Health

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that begins in the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing enzymes that help digest food and regulate hormones. Dr. Abhishek Purkayastha, Consultant in Radiation Oncology at TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre, emphasizes the difficulty in detecting pancreatic cancer early due to its lack of clear symptoms, often leading to late-stage diagnoses. Risk factors such as obesity, age, smoking, poor diet, and diabetes increase the likelihood of developing this cancer. Dr. Purkayastha stresses the importance of early detection and regular screenings for individuals at higher risk, highlighting the need for proactive health management to improve outcomes.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched the intensified national ‘100-Day TB Elimination Campaign’ on December 7, 2024, in Haryana. The campaign, aimed at identifying and treating ‘missing TB cases,’ particularly in high-risk groups, is set to run across 347 districts. Nadda highlighted India’s progress, with the TB decline rate doubling from 8.3% in 2015 to 17.7% today, surpassing the global average. The initiative also includes the use of mobile AI-enabled X-ray units and molecular tests to improve diagnostics, especially in remote areas, and emphasizes the mandatory notification of TB cases by private practitioners to enhance follow-up care.

An urgent health warning has been issued as Marburg, Mpox, and Oropouche viruses spread across at least 17 countries. The Marburg virus, also known as the 'Bleeding Eye' virus, has claimed 15 lives in Rwanda, with hundreds more infected. Mpox cases have surged in multiple African nations and the UK, with the disease being highly contagious in household settings. Meanwhile, Oropouche virus, spread by midge bites, has infected over 10,000 people in South America and the Caribbean. Travelers are urged to take precautions, including avoiding contact with sick individuals and practicing good hygiene.

World AIDS Day, observed every year on December 1st, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, remembering those lost to the disease, and offering support to those living with it. This year's theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”, emphasizes the importance of protecting human rights in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. World AIDS Day highlights the ongoing need for education, access to life-saving treatment, and the elimination of stigma, while calling for collective action towards a future with zero new infections and zero discrimination.

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reconsider restrictions on physical classes in Delhi-NCR schools, particularly for classes 10 to 12, due to rising air pollution. The court emphasized that many students are deprived of mid-day meals and lack access to online education. In response, the CAQM announced that educational institutions may now conduct classes in a "hybrid" mode, allowing for both physical and online attendance. Additionally, the court criticized the Delhi Police and authorities for failing to implement air quality measures effectively, ordering action against negligent officials. The case will be revisited on Thursday.