggers: Read labels carefully, inquire about ingredients in food, cosmetics, or industrial products, and avoid hidden allergens like 'natural flavor' or 'spices'. Maintain an action plan: Keep a personalized action plan ready to go. Work with an allergist to create a tailored plan – covering identification, emergency dosing, and follow-up steps. Training and awareness: Advocate for educational programs in schools and workplaces to train staff and implement clear protocols. Psychological readiness: Living with anaphylaxis risk can induce anxiety. Support groups and mental health resources improve resilience. Public policy matters: WAO and GA²LEN emphasize the need for widespread access to auto-injectors in public spaces – schools, dining venues, and transit hubs. Desensitization therapies: Under specialist care, allergy immunotherapy – venom immunotherapy or food desensitization – offers hope to reduce reactivity by 80–90% in select cases. Emerging innovations: The FDA's approval of Neffy, a needle-free epinephrine nasal spray, may help reduce injection hesitancy The final word Living with a risk of anaphylaxis carries a heavy emotional burden – for individuals and caregivers alike. To cope, seek psychological support – counseling, peer groups, or family therapy can help manage the chronic stress. Give community building a thought. Join support organizations like Anaphylaxis UK, and share stories for strength and solidarity. Empowerment through education often restores a sense of control – and that confidence matters when you're the one in crisis.
Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
World Avocado Organisation Launches 2025 Campaign in India!
HT Syndication New Delhi [India], July 7: The World Avocado Organisation (WAO), a non-profit entity representing global avocado producers, exporters, and importers, continues to champion the cause of the world's favourite superfood with the launch of its 2025 campaign in India. Established in 2016, WAO is committed to raising awareness about the health benefits and culinary versatility of avocados. Following the resounding success of its campaign across India in 2023 and 2024, the WAO's 2025 initiative reinforces its ongoing mission to educate Indian consumers and the food industry about the nutritional richness of avocados and their adaptability in Indian cuisine. This year's campaign builds on the growing popularity of avocados across the country, further strengthening their position in modern Indian diets. We're delighted to be back in India for the third consecutive year with the World Avocado Organisation's campaign," said WAO Chairman Zac Bard. "It's encouraging to see growing interest and awareness around avocados, and we look forward to supporting India's journey as an emerging market for this nutritious fruit." "As Indian consumers continue to explore healthier lifestyles, avocados offer a perfect combination of nutrition, taste, and versatility. This year, we are thrilled to bring back renowned Indian chefs and nutritionists who will showcase innovative ways to enjoy avocados, from traditional dishes to contemporary creations. This year we are especially focussing on regional Indian cuisines and how avocados can be an easy, healthy and tasty addition," added Bard. As the WAO enters its third successful year in India, the campaign aims to inspire more consumers and food professionals to embrace this superfruit as an everyday essential across breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. About the World Avocado Organisation The World Avocado Organisation is a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 whose members are avocado growers, exporters and importers from around the world - including the top four grower supplier countries to the EU and UK. The World Avocado Organisation promotes the consumption of avocados based on their nutritional value and recognised health benefits. It also shares information and insights on avocado production, supply chains and sustainability with the public. To learn more about WAO, please visit
