World Population Day 11th July 2013

H.I.V. Tests Urged for 800 Million in India

Despite India’s enormous population, it would be cost-effective to fight its growing AIDS epidemic by testing all 800 million sexually active adults in the country every five years and treating all those infected, a new statistical study has concluded.

The study, published online in May by PLoS One, notes that testing there costs only $3.33, and that first-line antiretroviral therapy is about $100 a year. The World Health Organization measure for a medical intervention’s cost-effectiveness is whether it saves one year of life for less than three times the per capita gross domestic product. In India’s case, that is $3,900 per year-of-life saved.

Negligence (Mangaldai hospital's blood bank in-charge, lab technicians suspended)

GUWAHATI: The blood bank in-charge ofMangaldai Civil Hospital and two lab technicians were suspended on Sunday for their alleged negligence in the collection of HIV+ blood from an infected donor, which was later transfused into at least five recipients in the health hub.

World No Tobacco Day, 31 May 2013

Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship

Every year, on 31 May, WHO and partners everywhere mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2013 is: ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Right to Education (RTE)

The landmark passing of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009 marks a historic moment for the children of India.  For the first time in India’s history, children will be guaranteed their right to quality elementary education by the state with the help of families and communities. 

Sex Education and Children

The beginnings of sexual awareness

"Daddy, why is the sky blue?" "Mummy, where does the sun go at night?" And then suddenly, like a bolt from the blue - "Mummy, where do babies come from?"  This question usually leaves parents squirming with embarrassment and trying to pass the buck to the other parent. Teaching children the facts of life, telling them about the birds and the bees, is something that most parents are not very comfortable with. Actually, this is a very narrow view of sex education.

Sex Education In India

SEX, a word which has a taboo attached to it when it comes to India. Most of us do not talk openly about the “S” word in presence of our adults. But there are certain things that the youth of our country needs to know.