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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
Acne: Disorders and Treatment Approaches
Acne is a common dermatological condition caused by clogged pores, excess sebum production, bacterial growth, and inflammation. It can manifest as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, or cysts, often leading to scarring if untreated. Various factors, including hormonal changes, diet, stress, and genetics, influence its severity. Treatment approaches range from topical and oral medications, such as retinoids, antibiotics, and hormonal therapy, to advanced procedures like chemical peels and laser therapy. A personalized skincare regimen, along with lifestyle modifications, plays a crucial role in managing and preventing acne.
Congenital Uterine Anomalies
Congenital uterine anomalies are structural abnormalities of the uterus resulting from improper fusion, canalization, or resorption of the Müllerian ducts during fetal development. These anomalies include septate, bicornuate, unicornuate, and didelphys uterus, among others. They can be asymptomatic or associated with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm birth, or abnormal menstruation. Diagnosis is typically made using imaging modalities like ultrasound, MRI, or hysterosalpingography. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the anomaly, with surgical correction such as hysteroscopic septum resection often indicated in symptomatic cases. Early detection is crucial for optimizing reproductive outcomes and guiding appropriate management strategies.
Management of Postoperative Pain: Best Practices for GP’s
Effective management of postoperative pain is crucial for promoting recovery and preventing complications. General practitioners should start by assessing pain severity using appropriate scales, then tailor the treatment plan based on the patient's medical history and the type of surgery. A combination of pharmacological approaches, such as non-opioid analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs) and opioids when necessary, should be used to minimize pain while reducing the risk of addiction. Multimodal strategies, including physical therapy and non-pharmacological techniques like cold therapy or mindfulness, can further enhance pain relief. Close follow-up is essential to adjust the treatment as needed and ensure the patient's pain is well-controlled.
Diabetes and Stem Cells: What Does the Future Hold?
The future of diabetes treatment may be revolutionized by stem cell research, offering hope for a long-term cure. Scientists are developing stem cell therapies that could regenerate insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, potentially restoring natural insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes. Early clinical trials have shown promising results, with some patients reducing or eliminating their need for insulin injections. While challenges like immune rejection and long-term efficacy remain, continued advancements suggest stem cell therapy could significantly change diabetes management in the coming years.