C M Y K
C M Y K
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 130 • 12 PAGes • 5
www.morungexpress.com
FriDAY • MAY 13 • 2016
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ESTD. 2005
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T R u T H
What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other? — George Eliot South Asian countries unite over anti-child trafficking drive PAGE 09
VIP car hits policeman Morung Express News Kohima/Dimapur | May 12
A VIP car hit and injured a policeman in a case of rash driving in Kohima on May 12. The incident occurred around 9:00 am near the Classic Point. According to police sources, the vehicle – a Mahindra Bolero (NL 10 7000) knocked down the policeman as he was crossing the road. The victim, whose identity could not be ascertained, sustained head injury and rushed to NHAK. He is attached to DEF, Kohima. The driver of the vehicle, as per the police, was the ‘PA’ of a sitting legislator. He was arrested but later released as the two parties came to an understanding while no case was registered.
Bankers to strike against government policies, inaction CHENNAI, MAY 12 (IANS): Around 10 lakh bankers will go on strike on July 29 against the government’s varied actions and inaction pertaining to the banking sector, said a top leader of All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA). The decision to go on strike on July 29 was taken in the meeting of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) comprising all the nine unions in the sector- AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF, INBOC, NOBW, NOBO, held in Hyderabad on Wednesday, he said. “The central government is going ahead with the measures that would weaken the public sector banks, inadequate capital infusion, consolidation and merger apart from issuing new bank licences, privatisation of IDBI Bank and permitting more private capital in regional rural banks,” C.H.Venkatachalam, general secretary, AIBEA told IANS on Thursday. According to Venkatachalam, the total bad loans in the banking sector has risen to Rs.10 lakh crore. Bulk of these bad loans are due from big corporate business houses and no serious action is being taken to recover the money, he said. Venkatachalam said the bad loans are being provided or written off against the profits of the banks so that they report a loss. He demanded criminal action against wilful defaulters of bank loans. There are over 7,000 wilful defaulters owing Rs.60,000 crore to the banking sector, Venkatachalam added.
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Sunderland joy as Newcastle and Norwich go down
IPR District officials get audio-visual equipments PAGE 02
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80% of city dwellers breathing bad air
GENEVA, MAY 12 (AFP): Over 80 percent of the world’s city dwellers breathe poor quality air, increasing their risk of lung cancer and other lifethreatening diseases, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report warned Thursday. Urban residents in poor countries are by far the worst affected, WHO said, noting that nearly every city (98 percent) in low- and middle-income countries has air which fails to meet the UN body’s standards. That number falls to 56 percent of cities in wealthier countries. “Urban air pollution continues to rise at an alarming rate, wreaking havoc on human health,” Maria Neira, the head of WHO’s department of public health and environment, said in a statement. The UN agency’s latest air pollution database reveals an overall deterioration of air in the planet’s cities, and highlights the growing risk of serious health conditions also including stroke and asthma. The report, which focused on outdoor rather
4 Indian cities among those with the worst air quality
In this file photo, a man covers his face as he walks through a dust storm on the banks of the Ganga river in Allahabad (REUTERS)
than household air, compared data collected from 795 cities in 67 countries between 2008 and 2013. Tracking the prevalence of harmful pollutants like sulfate and black carbon, WHO found that air quality was generally improving in richer regions like Europe and North America, but worsening in developing regions, notably the Middle East and southeast Asia.
Overall, contaminants in outdoor air caused more than 3 million premature deaths a year, the UN body said. The quality of air pollution data provided by individual countries varies considerably, and WHO does not compile a ranking of the world’s most polluted cities. But, in a sample of selected mega-cities with a population above 14 million, New Delhi was the
most polluted, followed by Cairo and Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka. Crucially, key African centres like Nigeria’s mega-city Lagos were excluded from the list because of the sparse availability of air quality data in many parts of the continent, WHO said. A sample of European data showed that Rome had slightly worse air than Berlin, followed by London and Madrid.
NEW DELHI, MAY 12 (REUTERS): India is home to four of the five cities in the world with the worst air pollution, the World Health Organization said on Thursday. But while WHO experts acknowledge India faces a “huge challenge”, many countries are so bad that they have no monitoring system and cannot be included in its ranking. The dirtiest air was recorded at Zabol in Iran, which suffers from months of dust storms in the summer, and which clocked a so-called PM2.5 measure of 217. The next four were all Indian: Gwalior, Allahabad, Patna and Raipur. India’s capital New Delhi was the survey’s ninth worst city, measured by the amount of particulate matter under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic metre of air, with an annual average PM2.5 measurement of 122. Tiny particulate matter can cause lung cancer, strokes and heart disease over the long term, as well as triggering symptoms such as heart attacks that kill more rapidly. The WHO says more than 7 million premature deaths occur every year due to air pollution, 3 million of them due to outdoor air quality. New Delhi was ranked worst in 2014 with a PM2.5 reading of 153. It has since tried to tackle its toxic air by limiting the use of private cars on the road for short periods. Maria Neira, head of public
health, environmental and social determinants of health at the WHO, praised India’s government for developing a national plan to deal with the problem when others have been unable to. “Probably some of the worst cities that are the most polluted ones in the world are not included in our list, just because they are so bad that they do not even have a good system of monitoring of air quality, so it’s unfair to compare or give a rank,” she said. Common causes of air pollution include too many cars, especially dieselfuelled vehicles, the heating and cooling of big buildings, waste management, agriculture and the use of coal or diesel generators for power. On average, pollution levels worsened by 8 percent between 2008 and 2013, although most cities in rich countries improved the state of their air over the same period. The WHO data, a survey of 3,000 urban areas, shows only 2 percent of cities in poorer countries have air quality that meets WHO standards, while 44 percent of richer cities do. The WHO database has almost doubled in size since 2014, and the trend towards more transparency translated into more action to deal with the problem, Neira said. However, there was still very sparse data on Africa, she said.
‘Towards a Better World’ A force for change: Improving Health System Resilience Vizol’s biography released Morung Express News Kohima | May 12
Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu with Akhale Vizol Khamo during the release of Towards a Better World- Biography of Vizol in Kohima on May 12. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent Kohima | May 12
“My father was blessed with wisdom. As mentioned, he was a man of few words but these few words were always full of wisdom. He did not teach us to invest in earthly treasures but he always reminded and taught us the virtues of life,” stated Akhale Vizol Khamo, youngest daughter of former Nagaland State Chief Minister, Vizol in a biography of Vizol entitled “Towards a Better World.” This biography of Vizol was released by Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu in the presence of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Chotisuh Sazo and several other dignitaries here this afternoon at Ura Academy Hall. “My father Vizol, wrote his autobiography bit by bit. I have collected and compiled them over the years,” Akhale stated adding that it was Vizol’s desire to pen down his autobiography. He however passed away before completing it. Later, the manuscripts left behind by him were gathered and compiled. Akhale also stated that Vizol wanted to see that the Nagas would change to a better society, hence coining the book ‘Towards a Better World.’ Dr. Liezietsu meanwhile recalled his close association with Vizol for more than 40 years. “He was one among few leaders who organized the NPF in Nagaland. Based on the
ideology on which this regional party was formed, he continued to be the real torch bearer of regionalism. He was our mentor, our guide and also a shelter to us during the most difficult period of time,” Dr. Liezietsu stated adding that an amicable solution to the Indo-Naga Political problem was his dream. In the book, MLA Noke Wangnao meanwhile recalled that his first impression of Vizol was “his good personality, the calmness and the essence of a reliable character.” Odisha Governor, DR SC Jamir said that Vizol, “as person was humble, honest and simple but a determined person. He was one of the rarest personalities who has strong and genuine commitment to the cause of the people of Nagaland.” Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio said that Vizol was “like a father figure, a guide and a mentor to me in so many ways.” Rev VK Nuh penned that the former Chief Minister “lived as a true Naga with integrity. I have never come across anyone question about his integrity. He was a perfect gentleman. Both the young and the old admired his way of life.” The biography charts Vizol’s early life and his political career over several decades, encompassing various significant developments in the state. Vizol (1914- 2008), who also served as Member of Parliament, passed away on March 3, 2008 at the age of 94.
The International Nurses’ Day was celebrated on May 12 in Kohima at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) with Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change as the chief guest. Vilhoulenuo Liezietsu, Deputy Director (Nursing), who gave the introduction to the theme ‘Nurses : A force for change: Improving health systems’ resilience’ expressed the need for strong and resilient health systems to respond effectively to realize the United Nations Sustainable Development. Nurses comprise the single largest group of
health professionals with a presence in all settings, thus making an impact on the resilience of health systems. “In the busy life of most practicing nurses, thinking about how we can support and strengthen the health system we work in, it is not a common activity. Yet we need to develop our thinking, planning and profile in this important area is all too evident. We are a vital force for the changes that the system needs,” highlighted Liezietsu. “Let us rededicate ourselves that we change for the better and not for worse,” stated Dr. Nicky Kire during the celebration. Talking about the prospects of working as nurses
which are in huge demand abroad, Kire encouraged the nurses not just to settle for jobs in the Nagaland but also to pursue work outside which offers better opportunities and salaries. “The door is open for you to go abroad but the most important point is
that the nursing profession has improved drastically over the years and urged the nurses to take responsibility for everything they do because there is satisfaction when one is able to revive and recover a person. “Don’t have regrets for what you have not done. Take full responsibility and do as much as you can. Ease their pain and mind so that they are prepared to get better,” stated Kire. Encouraging Doctors to build better relationships with Nurses, Kire said, “We are a fraternity and we have to work together. We need each other.” Kire also expressed concern over doctors neglecting their service which has become a
International Nurses’ Day celebrated in Kohima you must be willing to work hard,” added Dr. Kire who also urged parents to give their children space to decide their careers and to allow the children to work in the profession they enjoy. Dr. Kire also remarked that when it comes to dealing with patients, Nagas are second to none. Kire said
‘sad affair’. Liezietsu who focused on the theme of the event highlighted on the 17 sustainable development goals, 13 health targets, global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030, health system resilience, key elements for a resilient health system and the role of nurses who are at the core of resilience. The action plan to strengthen and improve the health system and developing resilience was also outlined. Three priority areas were further pointed out namely Nurses’ role in relation to the adoption of digital technologies, demonstrating quality and impact at all levels of governance and policy making, and system leadership.
Family Planning: Not just population control
Second PFI NorthEast Regional Media Workshop on Family Planning ends in Kolkata Morung Express News Kolkata | May 12
Family planning is not just about population control. It saves lives and offers quality family planning methods to couples. This was the takeaway from the first day of the North-East Regional Media Workshop on Family Planning, which started here on May 11, and ended on May 12, at Kolkata’s Hotel Hindustan International. Organised by the Population Foundation of India (PFI), a national level think tank on population issues, the workshop brought together regional media to understand the key issues and concepts on family planning. Several media organisations from Odisha and the North East, including Nagaland are attending the workshop, along with civil society members, doctors, and key experts with an objective to build knowledge and capacity of the media on health and population issues. According to the organiser, the workshop assumes importance with the Government of India focusing on reducing the unmet needs for family planning, improvement of health care infra-
A resource person conducting a workshop at the Second PFI North-East Regional Media Workshop on Family Planning in Kolkata.
structure and attaining population stabilisation by the year 2045. However, health expenditure in India remains relatively low at per capita income - as low as $19 while BRICS countries like Brazil, China spend around $511 and $153 respectively. On top of that, budgetary allocations in the health sector were reduced from 87% in 2014-15 and by 34% in 2015-16. Out of this, the share for family planning is abysmally low at 2%. During the first day, related issues like family planning concepts, family planning methods, quality of care, health budgeting, human rights, reproductive health services provisions with global, regional and India evidence were discussed in order to build sensitivity around issues of quality and family planning services available to women in the public health system. Dr. Alok Banerjee, Member Ad-
visor, Technical Resource Group, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Parivar Seva Sansthan gave an overview of the health status and family planning in India and the region. Dr. Banerjee said that the process has been a trial and error process. He maintained that for the programme to work, individual discretion and the interaction between the service provider and client (or acceptors) is vital. However, during the course of May 11, the workshop recognised that such mechanisms are missing due to several social-economic, cultural and religious, factors undermining its full and effective implementation. Giving an overview of the several family planning methods and their effectiveness, Dr. Basab Mukherjee, a Senior OB-GYN and Fogsi Reprehensive said the issue about family
planning is not about population control but about saving lives. While according to a United Nations report, 800 women die every day due to pregnancy complication and childbirth, he lamented that the issue has not been given its due space by the media. Dr. Mukherjee further said that family planning is associated with numerous misconceptions and myths. One being its strong association with sterilisation. He opined that reducing unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternity death and infant death and offering quality family planning methods to all eligible couple is a fundamental right. The participants were sensitised in understanding, among other things, the basic terms and concepts in family planning and population related issue; modern family planning methods, quality of care myths, facts and figures, and misconceptions; innovations, progress and challenges in family planning; Assessment of quality and family planning services available to women in the public health; and Health Budget and its implication on family planning Health Budget and its implication on family planning. The workshop ended on May 12, which included field visits to familiarize media personal on reproductive health services at the grass roots level and took up case studies.