Ashwidea’s Post

Last chance to register for our webinar + panel discussion (on June 18th) on Sickle Cell Disease and Tribal Health in India. Learn how government and NGOs are solving for this disease which brings with it a unique set of challenges: genetic disease + stigma + low income populations + adherence lifelong medication #publichealth #SickleCellDay2024 #sicklecellanemia #globalhealth

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition where blood clots form in the veins, often in the legs, and can travel to the lungs, causing serious health issues. In India, VTE is becoming more common due to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, increasing rates of obesity, and an ageing population. It includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where clots form in deep veins of the body, and pulmonary embolism (PE), where these clots travel to the lungs. Symptoms can range from leg pain and swelling to sudden shortness of breath. Awareness and early detection are crucial, as untreated VTE can lead to severe complications or even be fatal. It was a privilege to have been invited by an eminent Haematologist, Lt Gen (Dr) Velu Nair PVSM, AVSM, VSM and Bar (Retd), the Chairman of a Task Force on Venous Thrombo Embolism constituted by the Indian National Academy of Medical Sciences, to participate in the proceedings of the Task Force as its Secretary. With my Public Health background, working with eminent experts in the field of Clinical Haematology (Dr Soniya Nityanand, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, Prof Pankaj Malhotra, Prof Mohammed Zahid Ashraf, Dr Bipin Kulkarni) to put together this report was an experience by itself. In the report of the Task Force, published in the March 2024 issue of the Annals of the NAMS (https://nams-annals.in), apart from clinical guidelines , and appropriate incorporation of relevant actions at various levels of the healthcare system including at the peripheral most village, (i.e apart from the tertiary hospital level where Clinical Haematologists are usually to be found) suggestions have also been made to create awareness among general public, NGOs, and community stakeholders. A community-based strategy is recommended to create awareness periodically [Annexure 6 of the Report]. This has been recommended to be steered by a special committee that may be established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with the participation of the Indian Society of Hematology in coordination with the Indian Public Health Association and Indian Association for Preventive and Social Medicine. Philanthropic agencies can consider this as an area of social investment in health. If you are a decision maker allocating CSR or philanthropic funds, please do consider supporting the national vision recommended by the Task Force "a venous thromboembolism free healthcare system and eventually a VTE-free population". Everyone can make a difference, participate, contribute, act. If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to ask ! National Health Systems Resource Centre Tata Trusts CSRBOX CInI - Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives, Tata Trusts Vijayavahini Charitable Foundation #VenousThromboembolism #VTEAwareness #PreventVTE #HealthyLiving #StayActive #HeartHealth #PublicHealth #MedicalAwareness #FightVTE

As we strive to make the world a healthier place for all people living with hepatitis, the ALL4LIVER Grant globally enables us to support more than 70 community-led initiatives across 33 geographies, demonstrating our commitment to work with community partners in accelerating the global effort to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.    At Gilead Sciences, we are deeply committed to patient-centric care on a global scale. Through initiatives like the ALL4LIVER Grant, we are making significant strides in expanding access and addressing societal barriers to care. Out of 70 organizations who were awarded the grant, two non-profit organizations based in India have been honored: Chennai Liver Foundation and FIND.  Join us in our mission to prioritize liver health and create a world free from the burden of viral hepatitis. #ALL4LIVER #LiverHealth #A4L #GileadForTheEliminationOfViralHepatitis #CreatingAHealthierWorld #access #healthequity Chennai Liver Foundation FIND Oommen C. Kurian Sanjay Sarin Caroline Almeida Venus Tsang Sanchit Nanda Poulami Sen Vaibhavi Choksi Boon-Leong Neo, M.D. Dennis Israelski Michel Joly

#ChampionSpotlight: Blood Warriors   Since its establishment in April 2020, Blood Warriors has been dedicated to empowering the community to break stigmas and support Thalassemia patients by building an ecosystem and raising awareness. Their vision is clear: a country where all Thalassemia patients have access to medical support and live healthy lives, with zero new cases by 2035.   Blood Warriors is revolutionising the fight against Thalassemia with impactful programs such as HPLC testing for early detection of Thalassemia carrier and the Blood Bridge Chatbot, India’s first AI-based Thalassemia chatbot offering instant access to reliable information, personalised support, and emotional assistance for Thalassemia patients and caregivers. They also conduct comprehensive digital and on-ground campaigns include Thalassemia awareness sessions, blood donation drives and more.   SVP's Lead Partners have been instrumental in scaling Blood Warriors' impact, enabling systemic and sustainable progress. Their support has strengthened the Blood Bridge initiative by leveraging technology and human resources, nearly tripling its reach since the partnership began. Their strategic guidance and engaged philanthropy model have further catalysed efforts in awareness and preventive testing, mobilising communities to understand the problem early and prevent future cases.   To learn more about our work with impactful NGOs like Blood Warriors, visit www.svpindia.org.   #SVPIndia #EngagedPhilanthropy #Thalassemia Sunita Reddy Cheruku Deepika Reddy Deepika Chaudhary Krishna Vamshi R. Sandeep Kavety Prachi Mishra Aamrapali Sharma

Please join the Run for SMA and register at below link                                                           https://lnkd.in/gmPgYhhX In observance of SMA Awareness Month, Cure SMA Foundation of India is organizing the second edition of Run/Ride for SMA in Hyderabad. The event aims to raise awareness about the severe genetic disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) among all segments of society. Scheduled for Sunday, August 4th, at 6 AM, at Gachibowli Stadium, we invite everyone to join hands in making this event a success. SMA is a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and wasting, confining the patients to wheelchairs. Cure SMA India, a parent-led PAN India registered Non-Profit Organization, is deeply committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure affordable and accessible treatment for all patients. With an SMA carrier frequency of 1 in 35 people in our society, the likelihood of more SMA-affected children being born is significant. Urgent awareness efforts are crucial to prevent further instances of SMA among newborns. As we prepare for the second edition of Run/Ride for SMA, we invite you all to join us in supporting our noble cause. Each step taken during the run brings us closer to a future where SMA is better understood, treated, cured and prevented. Join us in this impactful journey towards creating an SMA-free world and ensuring barrier-free healthcare for all.

Title: Addressing the Rise of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India: Bridging the Gap in Kidney DonationDescription: The prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is on the rise in India, posing a significant healthcare challenge. Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend, with millions of individuals affected by CKD nationwide. However, amidst this growing burden, there exists a glaring deficit in kidney donors or availability, exacerbating the challenges faced by CKD patients.The shortage of kidney donors in India highlights the urgent need for measures to bridge this gap and ensure timely access to life-saving transplants. To mitigate this deficit, concerted efforts are required at multiple levels. Increasing public awareness about the importance of organ donation and dispelling myths surrounding it is crucial. Education campaigns can help foster a culture of organ donation and encourage individuals to register as donors.Furthermore, streamlining the organ donation process, enhancing infrastructure for organ retrieval and transplantation, and strengthening regulatory frameworks can facilitate the efficient utilization of available organs. Collaboration between government bodies, healthcare institutions, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders is essential to create a supportive ecosystem for organ donation and transplantation.By addressing the shortage of kidney donors through education, infrastructure development, and collaborative efforts, we can make significant strides in improving outcomes for CKD patients in India. Together, let's work towards ensuring equitable access to life-saving kidney transplants and promoting a healthier future for all. #CKD #OrganDonation #HealthcareAccess

#India, which has the highest burden of #tuberculosis (TB) in the world, has set a target of ending this scourge by 2025. Penetration of #diagnosticservices to the #primaryhealthcare level and optimum utilisation of resources hold the key to this. Sanjay Sarin, head of country operations for India at global health non-profit FIND, explains how technology is changing #TBdiagnosis in India.

𝗕𝗲 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼: 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 💉🩸 Blood donation offers several health benefits for donors, both physically and psychologically. Here are some key benefits: 1. 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲: Regular blood donation can help lower iron levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease. Excessive iron in the blood can cause oxidative damage, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. 2. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄: Donating blood regularly can help reduce blood viscosity, making it flow more easily through blood vessels. This can decrease the likelihood of blockages and clots, contributing to better cardiovascular health. 3. 𝗟𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸: Some studies suggest that regular blood donation may reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly those related to high iron levels, such as liver, lung, colon, and esophageal cancer. Lowering iron levels in the body through blood donation can reduce oxidative stress, which may decrease cancer risk. 4. 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀: After donating blood, the body works to replenish the lost blood, stimulating the production of new red blood cells. This process can help maintain healthy blood cell levels and improve overall blood health. 5. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻: Donating blood can burn a few hundred calories, which may contribute to weight management. While it's not a substitute for regular exercise and a healthy diet, it can be a small added benefit. 6. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸-𝗨𝗽: Before donating blood, donors undergo a brief medical examination, including checking blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin levels. This can help identify potential health issues that the donor may not be aware of, allowing them to seek medical advice and treatment if necessary. 7. 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: The act of donating blood can provide a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing that you are helping save lives. This altruistic act can enhance emotional well-being and reduce stress. 8. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Blood donation events can be social occasions where donors meet and interact with others in their community. This social engagement can be beneficial for mental health and create a sense of belonging. Overall, while the primary motivation for blood donation should be the desire to help others, donors can also experience several personal health benefits, making it a rewarding and mutually beneficial practice. #muthushospital #coimbatore #blooddonation #benefits

#Helppost 💔 A Father’s Plea to Save His Daughter, Dr. Shankhamala Ghosh I’m sharing this with a heavy heart. Dr. Shankhamala Ghosh, a brilliant scientist and a close friend of my brother during their academic years, is in a critical battle for her life.  A PhD graduate in Chemistry from IIT Dhanbad and currently working at Behr in Pune, Shankhamala has always been a beacon of determination, intelligence, and compassion. Tragically, she has been diagnosed with meningoencephalitis, a life-threatening brain infection, and has been unconscious and on ventilation since October 20th.  Her father, Mr. Abhijit Ghosh, has shared these heartfelt words:  "My daughter, Shankhamala, is not just my daughter—she is a passionate scientist whose work has the potential to change lives. She is a loving person, full of dreams and determination, who has always worked hard to make a difference. After losing my wife three and a half years ago, Shankhamala has been my source of strength, joy, and purpose. Today, she is in a fight for her life." The family has already spent ₹30 lakhs, exhausting all their savings, but the ongoing treatment will cost an additional ₹1.09 crores. This amount is far beyond what they can afford, and her father has reached out with a heartfelt plea for support.  Every contribution, no matter how small, can bring them closer to affording the care she urgently needs. If you cannot donate, even sharing this message can amplify the reach and help save a life.  Let’s come together and support Shankhamala in her fight for survival. 🔗 Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gbJruYtz 💳 Donate via UPI: supportshankhama@yesbankltd I urge you to kindly keep in touch with the panel of Doctors who are treating her for any information, clarification, verification and authentication if needed. They are as follows: 1. Dr. Vikaram Aglave (Her Neurologist) 2. Dr. Shridhar Deshmukh (Under whom she had admitted) 3. Dr. Sudha Desai (In-charge ICU) 4. Dr. Debasish Desai (Her Virologist) 5. Management of Ruby Hall Clinic Hinjewadi Phase-1 Pune Maharashtra -411057 Please support them regarding this matter and kindly donate whatever the amount you feel like to get Dr. Shankhamala Ghosh back in life. Patient Registration No: H2403024 Patient Location: ICU-2 Contact Persons : 1. Mr. Abhijit Ghosh (Father) Ex-Principal Garalbari High School Garalbari, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal 735132 Mob: +91-9733322270, +91-9434018942 2. Dr. Soubir Das (Husband) Assistant Professor Petroleum Engineering Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT-WPU, Pune, Maharashtra 411038 Mob: +91-8670936893 #SupportShankhamala #HelpShankhamala #DonateForShankhamala #ShankhamalaFundraiser #TogetherForShankhamala #ShankhamalaNeedsYou #MakeADifference #HopeForShankhamala #UrgentAppeal #SaveALife #SupportScience #MedicalEmergency #Fundraiser #Crowdfunding #LifeSavingCare #ScientistInNeed #Meningoencephalitis #HealthcareSupport #CommunityHelp #TogetherWeCan

On #WorldOrganDonationDay, let's shed light on the pressing need for organ donation in India. With over 3 lakh patients waiting and 20 lives lost daily, the urgency is undeniable. Despite challenges like lack of awareness, poor infrastructure, and superstitions, there’s hope through organ donor intervention research and clinical trials. "𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑒𝑛ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑐𝑦." Together, we can enhance transplant success and create a lasting legacy. #SaveLives #clinicaltrial