Festivals, infections and more | Health Wrap Ep. 58

On Diwali day, as India celebrates the festival of lights, and firecrackers dazzle and explode, it’s perhaps timely to talk about health concerns related to festivals as well. The issue gains relevance, given that Delhi is already reeling under severe air pollution levels

In the 58th episode of Health Wrap by The Hindu, Ramya Kannan, Health Editor, The Hindu, and Zubeda Hamid, Senior Assistant Editor, The Hindu, discuss the public health concerns surrounding festivals, marking Diwali, including air pollution and AQI. Air pollution is now longer just a respiratory concern - research is increasingly linking it to several other health concerns including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. How to stay safe during both festive seasons, and all year around, are, therefore, important discussions to have.

With Ebola continuing to rage in parts of Africa, and the first death of a child in New York State of measles in 30 years, the issue of controlling the spread of infectious diseases has once again come into focus. Do watch for insights into how a One Health approach, which prioritises human, animal health, is the way forward, along with global cooperation and collaboration to tackling infectious diseases. And let’s not forget that vaccination remains crucial, and vital tool in our armamentarium.

Despite decades of progress, India still hasn’t fully been able to ensure quality maternal and child health care for all. Recent deaths of infants in tribal communities in Attapady, Keralam, have been in the news, calling for a deeper look at just why anaemia and malnutrition persist, and what interventions are needed to help tackle these issues.

The video also features a discussion on new research into Hepatitis B.

Diwali and air pollution, infections, research updates and more | Health Wrap Ep. 58