Status of Breastfeeding in India and Odisha

Exclusive breastfeeding from the birth of a child to the next two years is crucial to combat malnutrition. Early initiation of breastfeeding: Prevents 20% of neonatal deaths Provides key nutrients Increases children’s I.Q. Protects from deadly and non-communicable diseases Prevents cancer in mothers Fosters growth and development World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every first week […]

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Hepatitis: The Silent Killer

Hepatitis virus claims around 1.5 million lives across the world every year. An estimated 400 million people around the world live with Hepatitis. Of them, 290 million are unaware of their condition. Detection of Hepatitis at later stages makes recovery difficult leading to loss of life. As per various projections, India has about three to […]

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World Population Day 2020: Unmet Need for Family Planning in Odisha

It took several thousand years for the world’s human population to reach the one-billion mark in 1804. In little over a century the population surpassed two billion. Today, human population is 7.8 billion and counting. We have grown more than four times in less than 100 years. This is what the term ‘population explosion’ alludes to. To […]

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National Doctors’ Day 2020: Our Tribute to All Doctors and Medical Professionals

As we celebrate the recovery of more than 3.47 lakhs COVID-19 patients in India, and over 5000 recoveries in Odisha on this National Doctors’ Day, we thank all our doctors, nurses, and medical professionals. The national recovery rate inches closer to 60%, while the state’s rate is over 70%. In 1991, the Indian Government dedicated […]

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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2020: ‘Better Knowledge for Better Care’

Being a keen, outgoing, and sportive teenager, Tinku (name changed) befriended with everyone in his locality, including some boys older to him. On his 15th birthday, he saw three of them smoking substances in the local club house. Just as he tried to leave, he was called by one of them and greeted with a ‘Happy […]

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International Yoga Day 2020: ‘Yoga from Home, Yoga with Family’

“From Haridwar to Hollywood, people have benefitted from yoga during the COVID-19 pandemic”, said our honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in his monthly radio address ‘Mann ki Baat’ on May 31. The ancient science is good for community, immunity, and unity, he added. As we celebrate the sixth International Yoga Day on June 21, we wake up to […]

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World No Tobacco Day 2020: Tobacco addiction is as bad as COVID-19

Today as the world grapples with COVID-19, smoking is the worst thing one can do to one’s body. It impairs lung function, reduces body’s immunity, and makes it difficult to fight off the virus. On May 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement indicating smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with […]

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Menstrual Hygiene Day 2020: It’s Time for Action

When Deepa (name changed), a 15-year-old girl from Polasara village of Cuttack district, got her first period she was frightened and shocked. She had no idea why she was bleeding and hesitated to disclose that to her mother. But after she eventually did, her mother tore a piece of cloth from her old saree and […]

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World Health Day 2020: Support Nurses and Midwives

On the evening of March 27, Chhaya Jagtap, a nurse at Pune’s Naidu hospital, was both surprised and excited after she received a call and the person on the other side said, “The PM wants to speak with you.” The next moment she heard the powerful voice of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting […]

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Where does Odisha stands in hand hygiene practice?

As the serious global pandemic COVID-19 tightens its grip around the globe, proper hand hygiene is the need of the hour. Hand hygiene, especially washing hands with soap and water, is the most accessible, effective and inexpensive way to eliminate viruses and contaminants from our hands and prevent them from entering our body. It’s the […]

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World TB Day 2020: What is the TB treatment success in Odisha?

Unable to control incessant cough, severe chest pain and profuse night sweating, Duba Sethi, a resident of Charmal village of Sambalpur, went to the local PHC for a check-up. He was diagnosed with infiltrative tuberculosis (TB) in his right lung and was prescribed medicine for 24 weeks. Upon feeling a little better on the third […]

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