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“Yes! We can end TB! World Tuberculosis Day “
Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 1.5 million deaths in 2020, and is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. The DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course) regimen is the recommended treatment for tuberculosis (TB) by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a six-month course of four first-line drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide. The DOTS regimen is also cost-effective and feasible to implement in resource-limited settings, making it a critical component of global efforts to end TB.
About the Speaker
Dr. Padmanesan Narasimhan
Digital Health Roster of Experts at World Health Organization
Dr. Padma Narasimhan was awarded the UNSW-University International Postgraduate Scholarship for a PhD at the School. . He is the Deputy Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Digital Health at UNSW and is listed as a Roster of Experts in the newly formed WHO Department of Digital Health. His research work has been published widely in leading local and international journals and he currently serves as the section editor for the prestigious PLoS Digital Health journal.
Upcoming Case Discussions
Treatment of Renal Disease in ANCA Vasculitis
The treatment of renal disease in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) typically involves a combination of immunosuppressive therapies to control inflammation and prevent further kidney damage. First-line treatment often includes high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide or rituximab, both of which help to induce remission by targeting the underlying immune system dysfunction. In cases of kidney failure or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, plasmapheresis may be used to remove circulating autoantibodies. Once remission is achieved, maintenance therapy with lower doses of immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil, is used to prevent relapses and preserve kidney function.
Management of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes
Pediatric type 1 diabetes management focuses on maintaining glycemic control while supporting normal growth. Insulin therapy, via multiple daily injections or pumps, is essential, with doses adjusted based on blood glucose monitoring or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Nutrition plans emphasizing carbohydrate counting and balanced meals are crucial, alongside adjustments for physical activity to prevent glucose fluctuations. Education for families on recognizing hypo- and hyperglycemia symptoms and managing sick days is vital. Regular follow-ups with a pediatric endocrinologist help monitor HbA1c levels, growth, and complications. Psychosocial support is key for ensuring adherence and addressing emotional challenges.
Rising Cardiac Arrests in Young Entrepreneurs
The increasing cases of cardiac arrests among young entrepreneurs are becoming a serious health concern. Intense stress, long working hours, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of physical activity are major contributors to heart-related issues in this group. This often leads to neglecting personal health, resulting in irregular sleep patterns and chronic fatigue. Additionally, skipping regular medical check-ups can leave underlying heart conditions undetected. Emphasizing stress management, healthy lifestyle choices, and routine health screenings is crucial to reducing this growing risk
Medical Management of Endometriosis
Medical management of endometriosis typically involves the use of hormonal therapies such as birth control pills, progestins, or GnRH agonists to reduce estrogen levels and suppress the growth of endometrial tissue. Pain management with NSAIDs, as well as targeted treatments like aromatase inhibitors or the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs), can help alleviate symptoms. In some cases, additional treatments like surgery may be considered for severe cases or when fertility is a concern.
Analytical Skills in Problem Solving
Today’s session on analytical tools and techniques in healthcare can provide valuable insights into how data-driven approaches enhance decision-making and problem-solving. Sharing personal or professional experiences where analytical skills were effectively used to address challenges can offer practical understanding and inspire learners. These skills are crucial in healthcare for accurate patient diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and efficient resource allocation. By applying analytical methods, healthcare professionals can improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and make informed, evidence-based decisions that contribute to overall healthcare efficiency and quality.