July 26, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Health

UK Doctors Announce Birth of Eight Healthy Babies from Groundbreaking Three-Person IVF Technique

In a historic medical breakthrough, doctors in the United Kingdom have announced the birth of eight healthy babies using a pioneering IVF procedure that involves DNA from three individuals, aimed at preventing incurable mitochondrial diseases. The landmark achievement offers hope to families carrying inherited genetic mutations and marks a significant milestone in reproductive medicine. A Revolutionary Approach to Stopping Mitochondrial Disease The mothers involved were all at high risk of passing on severe, life-threatening mitochondrial disorders—genetic conditions that can cause early-onset organ failure, developmental delays, and early death. These disorders are caused by mutations in mitochondria, the cell’s energy-producing structures, which are passed exclusively from mother to child. The cutting-edge procedure, known as Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT), involves fertilizing an egg from the mother with the father’s sperm, and then transferring the nucleus of that embryo into a donor egg that has healthy mitochondria and had its own nucleus removed. This results in an embryo that carries nuclear DNA from the biological parents, but healthy mitochondria from a third donor, effectively bypassing the faulty mitochondrial genes. Success After Years of Research and Regulation The development follows nearly two decades of research led by scientists at Newcastle University, who were granted the world’s first license for the treatment in 2017 after the UK became the first country to legalize the procedure in 2015. The eight children—four boys and four girls, including one set of identical twins—were born to seven women, with an additional pregnancy still ongoing. All babies were free of mitochondrial disease symptoms at birth. Minor medical issues in three children, including a urinary infection and muscle jerks, were resolved without complications. Expert Reactions: Relief and Encouragement Professor Doug Turnbull, a key figure behind the project, called the results “reassuring” and a “relief” for both researchers and affected families. Prof Mary Herbert, also part of the pioneering team, described the successful births as “rewarding for all of us.” The Genetics Behind the Breakthrough While humans have around 20,000 genes located in the cell nucleus, mitochondria contain their own 37 genes. When these are mutated, they can severely disrupt cell function, especially in energy-hungry organs like the brain, heart, and muscles. One in every 5,000 newborns is affected by mitochondrial disease. Importantly, genetic tests confirmed that the babies had none or only very low levels of mutant mitochondria, suggesting the treatment was largely successful in its goal. However, some trace amounts of maternal mitochondria were carried over, indicating that the procedure may need further refinement to eliminate even minimal risk. A New Era in Reproductive Medicine The successful births, now detailed in the New England Journal of Medicine, herald a new era in preventing inherited diseases through reproductive intervention. As the children continue to grow, their long-term health will be closely monitored. For now, the announcement offers hope and inspiration for families worldwide grappling with genetic conditions once thought to be unpreventable.

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South Asia Achieves Record-High Child Immunization Coverage in 2024, Led by India and Nepal

South Asia has reached its highest-ever child immunization coverage, with remarkable progress made in India and Nepal, according to new data released jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF on July 15, 2025, for the calendar year 2024. India and Nepal Lead the Way India witnessed a 43% reduction in the number of zero-dose children — those who have not received even a single vaccine — dropping from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. Nepal made even sharper gains, reducing its zero-dose children by 52%, from 23,000 to 11,000, the WHO said. Pakistan also saw improvement, recording its highest-ever DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) coverage at 87%. However, Afghanistan remains a concern, with the lowest immunization coverage in the region and a slight decline from last year. “This is a proud moment for South Asia… But we cannot forget the millions of children who are under-vaccinated or unvaccinated,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. DTP and Measles Vaccine Progress Across South Asia: The region also saw major advances in measles control: Still, experts warn that measles vaccination coverage must cross 95% to prevent future outbreaks. Rise in HPV Vaccination HPV vaccine coverage for adolescent girls rose from 2% in 2023 to 9% in 2024 across South Asia. Driving the Success The improvements are credited to: “We must build on this momentum,” said Dr. Thaksaphon Thamarangsi of WHO South-East Asia Region. “Together we can, and we must.” Challenges Ahead Despite the successes, 2.9 million children in South Asia remain un- or under-vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases. WHO and UNICEF have called on South Asian governments to: This historic progress marks a significant milestone for child health in South Asia, as the region emerges stronger from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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India Achieves 43% Drop in Zero-Dose Children, WHO-UNICEF Report Highlights Immunization Gains

India has made remarkable progress in reducing the number of zero-dose children — those who have not received even a single vaccine — according to the 2024 Global Immunization Estimates released jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF on Tuesday. The report shows a 43% drop in zero-dose children in India, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. This achievement reflects the country’s intensified focus on universal immunization, particularly post-COVID, and is part of a broader regional trend. Across South Asia, the number of zero-dose children dropped by 27%, from 2.5 million in 2023 to 1.8 million in 2024. Encouraging Trends in Vaccine Coverage In 2024, 92% of infants in South Asia received the third dose of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP) vaccine — a key global marker for immunization system performance. This is up by 2 percentage points from the previous year. Meanwhile, the coverage for the first DTP dose also rose from 93% to 95%, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and demonstrating the resilience and priority given by South Asian governments to child health. Global Snapshot Globally, 89% of infants — around 115 million — received at least one DTP dose in 2024, and 85% (109 million) completed all three doses. Compared to 2023, that’s 1,71,000 more children starting vaccination and 1 million more completing the DTP series — a modest but positive sign of progress. Despite gains, challenges remain. There are still 14.3 million zero-dose children worldwide, which is 4 million more than the 2024 target under the Immunization Agenda 2030, and 1.4 million more than in 2019, the baseline year. “Vaccines save lives, allowing individuals, families, communities, economies and nations to flourish,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.“It’s encouraging to see a continued increase in the number of children being vaccinated, although we still have a lot of work to do.” Areas of Concern The WHO warned that cuts in foreign aid and misinformation about vaccine safety threaten to reverse years of immunization gains. The organization urged countries to invest domestically in immunization programs and adopt local solutions to reach every child. Out of 195 countries: Conclusion India’s progress in cutting down its zero-dose children by nearly half is a standout example in global public health. However, with millions still unreached, the path ahead demands sustained investment, strategic outreach, and continued vigilance to counter misinformation and inequity in vaccine access.

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India’s First One-Shot Dengue Vaccine Nears Completion of Phase-III Trials: Over 8,000 Participants Enrolled

India is inching closer to a potential breakthrough in dengue prevention as the Phase-III clinical trial of DengiAll, a one-shot tetravalent dengue vaccine developed by Panacea Biotec, progresses rapidly. The trial, being conducted across 20 centres nationwide, is expected to complete participant enrolment by October 2025, according to scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). So far, over 8,000 volunteers from cities like Pune, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar have already received either DengiAll or a placebo, with the final goal being the inclusion of approximately 10,500 participants. A Significant Milestone in Public Health DengiAll represents India’s first indigenously-developed single-dose dengue vaccine, co-led by ICMR institutions such as: According to Dr. Manoj Murhekar, Director of NIE, early results from Phase 1/2 trials indicate no safety concerns, and the current Phase-III trial aims to evaluate the efficacy, long-term immunity, and safety of the vaccine. Participants will be followed up for two years. The trial, which began in August 2024, is multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, and placebo-controlled. The first participant was vaccinated at PGIMS Rohtak. Why a Tetravalent Vaccine Matters Dengue is caused by four serotypes (DEN-1 to DEN-4), and infection with one serotype provides little to no immunity against the others. This poses a challenge in vaccine development, as a successful candidate must protect against all four. India sees co-circulation of all four serotypes in many regions, making a tetravalent vaccine like DengiAll especially critical. Vaccine Origins and Global Standing The vaccine strain, TV003/TV005, was originally developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. It showed promising results in trials conducted in Brazil, and Panacea Biotec is currently the most advanced Indian company working with this strain. The company holds a process patent for its vaccine formulation. India is one of the top 30 countries most affected by dengue. In 2024, the country reported over 2.3 lakh cases and 297 deaths. Alarmingly, 75–80% of infections are asymptomatic, yet still transmissible through Aedes mosquitoes. Children at Higher Risk Among the 20–25% symptomatic cases, children are particularly vulnerable to severe forms of the disease, including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, often requiring hospitalisation. A Ray of Hope If successful, DengiAll could be India’s first licensed dengue vaccine and a game-changer in reducing the country’s disease burden and mortality rate. It also offers the promise of global impact, as dengue continues to surge across 129 countries, per WHO data from 2023. With its indigenous development, strategic public-private partnership, and rigorous scientific backing, DengiAll is poised to play a crucial role in India’s public health infrastructure — especially in the fight against one of the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne diseases in the world.

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24-Year-Old Hosur Man’s Sudden Death Sparks Rabies Scare, Confirmed Cardiac Condition Cited

A 24-year-old man’s sudden death at the Krishnagiri District Government Headquarters Hospital in Hosur on Thursday triggered panic over a suspected rabies case. However, health authorities have clarified that the cause of death was a pre-existing heart condition, not rabies. The deceased, V Edwin, was a private company employee and resident of Thinnur village near Thalli. He had no known history of a dog bite, though initial records from two health centres noted his condition as “suspected rabies,” raising alarm. Timeline of Events: Medical Findings: Dr G Ramesh Kumar, District Health Officer, said that based on an ECG report from the private hospital, Edwin had Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) and Pulmonary Edema—both serious heart-related conditions.Post-mortem findings confirmed the same. Rabies has been ruled out following an initial field-level investigation, but advanced testing (RT-PCR) will be conducted at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, to confirm the findings. Misdiagnosis & Action: Health authorities said the Thalli PHC doctor who falsely recorded a dog bite history is likely to face departmental action for misdiagnosis. Officials clarified that such errors can trigger unnecessary panic and mismanagement. Precautionary Measures: As a safety measure, 20 individuals—including police, journalists, and hospital staff who were in proximity to Edwin’s body—were administered the Anti-Rabies Vaccine on Thursday. Collector’s Assurance: Krishnagiri District Collector C Dinesh Kumar reassured the public that there is no rabies threat, and the death was due to cardiac complications, pending final test confirmation. The incident has spotlighted the need for accurate medical reporting and swift communication between healthcare centres to prevent misinformation and panic.

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Measles Cases in U.S. Reach Highest Level Since 1992: CDC

The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of 2025, a total of 1,288 confirmed cases have been reported across 38 states, making this the worst year for measles since 1992, when 2,126 cases were recorded. Texas Worst-Hit; Outbreaks Linked to Unvaccinated Individuals Texas alone has reported 753 cases, accounting for more than half of the national total. The CDC noted that 27 separate outbreaks have been documented in 2025, with 88% of all confirmed cases linked to these outbreaks. Alarmingly, 92% of the infected individuals were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, raising serious concerns about declining immunization rates. So far, 13% of patients have required hospitalization. Measles Had Been Eliminated in the U.S. The CDC reminded that measles had been officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning the virus was no longer spreading continuously within the country. Historically, new cases were imported by unvaccinated travelers returning from countries where measles is still common. Measles: A Dangerous but Preventable Disease Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness, spread through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It begins with symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, and in some cases, death. In 2023 alone, 107,500 people—mostly children under five—died from measles globally, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine. CDC Urges Vaccination The CDC continues to stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. Before widespread vaccination began in 1963, the U.S. experienced major measles epidemics every 2–3 years, resulting in 48,000 hospitalizations and 400–500 deaths annually. With cases once again on the rise, public health officials are urging Americans to ensure they are fully vaccinated, particularly ahead of international travel.

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Global HIV/AIDS Fight Suffers Major Blow After US Halts Foreign Aid

In early 2025, the international fight against HIV/AIDS was dealt a major blow following the United States’ decision to pause all foreign development assistance for 90 days, including critical funding for HIV prevention and treatment programs. The decision has triggered alarm among health experts and humanitarian organizations, fearing that decades of hard-earned progress may rapidly unravel. ❓ What is HIV/AIDS? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the body’s immune system by attacking infection-fighting cells. If untreated, it progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a potentially fatal condition marked by extreme immune deficiency. Symptoms range from flu-like signs in the early phase to weight loss, persistent fever, fatigue, and life-threatening infections in advanced stages. 🇺🇸 The Role of US Aid in the HIV Response For over 20 years, the US government, chiefly through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has been a global leader in HIV/AIDS relief. In 2024 alone: PEPFAR has helped prevent millions of deaths and curbed the spread of HIV in high-burden regions, particularly in East and Southern Africa. 🚨 Immediate Consequences of the US Aid Pause The suspension of funding has already led to severe disruptions, especially in: In Eswatini, reduced testing and staff shortages have impacted efforts to identify and treat new cases promptly. ⚠️ The Human Toll According to UNAIDS, if US aid isn’t restored swiftly: 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community Efforts and Global Support Local governments and NGOs are attempting to fill the vacuum, but limited budgets and staff have stifled efforts. International partners are stepping in: Still, such efforts cannot fully replace the scale and scope of PEPFAR. 🔍 Looking Ahead The global HIV/AIDS fight is at a crossroads. The US pause on aid has exposed the fragility of global health systems’ reliance on a single major donor. While alternative funding is welcome, sustained US support remains irreplaceable. The international community must act quickly to: The setbacks of 2025 could reverse 20 years of progress—unless decisive global action is taken now.

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Common Anxiety, Sleep, and Depression Medications Linked to Higher ALS Risk: Study Warns Against Panic, Urges Caution

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has raised concerns over a potential link between commonly prescribed psychiatric medications and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—a progressive, incurable neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to muscle paralysis and death. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 ALS patients and more than 5,000 healthy individuals in Sweden, using the Swedish Motor Neuron Disease Quality Registry. The medications under scrutiny include: Key Findings: Important Caveats: Association, Not Causation Neurologists caution against misinterpreting the findings. Dr. M. S. Panduranga of Dharamshila Narayana Superspecialty Hospital noted that early ALS symptoms—such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression—may precede diagnosis by years, leading to increased medication use. Thus, the medications may be markers of early disease rather than its cause. Dr. Manjari Tripathi of AIIMS added that many neuropsychiatric medications work by dampening brain activity, which might unintentionally interfere with motor neuron function over time. She warned that long-term, consistent use could potentially have toxic effects on the nervous system. ALS: A Silent but Devastating Disease ALS causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to difficulty in performing basic tasks like walking, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. Although rare, its impact is devastating. One of the most well-known ALS patients was physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived with the disease for decades. Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj from Aakash Healthcare pointed out that individuals with a longer history of psychiatric symptoms and prolonged medication use (over 10 years) showed stronger associations with ALS, particularly in younger patients. Medical Advice: Do Not Discontinue Medications Abruptly Despite these findings, neurologists strongly advise against panic or self-discontinuation of psychiatric medications. “There is no definitive proof that these medications cause ALS,” said Dr. Anshu Rohatgi of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “However, physicians should be vigilant when prescribing these drugs to individuals showing early neurological symptoms.” Conclusion: While this study opens the door to important discussions about the long-term neurological safety of psychiatric drugs, more research is needed to understand whether the association is biological or due to heightened medical observation in patients already at risk. Patients are urged to consult their doctors before making any changes to their medication regimen.

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CBI Uncovers Massive Medical College Scam Involving Top Officials, Educationists and Godman

In what is being described as one of India’s biggest medical college scams, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a sprawling corruption racket involving senior government officials, prominent educationists, middlemen, and a self-styled godman. The scam centres on the illegal approval of substandard medical colleges through bribery, manipulation, and regulatory fraud. 📍 Scope of the Scam The investigation spans multiple states including:➡️ Chhattisgarh➡️ Madhya Pradesh➡️ Rajasthan➡️ Delhi➡️ Uttar Pradesh➡️ Karnataka Over 40 medical colleges are suspected of obtaining recognition and approvals through bribery, fake documentation, and forged inspections. 🔍 Key Accused and Modus Operandi Notable Accused: Scam Techniques: 🏥 How the Scam Came to Light The probe began with a tip-off from Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SRIMSR) in Raipur. CBI caught six individuals, including three doctors, accepting a ₹55 lakh bribe in exchange for a favourable inspection report. Subsequent raids at 40+ locations exposed an entrenched nexus, involving: 🧘‍♂️ Role of Rawatpura Sarkar: Godman or Gatekeeper? The godman, widely known as Rawatpura Sarkar, is deeply entrenched in the scam: 🧾 Southern India Operations and Digital Leaks The racket extended to: 💸 Middlemen and Illegal Fund Use ⚖️ Legal Action So Far 🏥 Impact on Public Health and Medical Education The scam has raised serious concerns about: The CBI has called this a “deep-rooted network” that not only mocks the regulatory process but puts public health at grave risk. 🔔 This is a developing story. More details are expected as the CBI intensifies its investigation.

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Australian Scientists Discover Key Proteins That Could Revolutionize Cancer and Ageing Treatments

A team of Australian scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery that could significantly alter the way we treat cancer and age-related diseases. Researchers at the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney have identified a group of proteins that play a crucial role in regulating telomerase—an enzyme essential for protecting DNA during cell division, according to a report by Xinhua news agency. Published in Nature Communications, the study identifies three proteins — NONO, SFPQ, and PSPC1 — that act as molecular guides, ensuring that telomerase reaches the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, which are vital for maintaining genetic stability. Telomerase adds DNA to telomeres, preventing them from shortening and thus protecting chromosomes from damage. While this enzyme is vital for the health and function of stem cells and certain immune cells, it is also exploited by cancer cells to sustain uncontrolled growth. Lead author Alexander Sobinoff explained, “Our findings show that these proteins act like molecular traffic controllers, making sure telomerase reaches the right destination inside the cell. Without them, telomerase cannot maintain telomeres properly.” This insight opens promising avenues for targeting telomerase regulation in cancer therapy. Disrupting these guiding proteins in cancer cells, the study found, prevents proper telomere maintenance, which could effectively halt the growth of cancer cells. Senior author Dr. Hilda Pickett, head of CMRI’s Telomere Length Regulation Unit, added, “Understanding how telomerase is controlled gives us a powerful new perspective. It paves the way for treatments aimed at cancer, ageing, and genetic disorders linked to telomere dysfunction.” This discovery represents a major step forward in molecular medicine, offering potential for new drugs or gene therapies that could either slow the ageing process or shut down cancer cell proliferation—all by targeting a newly uncovered cellular mechanism.

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