The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the National School Health Screening Guideline, a groundbreaking initiative developed in collaboration with health, education, and social authorities. This guideline aims to identify health and developmental conditions among students from kindergarten to grade 12, facilitating early intervention and tailored support.

Designed to unify healthcare efforts across schools, the guideline establishes a standardized approach to school health examinations, fostering a reliable national database of screening results. This effort reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing community health and improving the quality of life for future generations.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand attended the launch event in Dubai as, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, alongside officials from MoHAP and representatives from various health, education, and social organizations.

The National School Health Screening Guideline is a structured framework for uniformly delivering preventive healthcare services. It outlines the steps for early detection of health issues, including annual health examinations, updates on medical history, and assessments of growth indicators such as height, weight, and body mass index. The guideline also includes vision screening, vaccination status reviews in line with the national immunization program, and specialized evaluations such as scoliosis detection, hearing tests, dental health checks, psychological assessments, and smoking habit monitoring for students over ten.

Dr. Al Rand highlighted the initiative’s alignment with international best practices, such as those of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF. "The guideline establishes a robust national database for public and private school health screening results, contributing to sustainable development goals and the UAE Centennial Plan 2071," he said. "This reflects our commitment to ensuring future generations' optimal health and readiness while building a sustainable future."

Dr. Suad Al Awar, Head of the Family Health Department at MoHAP, emphasized the importance of collaboration among health, education, and social authorities to prioritize school students’ health. She also noted the significant role of national programs like the National Programme to Combat Obesity and the National Immunisation Programme in supporting the well-being of students.

With this initiative, MoHAP reaffirms its dedication to developing innovative strategies and partnerships to ensure comprehensive and preventive healthcare for students, recognizing their critical role in shaping the nation’s future.

Kigali: Rwanda has officially declared the end of its Marburg virus outbreak, marking 42 days since the last patient tested negative and recovered. The announcement was made by Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana during a press conference on Friday.

The East African nation reported its first cases of the deadly viral hemorrhagic fever, which can cause severe illness and death, in mid-September. Throughout the outbreak, Rwanda recorded 66 confirmed cases, including 15 fatalities and 51 recoveries, according to the Ministry of Health.

"It has been a long journey, but today we announce the end of the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda," said Minister Nsanzimana. "Following World Health Organization guidelines, 42 days have passed since the last patient recovered, and as of midnight last night, we officially declare Rwanda Marburg-free."

The successful containment of the outbreak underscores the effectiveness of Rwanda’s health response system and its commitment to protecting public health. The Ministry of Health expressed gratitude to healthcare workers, international partners, and the community for their efforts in combating the virus.

London: Novo Nordisk announced on Friday that its experimental next-generation obesity drug, CagriSema, achieved a 22.7% weight loss in overweight patients during a late-stage trial, falling short of the anticipated 25% target. The announcement led to a sharp 19.5% drop in Novo's share price, hitting its lowest level since August 2023.

The disappointing results are a setback for the Danish pharmaceutical giant, which had positioned CagriSema as a promising successor to its blockbuster drug, Wegovy, and a potential competitor to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. Analysts and investors were closely watching the trial data to gauge Novo’s ability to maintain its leadership in the fiercely competitive anti-obesity drug market.

The Phase III trial, which included approximately 3,400 participants, focused on individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Over 68 weeks, patients receiving the drug demonstrated weight loss comparable to Eli Lilly's Zepbound, which showed nearly 23% weight reduction in clinical trials.

CagriSema is a weekly injectable therapy that combines two key components: semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, which mimics the GLP-1 gut hormone, and cagrilintide, which mimics the pancreatic hormone amylin. Together, these hormones suppress hunger and regulate blood glucose levels. However, like its predecessors, the drug comes with side effects. Prescribing information for Wegovy notes that 44% of patients experienced nausea, 30% reported vomiting during trials, and CagriSema demonstrated similar side effects.

Despite being the most advanced amylin-based drug candidate in development, the results have raised concerns about Novo's competitive position. Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro have gained traction in the market, suggesting Novo may be losing its first-mover advantage in the obesity drug race.

Novo Nordisk remains optimistic about its pipeline but will likely face intensified scrutiny as it seeks to sustain its market leadership against formidable competition from Eli Lilly and other emerging players.

London: GSK announced on Friday that its cancer drug Jemperli, when combined with standard chemotherapy and Zejula as maintenance therapy, successfully delayed disease progression in patients with advanced ovarian cancer in a late-stage trial, achieving its primary endpoint.

Despite this milestone, the trial fell short of meeting statistical significance for overall survival improvement, a critical secondary endpoint. This tempered the optimism surrounding the combination therapy's potential.

“As part of our focus on gynecological cancers, we continue to evaluate the potential of this combination,” said Hesham Abdullah, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Oncology R&D at GSK, in a statement.

The British pharmaceutical giant has intensified its focus on cancer treatments as it faces challenges in its vaccine business. GSK is also preparing for five major drug launches in 2025, including the experimental cancer drug Blenrep.

However, analysts remain cautious about the company’s immediate prospects. “GSK remains trading at valuation lows, but with not too many catalysts on the near-term horizon, we find it hard to see what could drive a narrative shift,” Barclays analysts noted in a fourth-quarter preview.

GSK's continued efforts in oncology underscore its commitment to diversifying its portfolio, but the mixed results in this trial highlight the challenges of delivering breakthrough outcomes in the competitive cancer treatment landscape.

Amidst an acute shortage of doctors in the country, the Supreme Court emphasized on Friday that precious medical seats must not remain unfilled. The court directed authorities to hold a special counseling session to fill vacant seats, ensuring the admission process is completed by December 30, 2024.

A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan remarked, “Considering the peculiar facts and circumstances, and given that the country is facing a severe shortage of doctors, we are inclined to extend the timeline as a last opportunity.”

The order came while the court was hearing pleas urging the admission authorities to conduct a special counseling round for unfilled medical seats after five rounds of counseling.

The National Medical Council, represented by its counsel, acknowledged the need for intervention and suggested the court extend the timeline as a one-time measure, explicitly stating it should not set a precedent.

The bench instructed admission authorities to organize a fresh round of stray or special counseling for the vacant seats and finalize the process by the stipulated deadline. It further clarified that no college would be allowed to admit students directly, and all admissions must occur through state admission authorities.

Additionally, the court specified that the new admission process must not disrupt seats that have already been allocated, and the waitlisted candidates would be prioritized. With these directions, the court disposed of the petitions.

A new study has sent shockwaves through the medical community, revealing that weight gain after the age of 35 significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. The research, conducted by Seoul National University College of Medicine, analyzed the weight trajectories of over 73,000 Korean women and uncovered alarming trends that could reshape cancer prevention strategies worldwide.

According to the study,

· women who gained more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) after the age of 35 had a 41% higher risk of developing breast cancer.

· Premenopausal women faced even greater risks: those who gained between 5 and 9.9 kilograms saw an 89% increase,

·  while gains of 10 kilograms or more were associated with a staggering 2.23-fold higher risk.

Furthermore, the study indicated that there was a V-shaped relationship between the rate of weight gain and the risk of breast cancer, with the highest risk found in women who are gaining weight at a rate of 0.25-0.49 kg per year.

Why Weight Gain Matters?

According to lead researcher Dr. Daehee Kang, "Our study suggests the post-age-35 period may be a vulnerable window to target weight loss interventions aimed at preventing breast cancer." He also added "By preventing mid-adult weight gain, we might significantly decrease breast cancer risk and fundamentally change our approach to prevention strategies for breast cancer among women.".

The findings of this study draw attention to the hormonal and metabolic changes experienced during midlife, particularly in the context of menopause. Weight gain at this point in life may exacerbate these changes to create a propitious environment for cancer.

Consequences to Public Health:

This study emphasizes the need for weight management in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

"Identifying post-35 weight gain as a key risk factor may open new avenues for implementing focussed public health initiatives,"Dr.Kang said. "These may even run along the lines of better dietary advice, increased or strengthened physical activity, and awareness creating publicity."

Healthcare providers are encouraged to make weight management discussions a priority for patients, especially women in their late 30s and 40s. Policymakers are also encouraged to incorporate these findings into national cancer prevention strategies.

A Call to Action:

The implications stretch way beyond Korea. Since breast cancer still stands as one of the main cancer-causing deaths among women around the globe, this study outlines very clearly how to prevent the incidence. Maintaining a healthy weight, coupled with proactive lifestyle changes, greatly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.

Key Takeaways:

• Gaining more than 10 kg over age 35 increases breast cancer risk by 41%.

•Even modest weight gains pose even greater risks for premenopausal women.

• The Public Health Interventions in weight loss are likely to reduce this rate.

• A global response is needed to promote the inclusion of weight management in preventing the spread of cancer.

This study, published in Cancer Biology & Medicine (DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0172), marks a turning point in the understanding of weight and breast cancer. It is a wake-up call for women and healthcare professionals to take seriously preventive measures.

References:

• Seoul National University College of Medicine Study. Cancer Biology & Medicine. DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0172

• World Health Organization Breast Cancer Fact Sheet

• National Cancer Institute: Breast Cancer Risk Factors

In a shocking incident at Rajgarh district hospital in Madhya Pradesh, thieves stole a 10 to 15-foot-long copper oxygen pipe from the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), disrupting the oxygen supply to 12 newborns who were struggling to breathe. The theft occurred late Tuesday night, causing panic among medical staff and families of the newborns.

Oxygen Supply Disruption Leads to Panic:

As the NICU's alarm system went off, alerting the hospital staff, chaos ensued as 12 newborns, who were dependent on oxygen support, began showing signs of distress.

The theft left medical staff scrambling to restore the supply. Dr. RS Mathur, a pediatrician, rushed to the hospital in response to the emergency, ensuring that a backup jumbo oxygen cylinder was quickly connected to the system.

Swift Action Prevents Potential Disaster:

The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Rajgarh, Dr. Kiran Wadia, confirmed that the situation was swiftly handled, preventing what could have been a life-threatening crisis.

“Thanks to the prompt actions of our medical staff and the availability of backup systems, the oxygen supply was restored within minutes,” Dr. Wadia said.

At the time of the theft, 20 newborns were undergoing treatment in the NICU, 12 of whom required continuous oxygen support. The rapid response averted a potential disaster, ensuring all newborns received the life-saving oxygen they needed.

Thieves Strike at Critical Health Facility:

This incident has raised concerns over the security of critical medical infrastructure, especially in public hospitals. The stolen copper pipe, essential for the smooth functioning of the oxygen supply system, is believed to have been taken deliberately to sell for scrap.

Authorities are now taking measures to enhance security at the hospital to prevent such thefts in the future. Dr. Wadia confirmed that additional safeguards, including CCTV surveillance and stricter monitoring of hospital equipment, are being put in place.

The timely intervention of hospital staff, aided by a backup system, ensured that the crisis did not turn into a tragedy.

However, this incident underscores the need for better security measures to protect essential medical supplies and facilities, particularly in public healthcare institutions.

In a major breakthrough for cardiac care, the Cardiology Department of the Advanced Cardiac Institute (ACI) at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, attached to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur, has achieved the distinction of initiating “Coronary Orbital Atherectomy”. This modern technique represents a significant milestone in the treatment of severely calcified occlusions of heart arteries, providing an opportunity of hope to the patients, who had a very bleak outlook earlier.

What is Coronary Orbital Atherectomy?
Coronary Orbital Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to clear the coronary arteries, which are among the primary causes of blockage in the heart. It utilizes a specialized 1.25 mm diamond-coated drill device. This drill works in a circular motion to break up the calcium into tiny particles as small as two microns. In this way, the calcium is crushed and the blood can easily pass through.

This is essentially the procedure that removes calcified plaques by grinding the walls of an artery, allowing for easier and smoother blood flow. The treatment is best for patients with heavy coronary artery calcification because their condition can be complicated by conventional angioplasty and stenting, making the procedure either risky or difficult to do.

Coronary Orbital Atherectomy at ACI: A New Hope for Patients

At ACI Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, this advanced treatment was successfully used on two heart patients, marking a landmark achievement for the hospital and the region. According to Dr. Smit Srivastava, a leading cardiologist, this new technique is a game-changer in the management of complex coronary blockages.

Case 1: 77-Year-Old Patient with Co-Morbid Conditions
In the first case, a 77-year-old patient from Raipur, with high blood pressure and diabetes, had severely diminished heart-pumping capacity due to heavily calcified blockages. Angiography showed that there was significant calcium deposition in the left main artery and three other critical arteries.

Dr. Smit Srivastava said there was no scope for common angioplasty because there was a significant amount of calcification.

However, with Coronary Orbital Atherectomy, the calcification process was effectively removed, thereby making the angioplasty successful with a better improvement in the patient condition and restoring better blood supply with reduced chances of later heart attacks.

Case 2: 68-Year-Old Patient with Severe Calcium Deposits
In the second case, a 68-year-old patient from Bhilai was treated in ACI as he was advised to have bypass surgery in another hospital due to heavy calcium deposits in the left main artery. After doing a Coronary Orbital Atherectomy, calcium was removed, and the angioplasty was done successfully. To the surprise of everyone, the patient recovered very fast and was discharged within a day.

Effect of Coronary Orbital Atherectomy
Dr. Kunal Ostwal, Assistant Professor of Cardiology at ACI, said that this technique is very important.

"Orbital Atherectomy enables us to address heavily calcified coronary arteries that were previously challenging or even impossible to treat with conventional methods. This breakthrough ensures smoother angioplasty procedures, reduces complications, and improves long-term outcomes for patients," he said.

Advantages of Coronary Orbital Atherectomy

1. For Severely Calcified Arteries: Unlike traditional procedures, angioplasty rarely can provide a solution where the lumen of such arteries heavily calcified to be narrowed. Orbital Atherectomy grinds away all these deposits. Thus it makes the arterial walls possible to be managed.

2. Less Chance for Complication: This technique helps smooth the artery wall, reducing the chances of blockages returning and the need for repeat procedures.

3. Less Invasive Procedure: This procedure is less invasive compared to open-heart surgeries, so the hospital stay, for the patients is shorter, and recovery is faster.

The introduction of Coronary Orbital Atherectomy at ACI Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital is a landmark event in cardiac care, especially for those with heavily calcified coronary blockages. With two successful cases under its belt, the hospital now brings new hope to heart patients who had limited treatment options.

The innovative procedure not only benefits patient outcomes but also marks the commitment of the hospital to adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve cardiac care in the region.

References

1. Smit Srivastava, Dr., et al. "Coronary Orbital Atherectomy: A Game-Changer for Complex Coronary Blockages," Journal of Cardiology Research, 2024.

2. Kunal Ostwal, Dr., et al. "The Role of Coronary Orbital Atherectomy in Complex Coronary Artery Disease," The Lancet, 2024.

3. World Health Organization (WHO). "Cardiovascular Diseases: Burden and Management," 2024.

4. The Journal of Clinical Cardiology, 2024. "Advances in Cardiac Interventions: Coronary Orbital Atherectomy and Its Clinical Benefits."

Rising Cases Across Thiruvananthapuram and Mallapuram:

Kerala’s capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, is witnessing an alarming rise in mumps cases, with over 50 new infections reported daily. The outbreak has primarily affected school-going children, leading to widespread concern. Several schools have been temporarily closed, with health teams dispatched to monitor affected areas.

Further reports indicate that Mallapuram, another district, has also experienced a surge in cases, with over 13,643 mumps cases recorded in 2024 alone. The rapid increase in infections has overwhelmed the district health infrastructure, forcing local authorities to take stricter measures to control the outbreak.

Impact on Healthcare Workers:

Two doctors at Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital contracted the mumps virus while treating infected patients. The healthcare workers are now on a 10-day recovery leave, highlighting the heightened risk posed by the outbreak to medical professionals. These incidents have led to concerns about the potential spread within healthcare facilities.

Symptoms of Mumps and How It Spreads:

Mumps is a viral infection that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also spreads through direct contact with infected saliva, such as through sharing utensils or close contact with someone who has the disease.

The primary symptoms include:

1. Fever

2. Swelling of the salivary glands near the ears

3. Sore throat

4. Headache

5. Loss of appetite

6. Fatigue

    

These symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after exposure and can lead to complications such as orchitis (swelling of the testicles in males), meningitis, or hearing loss if not treated promptly.

Speculation of a New Variant:

There is increasing speculation that a new variant of the mumps virus may be driving this surge. Health experts believe that climate change could be a contributing factor, altering patterns of disease transmission and potentially leading to more severe strains that affect both children and adults. Unlike traditional mumps outbreaks that mostly affect children under 10, this new variant seems to be impacting older populations as well.

Dr. R. Renuka, the District Medical Officer, stated, "We suspect that a new strain might be contributing to the spike in cases. Adults, who are usually less susceptible, are also falling ill, signaling a potential shift in the virus."

Health Authorities Increasing Vigilance:

In response to the rising numbers, district health authorities have ramped up surveillance efforts. Awareness campaigns have been launched, urging people to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

Local schools have been instructed to monitor students for symptoms, and temporary closures have been implemented in areas with the highest concentration of cases.

Authorities have also deployed mobile health teams to conduct fever clinics and check-ups, especially targeting vulnerable populations such as schoolchildren and healthcare workers.

Vaccination and Prevention:

One of the key measures emphasized by health officials is the mumps vaccination. The vaccine has proven to be highly effective in preventing severe cases of mumps. However, some individuals who have received only one dose may not be fully protected, prompting health officials to recommend a second booster dose to strengthen immunity.

Dr. Thomas Joseph, a public health expert, stated, "The key to controlling this outbreak lies in boosting vaccine coverage. A second dose of the mumps vaccine could significantly reduce the risk of infection."

Ongoing Monitoring and Next Steps:

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Kerala’s Health Department are working closely to monitor the outbreak, conducting lab tests to identify the strain responsible for this sudden rise in cases. Although no confirmed new variant has been identified yet, the situation remains fluid, with health officials on high alert.

Public health experts are urging everyone, especially those in affected areas, to stay vigilant, seek medical care promptly if symptoms appear, and ensure they are up-to-date on mumps vaccinations.

As the outbreak continues to unfold, Kerala’s health authorities remain committed to controlling the spread of the virus and minimizing its impact on public health.

A strange and mysterious illness called "Dinga Dinga" has emerged and is sweeping across Uganda at an alarming rate, sending the country into a state of panic over a possible public health disaster. So far, more than 300 cases have been reported, mostly among women and girls in the Bundibugyo district.

According to health officials, it is a mysterious virus that causes uncontrollable body shaking-making walking, even basic movement, nearly impossible for those afflicted.

What is Dinga Dinga?

The disease, locals term it "Dinga Dinga," is the uncontrollable shakings the victims experience. Apparently, this is somewhat reminiscent of spasmodic, dancing-like movements. It has left many in a tizzy of alarm as, as of now, its cause or cure is still unknown.

Health authorities are still trying to pinpoint the origin of the virus, but early reports suggest that it is a viral infection, though the exact pathogen is unknown. Community health teams are using antibiotics, but no official cure has been established. Patients recover within a week, but the absence of fatalities offers some relief amid the rising concerns.

Key Symptoms of Dinga Dinga:

• Body is trembling like it is dancing

• Severe exhaustion and weariness, even after performing minor physical activity.

• Cannot walk because of uncontrollable shakes

• Fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

• Dizziness and fainting fits

How is it Transmitted?

The mode of transmission remains unknown, but health officials believe it is spread through close contact. The virus is already spreading to neighboring towns and urban centers, so the fear of a wider outbreak looms large. The situation recalls earlier unexplained illnesses that have historically triggered panic.

Examples include the dancing plague of 1518 in France, where people were struck with involuntary dancing fits leading to exhaustion and sometimes death.

Another country in the region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is reporting a similar outbreak that has affected around 400 people, thereby complicating the regional health landscape.

Symptoms reported include fever, headache, cough, and body aches, and health officials are investigating possible links to respiratory pathogens like influenza, malaria, and measles.

What are Health Authorities Saying:

According to local officials, district health officer Dr. Kiyita Christopher appeals to locals to report themselves immediately to a health center when experiencing the symptoms. He discourages using herbs without proven and established cures. "We haven't seen an outbreak like this for many years, Dr Kiyita said.

Laboratory Testing and Global Response:

Samples of patients taken were forwarded to the Uganda Health Ministry for more tests and analysis. In the meantime, with no identified cause, however, the World Health Organization has been alerted and urged to act with restraint as they also call for cooperation.

Public Health Implications and Historical Parallels:

This Dinga Dinga outbreak appears to be almost identical to other mysterious outbreaks like the famous dancing plague of 1518 in France and even mysterious cases of illnesses recently reported to affect health experts. These outbursts are often reported to cause mass panic with subsequent misinformation and create upheavals in local society.

According to health experts, this new virus will spread far into the region and even across countries unless identified and controlled rapidly.

Health public systems are already on edge in Uganda because the nation has witnessed an increase in the number of Mpox cases recently.

Therefore, a new twist to the long-struggling health issue in the nation presents itself.

Call for Global Awareness:

There is no known treatment and an ever-increasing number of cases. The Dinga Dinga outbreak requires immediate scientific collaboration and international attention. Health authorities are asking people to be vigilant and asking the public to be informed about the situation in progress.