Tag: Public Health

EduConnect

World Breastfeeding Week 2025: CBC Goa Promotes Sustainable Support for Mothers and Infants at Dhempe College

Tanisha Cardozo

Miramar, Goa – August 6, 2025: As part of the global observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2025, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Goa, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, organized an impactful awareness program at Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar.

The event was held in collaboration with the Nutrition Society of India – Goa Chapter, the Goa College of Home Science, and the Health Centre at Dhempe College, aiming to reinforce the message of maternal and child health and highlight the societal role in supporting breastfeeding mothers.

The theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week — “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” — was brought to life through a series of informative and engaging segments.

The session opened with a warm welcome by Riyas Babu, Publicity Officer, CBC Goa, followed by an address by Dr. P. S. Ramu Murthy, Principal of Dhempe College, who stressed the value of inter-institutional collaboration in driving positive public health outcomes.

The highlight of the event was a detailed PowerPoint presentation delivered by Varsha Naik, Assistant Professor at Goa College of Home Science and Convener of the Nutrition Society of India – Goa Chapter. She explored key components necessary to support breastfeeding — including healthcare infrastructure, community involvement, and policy measures.

More than 70 girl students attended the event and actively participated in a Q&A session, engaging in conversations around infant care, maternal nutrition, and the long-term benefits of breastfeeding.

To honour her contribution to the cause, the CBC presented a memento to Varsha Naik, acknowledging her consistent efforts in education and advocacy for maternal health.

This initiative stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a healthier future by empowering women and nurturing the next generation through informed and sustained breastfeeding practices.

Social

Dr. Shekhar Salkar Leads Enlightening Session on Tobacco and Substance Abuse at Dilasa

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Goa | July 2025 — In a continued commitment to community health education, renowned oncologist and public health advocate Dr. Shekhar Salkar conducted a compelling awareness session at the Dyanada Swatantraysenani Laxmidas Borkar Memorial Auditorium, attended by over 125 participants including students and educators.

The lecture focused on the alarming rise in tobacco and substance abuse among adolescents, especially among young females. Dr. Salkar highlighted the increasing use of both smoking and smokeless tobacco forms, influenced by family habits, peer pressure, and media glamorization.

One of the most poignant messages was his declaration that “No smoking is the best strategy,” urging youth to never start, and reinforcing that willpower alone is often enough to quit.

He further explained the dangerous progression from smoking to drug addiction, emphasizing the interconnected nature of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Warning signs like changes in friend circles or behavioral shifts were flagged as early indicators of possible substance use.

Educators were urged to be vigilant, identify signs of student stress, and work alongside school counselors, who are now available in every institution, to ensure early intervention and support.

The lecture ended on a hopeful note, empowering participants with knowledge, clarity, and purpose to resist addiction and help others do the same. Dr. Salkar’s powerful session is sure to inspire long-term action towards a healthier, addiction-free youth in Goa and beyond.

EduConnect

Exercise at the Heart of National Sports Policy 2025: Jovito Lopes Emphasizes Holistic Health at GVM College

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July 2025 — In a landmark discussion held at GVM College, Ponda, senior journalist and former sports administrator Jovito Lopes stressed that exercise and physical activity are not just lifestyle choices, but now officially national priorities, embedded deeply in the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025.

The event, hosted by Karuna Football Foundation (Ponda) in collaboration with Civitas (Panjim), brought together faculty members of GVM’s Gopal Govind Poy Raiturcar College of Commerce and Economics, Dr Dada Vaidya College of Education, and SNJ Aguiar High School, emphasizing the integration of sports into everyday life.

Lopes explained that Khelo Bharat Niti, as the NSP is also known, seeks to build a physically active society aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). The policy promotes grassroots sports, infrastructure development, coaching ecosystems, and most importantly, mass participation in physical activity.

“The link between sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases is undeniable,” Lopes said, quoting global studies that demonstrate a 39% reduced risk of early death with regular physical activity.

Key stats and messages shared:

  • Most adolescents and adults do not meet recommended activity levels.
  • Adults (18-64) should engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.
  • Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental decline.
  • Daily steps—even modest ones—can significantly reduce the risk of early mortality and cardiovascular events.

Quoting Dr Bert Mandelboum, Lopes added:

“Exercise is probably the most robust drug we have—it leads to longevity.”

Also speaking at the event, Prof Teotone Vaz, Prof Jojen Mathew, Krishna Shetye, Geeta Shastri, and Betty D’Silva endorsed the policy’s grassroots vision and advocated for public fitness infrastructure like open-air gyms in parks.

The takeaway? “It’s never too late to start”—a message that resonated across age groups and institutions.

This session marked an important step in reshaping the role of education institutions in India’s sporting and health future, turning policy into grassroots action.

Human Interest

Goa Observes World Blood Donor Day with State-Level Event in Porvorim

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“Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives” theme inspires awareness and gratitude

Porvorim, Goa | June 14, 2025 — Reinforcing the life-saving impact of voluntary blood donation, Goa observed World Blood Donor Day 2025 with a state-level function held at Porvorim, organised jointly by the Goa State Blood Transfusion Council (GSBTC) and the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS).

Held under the global theme “Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives”, the event brought together health officials, educators, volunteers, and donors to celebrate the spirit of giving and highlight the importance of safe and timely blood donation in saving lives.

🗣️ Leaders Applaud Lifesavers, Stress Awareness

The event was graced by a distinguished panel of guests and stakeholders from the health and education sectors, including:

  • Dr. Vandana Dhume, Project Director, GSACS
  • Shri Gaurish Dhond, Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society – Goa Chapter
  • Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director, SCERT
  • Dr. Uday Gaonkar, Principal, DEd College
  • Representatives from blood banks, NGOs, educational institutions, and donor groups

In her address, Dr. Vandana Dhume applauded Goa’s voluntary blood donors, especially the youth, for their life-saving contributions, and emphasized the need for continued awareness and participation.

“Every drop of donated blood carries the power to save a life. Let us build a culture where donation becomes second nature,” she said.

Shri Gaurish Dhond highlighted the long-standing role of the Red Cross in mobilizing donors and urged institutions to integrate blood donation drives into their yearly social responsibility activities.

🎖️ Donors Honoured, Youth Inspired

The program also featured:

  • Recognition of frequent and voluntary donors
  • Presentations on safe blood transfusion practices
  • Short films and testimonials from recipients and donors
  • A pledge ceremony encouraging first-time participants to become regular donors

Student representatives and educators from teacher training institutes participated actively, taking away both knowledge and inspiration to foster donation drives in their campuses.

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s hope. If we cultivate giving early, we build a stronger, healthier society,” noted Dr. Uday Gaonkar.

🧬 The Message: Blood Donation is a Shared Responsibility

World Blood Donor Day serves as a global reminder that safe blood saves lives — during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions like thalassemia and hemophilia. Goa has consistently shown strong voluntary donor participation, but officials stressed the importance of ensuring year-round availability through regular drives.

The event also spotlighted how blood donation contributes to HIV/AIDS prevention, as each donation undergoes rigorous testing under GSACS protocols, thus ensuring both safe transfusion and early detection of infections.

🩷 Why It Matters:

  • One unit of blood can save up to 3 lives
  • Voluntary, non-remunerated donations are the safest and most sustainable
  • Regular donors help maintain stable blood supplies for emergencies

🏥 Organised by:

  • Goa State Blood Transfusion Council (GSBTC)
  • Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS)

With support from:

  • Indian Red Cross Society – Goa Chapter
  • SCERT Goa
  • Local educational and healthcare institutions
Health

Government of India Announces ₹10-Crore Prize for Breakthrough Drug to Treat Sickle Cell Disease

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In collaboration with AIIMS-Delhi, the nation launches a high-stakes competition to accelerate innovation in rare disease treatment

New Delhi, June 20, 2025 – In a landmark initiative aimed at eradicating the devastating effects of sickle cell disease (SCD), the Government of India has unveiled a ₹10-crore prize challenge for the development of a breakthrough drug to treat the condition. This ambitious program, spearheaded in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, seeks to harness cutting-edge scientific research, innovation, and public-private collaboration to deliver a scalable, affordable solution to one of India’s most pressing genetic health burdens.

🚨 The Urgency: Why Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen throughout the body. India carries one of the largest burdens of SCD globally, with tribal and under-resourced communities in central and eastern India disproportionately affected.

“We are committed to eliminating sickle cell disease as a public health threat by 2047,” said Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, adding that this initiative aligns with the broader mission of Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Policy.

🏆 About the ₹10-Crore Prize

The prize money — ₹10 crore (approximately USD 1.2 million) — will be awarded to the most promising and scientifically viable drug proposal that can safely and effectively treat or modify the course of sickle cell disease.

Key features of the challenge:

  • Open to: Indian and international researchers, pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, academic institutions, and innovators
  • Evaluation by: A national jury panel led by AIIMS-Delhi, comprising hematologists, pharmacologists, public health experts, and regulatory officials
  • Criteria: Safety, efficacy, scalability, affordability, and suitability for rural India

The winning proposal may also receive regulatory fast-tracking support, clinical trial facilitation, and potential inclusion in government health schemes once approved.

🧪 AIIMS-Delhi: Leading the Scientific Assessment

AIIMS-Delhi will act as the principal knowledge partner and scientific reviewer for the challenge, setting protocols for evaluation, overseeing clinical criteria, and ensuring transparency in the selection process.

“Our goal is to push the boundaries of current research and discover a drug that not only treats symptoms but offers lasting relief or potential cure,” said Dr. Randeep Guleria, former Director of AIIMS.

🌍 Vision for Health Equity

This initiative is part of the National Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. The goal is to:

  • Screen over 70 million people in affected regions
  • Raise awareness in tribal and rural populations
  • Support indigenous research and therapeutic innovation

📅 How to Apply

Submissions for the prize challenge will open on July 15, 2025, via the official Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) portal. Deadline for concept proposals is September 30, 2025, with final selection and award expected by March 2026.