WHO’s free cancer medicine initiative
Context:
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new initiative to provide free cancer medicines to children in low- and middle-income countries. Meanwhile, studies highlight the impact of air pollution on pregnancy, and Singapore introduces horse therapy for elderly well-being.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)
WHO’s Free Childhood Cancer Medicine Initiative
- WHO has launched a free medicine program for children battling cancer in low- and middle-income countries.
- Mongolia and Uzbekistan are the first to receive shipments, followed by Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal, and Zambia.
- Around 5,000 children across 30 hospitals will benefit in the pilot phase.
- Aims to boost survival rates, which are below 30% in lower-income nations compared to 80% in wealthier countries.
Concerns and Challenges:
- A study of 400,000 births in Australia links air pollution and extreme temperatures to prolonged pregnancy.
- Delayed delivery increases risks like stillbirth, birth complications, and behavioural issues.
- While climate change is linked to premature births, this study is among the first to explore the effects of late-term deliveries.
- Findings published in Urban Climate journal.
Singapore’s Horse Therapy for the Elderly
- ‘Haydays with Horses’ program launched to enhance the physical, cognitive, and mental health of seniors.
- Uses miniature horses for therapy in active-ageing centres.
- Retired racehorses and polo horses are being trained for equine therapy.
- Supported by Singapore’s state investment fund, Temasek, and offered free of charge.
- Aimed at addressing Singapore’s rapidly ageing population, considered a long-term economic and social challenge.
Conclusion:
These developments highlight global efforts in healthcare, climate impact research, and innovative eldercare solutions.
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