Sonu Goel (MD, PhD)’s Post

New Research Unveils Health Crisis Among Odisha's Most Vulnerable Tribes in India A comprehensive study on Odisha's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) reveals a complex health landscape that demands our immediate attention. This research uncovers a paradoxical coexistence of traditional health challenges and modern lifestyle diseases, highlighting the urgent need for tailored interventions. Key findings show alarmingly high rates of malnutrition alongside emerging cases of diabetes and hypertension. The prevalence of infectious diseases remains significant, while genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia pose unique challenges. Perhaps most concerning is the high rate of substance abuse and emerging mental health issues among these communities. This study not only sheds light on the multifaceted health challenges faced by PVTGs but also emphasizes the critical importance of culturally sensitive, holistic healthcare approaches. We must advocate for policies that address both the immediate health needs and the underlying socio-economic factors affecting these vulnerable populations. The question now is: How can we leverage this knowledge to create sustainable, community-driven health solutions that respect traditional practices while embracing modern healthcare advancements? Dive deeper into the research details below 👇 #IndigenousHealth #PublicHealthPolicy #SocialImpact #TribalHealth #PVTGs #IndigenousHealth #PublicHealthResearch #OdishaTribes #HealthDisparities #RuralHealthcare #NutritionChallenges #CommunicableDiseases #NCDs #MentalHealthAwareness #CulturalSensitivity #HealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #GlobalHealth

𝐍𝐂𝐃 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐚, 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐡 (𝐉𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐫, 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚 (𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫, 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚 ) Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health burden in India, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. To address this issue, focuses on NCD Sri Sathya Sai Aarogya Vahini Trust Organized healthcamps in collaboration with Tata Steel Foundation. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙗𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚: To raise awareness about NCDs among the rural population. To provide screening and early detection of common NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. To offer medical consultation and guidance on managing NCDs at free of cost. To distribute necessary medications and provide follow-up care instructions. #srisathyasaiaarogyavahini #csr #ncdawareness #freeofcostmedicine #tatasteelfoundation #loveonwheels #healthcareatremotelocations

India’s penchant for size and scale is evident across various categories. As the most populous country in the world with the 5th largest economy ($3.94 trillion) and the 2nd largest armed forces (5.1 million), India has now added another, albeit concerning, distinction: it has the highest number of undernourished people in the world, with 194.6 million individuals affected. Undernutrition is linked to numerous fatal health outcomes, including vitamin deficiency diseases, growth and developmental issues, increased mortality rates, long-lasting physiological effects, reduced immune function, cognitive impairments, and micronutrient deficiencies. Globally, seven out of the ten leading causes of mortality are related to nutrition. While this statistic encompasses both overnutrition and undernutrition, it underscores the severe impact of undernutrition on the mortality pool. With nearly 200 million undernourished, India's health system faces immense strain. This situation leads to a significant number of individuals lacking access to timely treatment, creating a perpetuating cycle of illness and repeated healthcare needs, further pressuring the country's health infrastructure. Managing India’s vast scale is undeniably challenging. However, it is imperative to strengthen nutritional health policies and effectively implement existing measures to mitigate this growing burden on the Indian health system. https://lnkd.in/g_kfATQ6

⭐️ Program Spotlight: Hypertension/Primary Health Care ⭐️ How we work with partners to empower women to fight #hypertension in India    Did you know that one in five Indian women (aged 15 to 49) suffers from undiagnosed hypertension? This silent killer threatens women's health, pregnancies, and overall well-being with a particular risk of pre-eclampsia. In many cases, symptoms are mistaken for stress or menopausal complications, leading to delayed treatment.    We and our partners, notably AIIMS Jodhpur and Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), are tackling this in two major ways:    1️⃣ Advocacy for Change: We partner with civil society organizations and medical institutions to amplify the voices of women with hypertension. We use their powerful stories to advocate for budget improvements and policy changes that strengthen primary healthcare and expand access to essential medications.    2️⃣ Community Engagement: We advocate for behavior change in communities. For this year’s #WorldHypertensionDay, for example, our partners organized screenings and learning sessions while collecting testimonials from women in villages across Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, which will be used to create impactful advocacy materials and continue to push for real change.    #HypertensionControl #BeatThePressure #CommunityHealth #India #10YearsofImpact 

Kerala's elderly population is increasing every year. The state is already called the 'Grey State of India'. While Kerala has one of the most robust healthcare systems in the country, public health remains a challenge with reports of high morbidity and prevalence of lifestyle diseases. In our latest article at Nayadrishti, which has been co-authored by Anand S Unni & our intern Kajol Zakir, we explore some of the important gaps in elderly care in Kerala. We also suggest some policy strategies that can be adopted to address these gaps. The link to the article on substack has been shared in the comments section. Please share your thoughts on this subject. Sonal Kuruvilla | Abdul Samad P C | Biyas Muhammed | Javed Hussain | Gowthamkumar R G #Nayadrishti #Kerala #ElderlyCare #India #ThinkDoTank #PublicPolicy #PublicHealth #NPoC #Nayaneethi #Substack

Here are the top 10 data points for diabetes in Tamil Nadu: 1. High Prevalence: Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states in India with a high prevalence of diabetes. 2. Number of Diabetics: As of 2023, approximately 10 million people are affected. 3. Urban Concentration: Cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai have the highest concentration of diabetic patients. 4. Medical Expenses: Monthly costs range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000. 5. Early Detection: Over 60% of patients struggle with early detection and management. 6. Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition is a primary cause. 7. Dietary Habits: High carbohydrate and sugar-rich diets contribute significantly. 8. Importance of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyle increases risk. 9. Healthcare Services: The government conducts free medical camps for treatment and counseling. 10. Awareness Initiatives: Various initiatives are undertaken to increase awareness. #Diabetes #TamilNadu #HealthStatistics #PublicHealth #ChronicDiseases #HealthAwareness

Two in three children under the age of five in India were anaemic as of 2021, as well as over half of women aged 15-49 years, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5th round. Not only are India's anaemia numbers high, but NFHS data also suggests that the prevalence of anaemia in India rose between 2015-16 and 2019-21, the two most recent rounds of the survey. The prevalence is not restricted to poor states alone; Gujarat has the highest incidence of anaemia in children, and West Bengal has the highest among women. India's high rates of anaemia are something of a puzzle in global health as during same period indicators like share of children and adults who are stunted, or the share of children and adults who receive adequate nutrition have shown improvement. The answer may partly lie in how India collects data about anaemia. Data on anaemia in India and many developing countries is collected using the capillary method, compared to the more sophisticated venous method. According to one recent systematic review, the capillary method that India uses produces higher and less reliable estimates. The Indian government has already begun experimenting with a new survey using the venous method. Read Rukmini S‘ piece to find out more: https://lnkd.in/gSdagkMb #Children #Anaemia #Health #India #DataForIndia

𝐀𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐮𝐤𝐭𝐢 𝐀𝐛𝐡𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐚𝐧: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 Anemia is more than just a health concern; it’s a barrier to growth, education, and empowerment. With the Anemia Mukti Abhiyaan, the Alkem Foundation is taking bold strides toward an Anemia-Free India by partnering with visionary organizations to create Anemia Mukt Panchayats across six states—Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Our mission isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about changing lives. From improving nutritional health to enabling brighter futures, we’re addressing anemia at the grassroots level.The true essence of this journey lies in the powerful stories of those whose lives have been transformed. Join us as we march towards an Anemia Mukt Bharat—because together, we can make a healthier, stronger tomorrow! #MeriKahaaniMeriZubani Alkem Foundation #AlkemCares #CSRInitiative #AnemiaMuktBharat #BetterTomorrow @NationalHealthMission @RAFFGlobal @SHARP @HandInHand

This is a crucial time to decide whether to strengthen ties with WHO or distance from it. The debate revolves around its role in global health crises, reforms, and accountability. Read the special article in the Patrika Newspaper to explore the perspectives and implications of this important decision. #WHO Rajasthan Patrika Pvt. Ltd. Patrika Foundation Patrika Uttar Pradesh

Rising Diabetes Rates in India: A Growing Concern: India is facing a rising tide of diabetes cases, with serious implications for public health. Here are some alarming statistics that underscore this issue: Prevalence: As of 2021, approximately 74 million people in India were living with diabetes, making it one of the country’s largest health challenges. Year-on-Year Increase: By 2030, the number of diabetics in India is expected to reach around 97 million and rise to 134 million by 2045, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Risk Factors: Contributing factors include urbanization, changing lifestyles, dietary patterns, and a sedentary lifestyle. Rapid economic development often leads to unhealthy eating habits and reduced physical activity. Youth Onset: There’s a concerning trend of increasing cases of Type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents, attributed to rising obesity rates and lifestyle changes. Awareness and Management: Despite these rising numbers, awareness about diabetes and its management remains low in many segments of the population. Education and preventive measures are crucial. #Diabetes #PublicHealth #India #HealthAwareness