The Indian government has identified the growing incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - the failure of drugs, as a grave public health challenge and will adopt a ‘holistic and collaborative’ approach to deal with it. According to the World Health Organisation, when a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses and some parasites) develop the ability to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics and antivirals) from working against it, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others. This is negating many 20th century advancements in healthcare globally. It is worrisome that the resistance is emerging not only in older and more frequently used classes of drugs, but is also seen in newer drugs. Given that India is a hotbed for many infectious diseases, the burden of AMR in the country can be very heavy, with social, economic and public health repercussions.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made AMR one of its top priorities for collaboration with the WHO. Already a five-year National Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2017-2021) has been drafted and a National Authority on Containment of AMR will be set up to ensure sustained and effective action on a national basis.
Read more about this in a story by Aarti Dhar for The India Saga, here: http://theindiasaga.com/social-sector/india-to-tackle-drug-resistance-on-a-mission-mode
Significant progress has been made in saving the lives of vulnerable children across India, but much remains to be done. The country’s media has a vital role to play in the fight against infant mortality by framing the debate and keeping the public informed.
This programme is a joint initiative between UNICEF India, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and Thomson Reuters Foundation to build the capacities of Indian journalists. Its approach combines training workshops with online learning, remote support and access to experts and Indian health professionals. Read more >
We have developed a short online course for anyone who wishes to increase their knowledge on public health, particularly in the Indian context.
The modules have been designed with Indian journalists in mind, in consultation with senior journalists from across the country. Media plays a vital role in society to alert and inform the public, and their knowledge, analysis and insight is critical to help set the policy agenda and frame the national and regional debate.
This online course is designed to cover the basics of public health. On completion you will have a sound understanding of key issues such as immunisation and Mother and Child Health.
On completion of the course you will receive a certificate issued jointly by UNICEF, Thomson Reuters Foundation and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
For more information, visit the e-learning page.
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