Last week, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed two senior ministers to travel across the South Asian nation of 170 million people in an effort to assess the scale of the crisis to help coordinate a response.

Health ministry data released on Sunday showed that children aged between six months and five years old with suspected measles symptoms soared to 6,476.

“Compared with past years, the number of affected children is higher, and the death toll is higher too,” Halimur Rashid, director at the Communicable Disease Control, told AFP referring to the number in suspected cases.

READ MORE: Seven newborn deaths in Khairpur not directly caused by Mpox: health ministry

The largest number of suspected cases on record was in 2005 at 25,934, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, though that number had significantly declined until this year.

Rashid attributed the potential outbreak to “multifactorial causes, including a shortage of vaccines”.

Confirmed numbers of measles cases among the demographic stand at 826, with only 16 deaths, with experts saying in many cases, testing is either not done or patients die before testing can be done.

Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, according to the WHO, and is transmitted when a person coughs or sneezes.

While the disease can affect a person of any age, it is most common among children and can cause complications, including brain swelling and severe breathing problems.

Bangladesh has made significant advancements in vaccinations to tackle infectious diseases, but a measles drive due in June 2024 was delayed by a deadly uprising that same year that toppled the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina.

Most Bangladeshi children receive a vaccine at nine months, although many infected in the recent outbreak had been six months old, officials added.

Mahmudur Rahman, chief of the National Verification Committee of Measles and Rubella, said that “we committed to reducing the number to zero by December 2025 but failed to achieve the target due to poor vaccination programmes”.

Dhaka has identified 30 of the most affected areas in the region and has started a vaccination programme.

Health Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain Bakul said the vaccination drive will cover the “worst affected areas” before being expanded to other regions.

Tajul Islam A Bari, a former official at the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and a public health expert, told AFP that although funds had been allocated for vaccine purchases, authorities had failed to procure them.

“Now we see the result - the situation is scary,” Bari added.

The WHO estimates as many as 95,000 measles deaths globally every year, mostly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under the age of five, according to its latest statistics.

There is no specific treatment for measles once caught.

Against this backdrop, PinkDetect emerges not just as a technological fix, but as a deeply contextual response to a problem rooted as much in society as in science.

It is founded by Suha Suleman Lalani, a biomedical science graduate from Ryerson University and currently pursuing her master’s in public health at Harvard. During her tenure at Microsoft, Suha led generative AI initiatives for healthcare and life sciences clients, where she discovered the transformative potential of technology in saving lives. Inspired by this vision along with her personal grief, she created PinkDetect, Pakistan’s first-of-its-kind solution, designed to revolutionise breast health by early detection, and accessible care.

After experiencing the loss of a loved one to breast cancer, Suha was confronted firsthand with the devastating cost of late detection. What followed was not just the creation of an app, but the building of an ecosystem designed to help women understand their breast cancer risk early before symptoms escalate into life-threatening realities.

At its core, the platform blends artificial intelligence with local data, ethical design, and community-based outreach, attempting to shift breast health from crisis response to preventive care.

Technology built for Pakistani women

What sets PinkDetect apart is how deliberately it is grounded in local realities. Traditional breast cancer risk models, such as the Gail Model, are largely developed using Western datasets and often fail to reflect the biological, social, and lifestyle patterns of women in South Asia.

“The Gail Model didn’t work for us —it was built for Western, Caucasian women. Pakistani women were invisible in that data. So we built our own approach,” Suha explained.

PinkDetect’s AI-driven risk assessment model addresses this gap by training on locally relevant demographic and health data. By leveraging a large language model trained on contextual information, the platform analyses structured questionnaire responses to determine whether a woman falls into a low, moderate, or high-risk category.

Users begin by completing a structured questionnaire that covers menstrual history, reproductive milestones, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and general health indicators. The AI then generates a personalised risk profile, categorising users into low, moderate, or high risk groups. But the platform does not stop at clarification. Based on a user’s risk level, PinkDetect offers tailored guidance, including automated reminders for regular self-exams, step-by-step tutorials illustrated with simple visuals, and symptom-tracking tools that allow women to monitor changes over time.

For women flagged at high risk, the platform bridges the often fragmented gap between awareness and care by directing them to nearby diagnostic facilities. In doing so, it transforms a digital assessment into a tangible pathway toward clinical intervention.

A clinical study published in the Pakistan Journal of Health found that early detection rates in clinics and hospitals using PinkDetect increased from 41% to 58%, marking a significant improvement in the odds of diagnosing breast cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

Moving beyond app: Breaking social barriers

Yet technology alone cannot dismantle the deeply entrenched social barriers that surround women’s health in Pakistan. In many communities, conversations around breast health remain taboo, compounded by limited access to healthcare facilities and digital tools.

“In our focus groups, many women compared mammograms to something that would compromise their morality,” Suha said. “There were widespread misconceptions—that breast cancer is contagious, that it should be kept quiet, or that it can be passed from mother to daughter. This culture of silence made it difficult even to convince women to undergo free clinical breast exams.”

Recognising this, PinkDetect deliberately expanded its work beyond the app itself.

One arm of the initiative focuses on screening camps, organised in partnership with local organisations. These camps provide free clinical breast examination while also creating safe spaces for women to learn how to conduct self-exams. The emphasis is not just on screening, but on translating awareness into habit, encouraging women to take ownership of their health in ways that feel practical and achievable.

The second arm, which is trained in the trainer programme, works at the grassroots level. PinkDetects train lady health workers at the district and community levels, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to educate women directly in their homes. These health workers go door-to-door, teaching breast self-examination techniques and, where possible, guiding women on how to use the PinkDetect application. Designed to create a ripple effect, the programme enables a single trained health worker to reach dozens of households, making breast health education accessible to women with no prior experience with digital healthcare tools.

Ethical AI and design with dignity

From the outset, PinkDetect has been shaped by ethical considerations. User data is collected anonymously. A critical safeguard in a context where fear of exposure can prevent women from seeking care. This commitment allows the platform to generate meaningful population-level insights without compromising individual dignity.

The app’s design language is equally intentional. Instead of graphic imagery that can provoke discomfort or resistance, PinkDetect relies on cartoon-based animations to demonstrate self-examination techniques. By prioritising comfort, clarity, and consent, the platform reframes breast health as an act of self-care rather than fear.

When early detection saves lives

The impact of PinkDetect becomes most visible when awareness turns into action. At one screening camp, approximately 35 women were examined and four were diagnosed with abnormalities. One case was identified as stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Doctors noted that, without early detection, it could have progressed to stage 3, significantly reducing survival outcomes.

Crucially, PinkDetect does not abandon women after diagnosis.

Through partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and international organisations, including Western Union, the Roddenberry Foundation, Harvard Innovation Labs, and Future Trust—the initiative provides support to these women.

In one case, the PinkDetect team helped connect a diagnosed patient with donors who covered her chemotherapy costs. At the time of reporting, she had completed multiple treatment cycles and was responding well—an outcome that underscores the life-saving potential of pairing early detection with sustained support.

The initiative has also pushed boundaries of inclusion. In collaboration with the Binae Education Foundation, PinkDetect conducted Karachi’s first-ever breast cancer awareness workshop for visually impaired women, adapting educational tools to ensure no community remains invisible.

Between innovation and reality

As PinkDetect scales, expanding partnerships across Sindh and Punjab, developing a discreet WhatsApp based chatbot, and introducing tools to help women differentiate between normal lactation-related pain and potential cancer symptoms—it stands at a critical intersection.

The initiative demonstrates what becomes possible when artificial intelligence listens before it intervenes, adapts to lived realities, and works alongside communities rather than above them. At the same time, it exposes the limits of innovation within a healthcare system constrained by fragile infrastructure and persistent stigma.

According to Suha, the mindset around breast cancer awareness in Pakistan is gradually changing.

“Reaching 50,000 women wouldn’t have been possible without the gradual shift in awareness” Suha said. “They start asking questions, seeking to learn more. During one of our camps one woman approached me and said ‘I live nearby, I’ll bring my daughter and sister too.’ It is inspiring to see how open women are becoming to seeking knowledge.”

That moment, she explained, marked a shift.

“That’s when I realised we weren’t just reaching individuals, we were creating a ripple effect, where knowledge was being passed from one generation of women to the next.”

Woman behind the work

Suha has a rare ability to translate complex community health challenges into actionable, tech-based solutions without losing sight of the human stories beneath the data.

She has positioned the initiative as more than a startup. It is a catalyst, reshaping how breast health is understood, discussed, and acted upon in Pakistan.

What PinkDetect ultimately offers is not a silver bullet, but a framework: one where innovation is rooted in empathy, technology is guided by ethics, and early detection becomes not a privilege, but a possibility.

The health department said this in an alert on Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal region of India.

“Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic virus that causes severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. While Pakistan has not yet reported a human case, a significant situation is emerging in South Asia.

“As of January 2026, an outbreak has been confirmed in West Bengal, India, where at least five confirmed cases have been reported, including healthcare workers in Kolkata. Due to its high case fatality rate ranging from 40% to 75% and the potential for human-to-human transmission, health authorities are placing the region on high alert,” it said, alerting all health departments.

In a letter, the Sindh health department urged Border Health Services (BHS) to take precautionary measures to stop spillover of the virus into Pakistan.

The department asked it to provide a unified framework for isolation, sample transportation, and infection control across all healthcare settings.

It also asked healthcare providers to educate the public and healthcare workers on transmission routes (zoonotic and human-to-human) to prevent localised outbreaks, in a bid to mitigate risk.

The health department also asked to ensure Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs) are in a state of active readiness.

Nipah virus

Nipah virus belongs to the genus Henipavirus of the Paramyxoviridae family. It is listed on the WHO R&D Blueprint as a priority disease with epidemic potential.

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting, and sore throat. This can progress to severe encephalitis characterised by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and seizures, leading to coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Incubation period typically lasts four to 14 days, though periods as long as 45 days have also been documented.

Nipah virus is primarily transmitted to humans through: Consumption of fruits or fruit products (such as raw date palm sap) contaminated with the saliva or urine of infected fruit bats; handling infected animals, mainly fruit bats (genus Pteropus) or infected pigs and close, unprotected contact with the secretions or body fluids of an infected human being, frequently occurring in healthcare settings.

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or licensed vaccine available for Nipah virus infection. Management remains primarily supportive and focuses on symptomatic treatment, including management of fever, respiratory distress, and neurological complications. Severely ill patients often require hospitalisation and may need intensive care support, including mechanical ventilation. The clinical effectiveness of ribavirin remains inconclusive and it is not routinely recommended.

The situation is being monitored closely in coordination with WHO and NIH-PHEOC is currently on watch mode and monitoring the situation vigilantly. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the risk of further spread of Nipah infection from the Indian cases is low, adding that there is no evidence yet of increased human-human transmission.

Novo Nordisk Pakistan marked a significant milestone in its commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in Pakistan by leading a delegation of key stakeholders to Copenhagen, Denmark. The delegation included representatives from government bodies, healthcare associations and policy decision-making forums.

The Knowledge Exchange initiative was a pioneering effort, reflecting Novo Nordisk’s commitment to working alongside healthcare professionals to drive meaningful and lasting improvements to people living with serious chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

The program provided participants exposure to Denmark’s advanced healthcare ecosystem, allowing the delegation to witness and explore innovative approaches for tackling diabetes and obesity, with an emphasis on early interventions and improved patient care. The visitors engaged in dialogue centred on practical pathways to localize these learning, enabling their adaptation to Pakistan’s unique healthcare needs to drive better patient outcomes and support system-level reforms.

Rashid Rafique Butt, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pakistan, emphasizing the urgent need for action said: “Diabetes and obesity are among the fastest-growing health challenges in the country, and healthcare professionals are central to addressing them. Through this collaboration, we aimed to empower healthcare professionals with insights and tools to elevate standards of care, secure long-term health, and create healthier communities. This initiative underscores our enduring commitment and confidence to driving change in Pakistan through innovation and sustainable solutions that support the country’s healthcare system and shape its future.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Despite Sindh province being home to the mega port city of Karachi, the financial centre of the country that sprawls along the Arabian coastline, children in rural areas just a few hours away face stark levels of wasting and stunting.

In the arid village of Sujawal, lethargic children with prominent bones wilt in the searing heat as social workers educate mothers on nutrient-rich ingredients and dispel myths around food.

“Before, we only gave our children potatoes because they were always available at home,” said Shahnaz, 25, who has radically changed the diet of her six children, weak and frequently sick, after a year of classes.

Now, convinced that children should eat a varied diet, she has introduced affordable ingredients such as lentils and semolina into her cooking, lifting her daughter out of malnutrition.

In impoverished rural Sindh province, 48 percent of children under five suffer from malnutrition and 20 percent from its most severe form, wasting, according to the latest national survey on the issue conducted in 2018.

In this class, Azma, a social worker, shows mothers how to cook with semolina — easily available in the market.

“Semolina is cheap — for 50 rupees it can last a week if you’re feeding one to two spoonfuls daily to a six-month-old child,” she explained to AFP.

In Sindh, a province of 55 million people where contraception remains taboo and large families are the norm, 3,500 mothers have benefited from cooking classes developed by UNICEF.

Like many mothers in the area, Kulsoom, 23 and pregnant with her sixth child, all born prematurely and underweight, once only fed her children pieces of fried flatbread.

“One of my children died, and my youngest is extremely weak, so I was advised to take these classes,” said Kulsoom, who goes by only one name, like most women in her district.

Parents are recommended to feed babies solid foods from about six months old, but in rural Sindh this often means adult leftovers, too spicy for young stomachs.

“The main problem is the lack of dietary diversity,” says Mazhar Iqbal, a nutritionist for UNICEF.

In Pakistan, 38 percent of children eat only two or fewer of the eight food categories recommended by UNICEF.

Meat is saved for special occasions, yet inexpensive protein alternatives exist such as chicken offal, boiled bones, lentils and beans.

As for fruit and vegetables, they are usually fried, losing their nutrients.

Bakhtawar Kareem joined the programme after her child died of anaemia. “I have no money. Sometimes we eat, sometimes we don’t,” she lamented, scanning the swollen belly of her one-year-old daughter, who has only sparse clumps of hair.

Like 72 percent of children in the village, her daughter has stunting, well above the average rate in Pakistan of 42 percent — one of the highest in the world.

Stunting is most closely associated with brain development and physical growth, and can have long-term physical and mental impacts.

Vulnerable to a lack of clean water and sanitation which contributes to malnutrition, children often also suffer from dengue fever or malaria, from vomiting, diarrhoea, or difficulty urinating, and have abnormally swollen bellies.

But the vicious cycle of malnutrition begins with the mothers.

“With early marriages and repeated pregnancies, more than 45 percent of women in Sindh are anaemic,” said the nutritionist.—AFP

Experts also revealed that 50 percent of adults are hypertensive, and one in three is diabetic, conditions directly linked to weight gain and inactivity.

At a health awareness camp organized by the Karachi Press Club (KPC) in collaboration with Getz Pharma, specialists from Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) warned that obesity is now killing Pakistani men at younger ages, causing infertility in women, and setting children on a path toward chronic disease.

Most troubling, they said that the majority of people remain unaware of these risks and continue to lead dangerously inactive lifestyles.

“We are raising a generation that is both obese and malnourished,” said Dr. Asma Ahmed, endocrinologist at AKUH, citing national data that shows 35 percent of women and 28 percent of children in Pakistan are obese. “Obesity is not a cosmetic issue—it’s a chronic disease that leads directly to hypertension, diabetes, infertility, and organ failure,” she warned. She pointed out that excessive screen time, junk food, and irregular routines are among the main reasons for this surge in obesity among children. “Many people don’t even know they are hypertensive, and unchecked blood pressure is silently damaging their kidneys, hearts, and brains,” Dr. Asma added.

She urged families to prioritize home-cooked, nutritious meals and reduce their intake of processed and fast food. “Sleeping late, lack of physical activity, and poor diet are pushing the nation toward a health disaster,” she said.

Dr. Nazish Butt, Head of Gastroenterology at JPMC, echoed these concerns, noting that obesity is now a leading cause of diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, and heart attacks in the country. “People have simply stopped exercising. In Karachi, we’re seeing particularly high obesity rates among women and children due to sedentary habits and increased consumption of frozen and junk foods,” she said, calling for urgent community-level lifestyle reforms.

Dr. Wajiha Javed, Public Health Expert at Getz Pharma, shared findings from the Pak Sehat baseline demographic survey—the first mini-Framingham study and bio bank of the South Asian population—which found that over 80 percent of women and 70 percent of men in Pakistan are obese. “Fifty percent of adults also suffer from hypertension, and one in every three is diabetic,” she said. To address these alarming trends, she announced a three-year national initiative titled PREACH, launched by Getz Pharma, aimed at early detection, disease awareness, and referral pathways through private community health workers. Dr. Wajiha also mentioned the availability of semaglutide and tirzepatide—newer medications now available in Pakistan for patients with a BMI above 30, or above 27 with weight-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension. “Under our Med One umbrella, we’re partnering with healthcare stakeholders to promote screening and public awareness about metabolic disorders,” she added.

The screening camp at KPC provided free consultations for journalists and their families, many of whom were tested for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

The event was attended by KPC Joint Secretary Muhammad Munsif, Health Committee Secretary Hamid-ur-Rehman, and Getz Pharma representatives including Mikail Soomro, Agha Sadiq, and Head of Public Health Kashif Amin.

On the occasion, experts called for national-level public health campaigns, better food education, physical activity in schools and workplaces, and recognition of obesity as a serious chronic disease rather than a mere lifestyle issue.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Addressing an international conference jointly organised by the PCOS, Adolescent and Reproductive Health Society of Pakistan, the Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Society in collaboration with local firm PharmEvo, the health experts said that PCOS making them ineligible to conceive after marriage and worsening the country’s infertility crisis.

The conference brought together leading gynaecologists, endocrinologists, and global maternal health experts, who expressed deep concern over the alarmingly high prevalence of PCOS in Pakistan, far above the global average of 4 to 18 percent. The reasons, they said, include a combination of genetic predisposition due to cousin marriages, growing obesity among women, lack of physical activity, and widespread ignorance about menstrual and reproductive health.

Prof Dr Rizwana Chaudhry said the PCOS burden in Pakistan is unlike anything seen in other parts of the world, and most women do not even realise they have it until it severely impacts their reproductive health.

“We are seeing a silent health emergency — women unable to conceive, suffering from miscarriages, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disorders, all rooted in undiagnosed PCOS,” she noted.

Dr Ghazala Mahmood emphasised that the disease often remains hidden due to cultural stigma and lack of awareness. “Girls are never educated about irregular periods or facial hair being red flags. These symptoms are ignored until the damage becomes irreversible,” she said, calling for early screening programs in schools and colleges to prevent long-term complications.

Dr Hani W Fawzi, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at South Tyneside NHS, UK, called PCOS a “wicked problem” — one so complex that no single specialty could tackle it alone. “This is not just a gynaecological disorder. It demands a multidisciplinary approach involving gynaecologists, endocrinologists, dieticians, psychologists, and public health experts,” he said.

“We must reach the undiagnosed population through awareness and community-based outreach. Without diagnosis, there can be no care.”

Dr Fawzi also called for focused research into why PCOS is so rampant in Pakistan, saying cultural, genetic, and environmental factors need to be systematically studied to formulate a national response.

Experts including Dr Saima Zubair, Dr Shamsa Rizwan, Brigadier Dr Mamoona Mushtaq, Dr Nabia Tariq, Dr Nosheel, and Dr Shumaila Tanveer were also part of the expert panel, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise PCOS on the national health agenda.

Brigadier Dr Mamoona Mushtaq urged that “greater importance must be given to PCOS, as it is silently destroying women’s reproductive and overall health.” She said that myths and stigma around periods and fertility were major barriers to care.

Dr Nabia Tariq echoed the call for massive awareness campaigns.

“Women need to be empowered with the right knowledge about PCOS from a young age. Only then can we hope to reduce the burden of infertility,” she added.

Dr Saima Zubair said technology would play a key role in early detection and patient support in the future.

“Artificial intelligence will soon be used to screen for PCOS, and a dedicated chatbot will be launched by September to help women self-assess and connect with specialists,” she said, adding that early diagnosis and treatment could restore hormonal balance and fertility in many cases.

Nabeel Akhtar, Business Unit Head at PharmEvo, said that PCOS has silently evolved into one of the most neglected yet common health conditions affecting Pakistani women.

“We must break the silence around PCOS by creating nationwide awareness and helping women recognise early signs before it’s too late,” he said.

He added that PharmEvo’s goal is to play a proactive role in helping identify the millions of undiagnosed women living with PCOS across the country.

“It’s not just about treatment, it’s about awareness, screening, and empowering women to take charge of their health,” Akhtar noted.

The speakers concluded with a joint appeal to health authorities to integrate PCOS education, screening, and counselling into national health programmes to protect future generations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Like the fasting, worship, sehri and iftar of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr also has its own pleasure, therefore, while celebrating Eid, people should eat in moderation. Especially, people suffering from diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease and joint pain should take special care of their diet, they said.

During Ramadan, all human organs get healing and rest but after fasting for a month, some people eat a lot in one day and fall into a state of health, they opined. Nervous diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and many stomach diseases are caused by eating too much. Therefore, excessive food should be avoided for good health, experts said.

Health professionals including Prof. of Medicine Mayo Hospital Dr. Israr ul Haq Toor, Assistant Professor of Medicine Unit 3 Lahore General Hospital Dr. Muhammad Maqsood and Consultant Gynecologist Dr. Laila Shafiq said that if fast food and soft drinks are avoided and walk is made a regular practice, we can stay safe from many diseases and complications. They said that most people neglect their health during Eid days which resulted in health issues. They said that foods harmful to health include unhealthy fats, salt, sugar, artificial canned juices and fast foods, etc.

They highlighted that sweet pulses/peanuts are harmful for diabetics, heart diseases patients and obese people because the use of sugar and ghee in these diseases is not suitable for health. Such patients should be fed with almonds cooked in milk without artificial sweeteners and additives.

Since milk is high in calcium and phosphorus, kidney patients should not consume it in more than half a cup. Furthermore, it is necessary to completely avoid the use of raisins and dates. It is better for kidney patients to fry almonds in a very small amount of olive or canola oil, they said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

The small study comes as researchers have increasingly been finding small shards of plastic called microplastics throughout the world, from the tops of mountains to the bottom of the ocean — and even in the air we breathe.

They have also discovered microplastics riddled throughout human bodies — including inside our lungs, blood and brains — sparking fears about the potential effect this could be having on health.

“I don’t want to alarm people,” Sanjay Mohanty, the lead researcher behind the new study which has not yet been peer-reviewed, told AFP.

There is no evidence directly showing that microplastics are harmful to human health, said Mohanty of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

The pilot study instead sought to illustrate yet another little-researched way that these mostly invisible plastic pieces enter our bodies — chewing gum.

Lisa Lowe, a PhD student at UCLA, chewed seven pieces each of 10 brands of gum, before the researchers then ran a chemical analysis on her saliva.

They found that a gram (0.04 ounces) of gum released an average of 100 microplastic fragments, though some shed more than 600. The average weight of a stick of gum is around 1.5 grams.

People who chew around 180 pieces of gum a year could be ingesting roughly 30,000 microplastics, the researchers said.

This pales in comparison to the many other ways that humans ingest microplastics, Mohanty emphasised.

For example, other researchers estimated last year that a litre (34 fluid ounces) of water in a plastic bottle contained an average of 240,000 microplastics.

‘Tyres, plastic bags and bottles’

The most common chewing gum sold in supermarkets is called synthetic gum, which contains petroleum-based polymers to get that chewy effect, the researchers said.

However packaging does not list any plastics in the ingredients, simply using the words “gum-based”.

“Nobody will tell you the ingredients,” Mohanty said.

The researchers tested five brands of synthetic gum and five of natural gum, which use plant-based polymers such as tree sap.

“It was surprising that we found microplastics were abundant in both,” Lowe told AFP.

David Jones, a researcher at the UK’s University of Portsmouth not involved in the study, said he was surprised the researchers found certain plastics not known to be in gum, suggesting they could have come from another source in the lab.

But the overall findings were “not at all surprising”, he told AFP.

People tend to “freak out a little bit” when told that the building blocks of chewing gum were similar to what is found “in car tyres, plastic bags and bottles”, Jones said.

Oliver Jones, a chemistry professor at Australia’s RMIT University, said that if the relatively small number of microplastics were swallowed, they “would likely pass straight through you with no impact”.

“I don’t think you have to stop chewing gum just yet.”

Lowe also warned about the plastic pollution from chewing gum — particularly when people “spit it out onto the sidewalk”.

The National Confectioners Association, which represents chewing gum manufacturers in the United States, said in a statement that the study’s authors had admitted “there is no cause for alarm”.

“Gum is safe to enjoy as it has been for more than 100 years,” it said, adding that the ingredients were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney disorders has reached an alarming level in Pakistan.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 60per cent of all deaths in Pakistan, with diabetes alone affecting over 33 million Pakistanis. Research indicates that excessive sugar intake, primarily from sugary drinks, is a leading cause of chronic kidney diseases.

According to reports, in Pakistan, a prevalence of chronic kidney diseases ranging from 12.5 percent to 29.9 percent.

According to the latest WHO data published in 2020, kidney diseases deaths in Pakistan reached 56,796. In a press conference held on Thursday PANAH urged the government to take decisive action by imposing higher taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to safeguard public health. The conference was attended by health professional, civil society, media and youth.

Dr Shehzad, Vice President Kidney Patient Welfare Association has emphasised that “Kidney diseases are on the rise in Pakistan, with thousands of patients requiring dialysis annually. The excessive consumption of sugary drinks significantly increases the risk of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. 12.86 million Pakistanis above 30 years of age having some degree of renal impairment.”

General Secretary PANAH, Sana Ullah Ghumman has said that According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 60per cent of all deaths in Pakistan. Major cause of Kidney diseases and NCDs is consumption of sugary drinks. The health burden of NCDs is not only costing lives but also draining Pakistan’s economy. According to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Pakistan spends more than 2.6 billion dollars annually on healthcare expenditures related to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney and other NCDs.

He added that to control NCDs a stronger taxation policy on sugary drinks can be a triple win for government, it generate revenue, reduce health burden and no spending of government on NCDs. PANAH’s General Secretary, Sanaullah Ghumman, stated, “Imposing higher taxes on sugary drinks is a proven strategy to reduce consumption and protect public health. We urge the government to increase the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on SSBs to at least 50 percent, as recommended by health experts, to deter excessive sugar intake.”

Other speakers urge policymakers, health professionals, and civil society to support this higher tax policy step for a healthier Pakistan and to control NCDs in the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

The prevalence of overweight among the children under 5 has almost doubled from 2011 to 2018. The obesity and overweight increased in women of reproductive age from 28 percent to 38 percent in five years.

Ultra-processed products often high in sugar, salt or trans-fats are among the major contributors to obesity and many other NCDs. The government must take immediate policy actions to reduce the obesity and NCDs in Pakistan.

This was said in a symposium on world obesity day organized by Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) here on Tuesday, which brought together experts, health professionals, policy makers, civil society and media.

Speakers delved into policies aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed products with a special focus on higher taxes and enactment of FOPWLs on products high in nutrients of concern like salt, sugar, fats, or having any amount of non-sugar sweeteners.

Taxing ultra-processed foods is a triple win for government as it reduces the obesity and other risk factors of NCDs generate additional revenue, and policy has low or no cost for the government.

The speakers urged the Ministry of Finance of Pakistan and the International Monitory Fund as well to increased FED on unhealthy foods instead of fuel, energy and salaried class. In addition, the revenue collected from taxes must be earmarked for public health and nutrition programmes.

Speakers also stressed adopting the holistic policy approach including regulating trans-fats in all foods, marketing restrictions and imposing Front of Pack Warning Labels and on ultra-processed products. They said that enactment of FOPWLs will empower consumers to adopt healthier food choices.

Dr Saba Amjad from Heartfile delivered a keynote address shedding light on modifiable risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases and obesity. He said that overweight and obesity are the key modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular and many other fatal NCDs.

High Body Mass Index (BMI) contributes considerably to NCDs. Unhealthy diets are among the major contributors to obesity. Government shall take immediate policy measures to reduce the risk of obesity in Pakistan. He stressed the need for higher taxes on ultra-processed foods and enactment of Front of Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) to reduce their consumption.

Sanaullah Ghumman briefed the participants about PANAHs campaign on the reduction of the consumption of ultra-processed foods. He said that PANAH is not only working to raise awareness of general public on health harms of ultra-processed foods but also working with policy makers for formulation of effective policies to reduce their consumption.

He said that “while Pakistan government is taking several measures to stabilize economy, increasing tax on sugary drinks and taxing other ultra-processed food products is an evidence based and sensible strategy to not only reduce the diseases burden, but also generate significant revenue for the country”.

Other speakers underscored the urgent need for decisive action to combat the escalating burden of NCDs in Pakistan. They emphasised the importance of a transparent, integrity-driven policy-making process, free from corporate interference, ensuring that no entity with vested interests influences public health and nutrition policies. Civil society leaders urged the government to place public health at the forefront of decision-making.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

In an exclusive interview with a private news channel, renowned haematologist Dr Saqib Ansari painted a grim picture, revealing that a staggering 28 lakh new patients are diagnosed with anaemia every year, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat this escalating public health crisis.

Dr Ansari further emphasized the alarming rise of anaemia among Pakistani youth, particularly adolescent girls, stressing that timely diagnosis and treatment were crucial in preventing long-term complications and urged parents and caregivers to prioritize nutritious diets rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to safeguard their children health.

Dr Ansari also cautioned that anaemia was not only debilitating but also had severe socio-economic implications, as it compromised cognitive function, impaired academic performance and reduced productivity, ultimately perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality and appealed to policymakers to integrate anaemia prevention and control strategies into national health agendas.

Dr Ansari further recommended that incorporating dates (khajoor) and red meat into one’s diet could significantly help combat anaemia, citing the high iron content in these foods as a natural remedy to boost haemoglobin levels and alleviate symptoms of fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath associated with anaemia.

Lahore – a city of 14 million people stuffed with factories on the border with India – regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, but it has hit record levels this month.

Schools have closed in the main cities of Punjab province, of which Lahore is the capital, until November 17 in a bid to lower children’s exposure to pollution, especially during the morning commute when it is often at its highest.

Punjab shuts public spaces in smog-hit cities

“The children are constantly coughing, they have constant allergies. In schools we saw that most of the children were falling sick,” said Rafia Iqbal a 38-year-old primary school teacher in the city that borders India.

Her husband Muhammad Safdar, a 41-year-old advertising professional, said the level of pollution “is making daily living impossible”.

“We cannot move around, we cannot go outside, we can do nothing at all,” he told AFP.

According to the International Air Quality Index Scale, an index value of 300 or higher results is “hazardous” to health and Pakistan has regularly tipped over 1,000 on the scale.

In Multan, another city of several million people some 350 kilometres away, the AQI level passed 2,000 last week – a staggering height never seen before by incredulous residents.

Access to parks, zoos, playgrounds, historic monuments, museums and recreational areas will be banned until November 17 and tuk-tuks with polluting two-stroke engines, along with restaurants that operate barbecues without filters have been banned in Lahore “hot-spots”.

Air purifiers are a luxury for most families, with the cheapest priced at around $90, with the added cost of replacing filters every few months in such extreme pollution.

Safdar and Iqbal do not have air purifiers and instead try to contain their children to one room.

“Preventive measures should have been taken. It’s a yearly occurrence,” Safdar said of the government.

Schools in Punjab closed till Nov 17 as smog chokes province

“Obviously there is something missing in their solution.”

Cloud of poison

A mix of low-grade fuel emissions from factories and vehicles, exacerbated by agricultural stubble burning, blanket the city each winter, trapped by cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds.

The WHO says that air pollution can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

It is particularly punishing for children and babies, and the elderly.

Last year, the Punjab government tested artificial rain to try to overcome the smog, and this year, trucks with water cannons sprayed the streets – with no results.

Special smog counters to triage patients have been established at clinics across the province, with 900 people admitted to hospital in Lahore alone on Tuesday.

Doctor Qurat ul Ain, a hospital doctor for 15 years, witnesses the damage from an emergency rooms in Lahore.

“This year smog is much more than previous years and the number of patients suffering from its effects is greater too,” she told AFP.

“We tell people not to go out and otherwise to wear a mask. We tell them not to touch their eyes with their hands, especially children,” she adds.

Pakistan, India should unite against smog: CM Maryam

For days the concentration of polluting micro-particles PM2.5 in Punjab has been dozens of times higher than that deemed tolerable by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Doctor Alia Haider, also a climate activist, is calling for awareness campaigns for patients who often do not know the dangers of smog.

Children from poor neighbourhoods, she said, are the first victims because they live all year round with pollutants of different types.

“We are stuck in our own poison,” she said. It’s like a cloud of gas over the city.“

To mark World Heart Day, an awareness program was held Thursday at the Karachi Press Club, aimed at educating the public on the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of heart diseases.

The event brought together renowned local and international heart experts, physicians, government officials, and local organizations. The key focus was on addressing the causes of rising heart disease rates, which include sedentary lifestyles, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and poor diet.

Experts emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing heart disease. Recommendations included 30 minutes of daily exercise, stress management, quitting smoking, reducing junk food intake, adding green vegetables to the diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Rashid Saeed, Associate Director of the Searle Pakistan Ltd, highlighted the significance of raising awareness about heart disease, calling it both a social responsibility and a service to Pakistan. He also reiterated Searle’s commitment to providing high-quality medicines and supporting such initiatives in line with its corporate social responsibility.

Prominent participants at the event included Prof. Tariq Ashraf (National Medical Centre), Prof. Nawaz Lashari (Civil Hospital Karachi), Prof. Tariq Farman (DOW University of Health Sciences), and Associate Professor Faisal Ahmed (Liaquat National Hospital). The conference underscored the need for collective efforts to combat heart disease and promote heart health across the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Addressing an awareness event at the Arts Council of Karachi, Prof Tahir Sagheer, Executive Director of NICVD, expressed concern over the growing number of heart attack patients in this younger demographic.

“The rise in heart attacks among younger individuals is alarming. A lack of physical activity and poor dietary habits are key contributors to these early cardiac events,” he said, emphasizing the urgent need for lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular disease.

The event, organized by NICVD in collaboration with Discovering Hypertension and the Arts Council, featured a thematic theatre performance designed to promote heart health awareness. The performance, attended by hundreds of school students, highlighted the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle—focusing on regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding habits that can lead to serious health complications.

Prof Khawar Kazmi, Head of Preventive Cardiology at NICVD, stressed the need to educate children and adolescents on the dangers of an unhealthy lifestyle. “Physical inactivity and poor diet are leading to early onset diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease,” he warned. Prof Kazmi urged for immediate action to reverse these trends and called on schools and communities to actively promote healthier habits among children to prevent long-term health issues.

He emphasised that prevention must begin early.

“We need to make children aware of these risks now, so they can make informed choices and lead healthier lives,” he added.

The awareness event served as a platform to engage the younger generation as future ambassadors for heart health, with experts hoping this early intervention will reduce the growing number of heart disease cases among Pakistan’s youth.

Haroon Qasim, Managing Director of a local pharmaceutical company PharmEvo involved in the campaign, stated that contributing to public health through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives is crucial.

“Engaging children and students is key to ensuring a healthy future,” he said.

Syed Jamshed Ahmed of Discovering Hypertension echoed this sentiment, highlighting the economic challenges Pakistan faces.

“Our goal is to reach every school-going student to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of smoking, vaping, and unhealthy diets on their health,” he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

The program reached an impressive 8.5 million people across Pakistan in 2023, of them, 948,103 individuals were tracked for further assessment, leading to 452,170 people receiving crucial healthcare services and support to avoid severe complications, including amputations.

Additionally, the initiative provided direct services to 344,674 individuals, offering vital assistance in managing their diabetes or reducing their risk of developing the condition. These efforts underscore the significant impact of the initiative, which has become a cornerstone of diabetes awareness and care in Pakistan, project officials said on Friday.

“Discovering Diabetes is a pioneering project in the nation’s healthcare landscape, focusing on early detection, patient education, and continuous support for those living with or at risk of diabetes,” said Abdus Samad, Project Manager of Discovering Diabetes, while speaking to the media in Karachi. “The initiative employs a multi-faceted approach, using both digital platforms and on-ground activities to ensure widespread outreach and engagement.”

Samad explained that their strategy includes social media campaigns, online and on-site risk assessments, support from diabetes educators, and a toll-free hotline and chatbot for round-the-clock assistance. “By employing these diverse channels, Discovering Diabetes has effectively reached and served a large portion of the population, raising awareness about the dangers of diabetes and the importance of early intervention,” he added.

A critical component of the initiative is the support provided by trained diabetes educators, who offer personalized guidance to individuals diagnosed with or at risk of diabetes. These educators play a vital role in empowering patients by helping them understand their condition, manage their diet and lifestyle, and adhere to prescribed treatments.

“This hands-on approach ensures that patients are not only aware of their health status but are also equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their condition effectively,” Samad noted.

The Discovering Diabetes initiative also leverages technology to enhance its reach and effectiveness. Through online risk assessments, individuals can quickly determine their likelihood of developing diabetes, allowing for prompt follow-up and intervention.

“We have a toll-free hotline (0800-66766) and a chatbot, which further extend the initiative’s reach, providing immediate support to individuals seeking advice or information. This comprehensive approach has set a new standard for healthcare initiatives in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of accessible, patient-centred care,” Samad stated.

The driving force behind this initiative is PharmEvo, a leading pharmaceutical company in Pakistan known for its commitment to social responsibility. “By launching Discovering Diabetes, PharmEvo aims to make a meaningful contribution to public health by addressing the alarming rise in diabetes cases across the country,” Samad said.

“The initiative reflects PharmEvo’s broader mission to promote health and wellness through innovative and impactful healthcare solutions. By prioritizing patient education and proactive care, the company not only raises awareness about diabetes but also actively works to reduce its prevalence and improve the quality of life for those affected,” he added.

Pakistan faces a significant public health challenge, with diabetes affecting over 33 million adults, according to recent reports. The prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan is alarmingly high, with approximately one in four adults suffering from the condition.

The situation is particularly concerning among young people, with increasing numbers being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity. The impact on the younger population is severe, leading to long-term health complications and a decrease in quality of life.

Discovering Diabetes aims to serve as a model for other healthcare initiatives, demonstrating the positive impact that corporate social responsibility can have on public health. By reaching millions of people and providing essential services free of charge, the initiative showcases the potential for private sector involvement in addressing critical health challenges.

The success of Discovering Diabetes is a testament to PharmEvo’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of the Pakistani population, setting a benchmark for future healthcare projects in the country.

“As diabetes continues to pose a significant health threat in Pakistan, initiatives like Discovering Diabetes are crucial. They highlight the importance of early detection, patient education, and continuous support in managing chronic health conditions. By leading the way in diabetes care and awareness, PharmEvo is paving the way for a healthier future for Pakistan, demonstrating that proactive healthcare initiatives can make a substantial difference in the fight against widespread health issues,” Samad concluded.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Events at the Paris Games have been lined with advertising for the ubiquitous fizzy drinks of Coca-Cola, which has been sponsoring the Olympics since 1928.

But these sugary drinks “offer little or no nutritional value” and promoting such unhealthy products has no place in sport, according to Trish Cotter and Sandra Mullin of global health group Vital Strategies.

Sugary drinks are a “key driver” of a range of serious health problems affecting people across the world, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, the pair wrote in a commentary in the journal BMJ Global Health.

LVMH strikes Paris Olympic Games sponsorship deal

Coca-Cola’s products also contribute to global plastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and use up a huge amount of water, they added.

“By continuing its association with Coca-Cola, the Olympic movement risks being complicit in intensifying a global epidemic of poor nutrition, environmental degradation and climate change,” the authors wrote.

“It’s time for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to cut ties with Coca-Cola in the interest of athletes, spectators and the planet.” Coca-Cola did not respond to a request for comment.

In 2020, the US food and drink giant signed a joint deal worth a reported $3 billion to extend its sponsorship of the Olympics.

The partnership will last until at least 2032.

Cotter and Mullin noted that last year Coca-Cola had more sports sponsorships than any other brand, including sportswear companies such as Nike.

“This strategy culminates in a gold medal opportunity to ‘sportswash’ an unhealthy product,” they wrote.

The World Health Organization has called for countries to tax sugar-sweetened beverages.

A petition launched ahead of the Games called “Kick Big Soda Out of Sport” has more than 109,000 signatures, and been backed by a range of public health organisations including the World Obesity Federation.

More than 31 percent of adults – 1.8 billion people – did not get the recommended amount of physical exercise in 2022, an increase of five percentage points from 2010, according to a study by the World Health Organization and other researchers.

“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, contributing significantly to the burden of chronic diseases,” said Ruediger Krech, director of the WHO’s health promotion department.

“Unfortunately the world is not going in the right direction,” he told an online press conference.

To be healthy, the WHO recommends all adults spend at least 150 minutes every week doing moderate-intensity physical activity – which can include walking, cycling or even household chores – or at least 75 minutes of more vigorous exercise, such as running or competing in sport.

A combination of the two will also get people over the line.

Not getting this level of exercise increases the risk of people developing heart disease, diabetes, some cancers as well as mental health problems, Krech said.

If current trends continue, adult inactivity levels are projected to rise to 35 percent by 2030, according to the study in The Lancet Global Health.

This would fall far short of the WHO’s goal of reducing physical inactivity by 15 percent by the end of the decade.

Fiona Bull, head of the WHO’s physical activity unit, said the research was “a wake-up call that we’re not doing enough”.

‘Every step counts’

Inactivity rates varied widely between countries. For example, 66 percent of adults do not get enough physical activity in the United Arab Emirates, while the figure was under three percent in Malawi.

There was also a gender gap. Nearly 34 percent of women worldwide do not reach the activity threshold, compared to 29 percent of men.

There are “multiple causes” for activity rates declining overall, including that people are walking less, working at computers more and generally spending more leisure time looking at screens, Bull said.

During a busy few months of world sport which includes the Olympics and the European and Copa America football championships, Krech reminded people that “watching sports does not equal being physically active”.

“Don’t just sit on (your) chairs, get up and be active – every step counts,” he said.

The WHO emphasised that changing individual behaviour is not enough, calling on countries to promote physical activity by boosting community sport as well as walking, cycling and public transport.

For the study, billed as the most comprehensive to look at the subject yet, an international team of researchers combined the findings from more than 500 studies involving 5.7 million people across 163 countries and territories.

It was not all bad news.

Almost half of the countries had made progress over the last decade, and 22 are on track to reach the 2030 target – as long as they keep moving in the right direction.

The exercises in occupied-Srinagar, capital of IIOJK, marked the 10th international yoga day, Modi’s own brainchild.

But while yoga is not itself a religious practice, it has its origins in Hindu philosophy and many residents of IIOJK are indifferent to the discipline.

Thousands of government employees, schoolteachers and students from all over IIOJK were brought in for the event, although rain forced Modi’s performance indoors.

Afterwards, he urged hundreds of people including many police and armed forces personnel on the shores of Dal Lake to make yoga “a part of their daily lives”.

“Yoga fosters strength, good health and wellness,” he said.

Modi calls for ‘one earth, one family, one future’ at U.N. yoga event

But one occupied Srinagar resident saw the event as a cultural intrusion.

“This yoga is being imposed on our children to culturally change the next generations and control their minds,” they told AFP, declining to be identified for fear of reprisal.

“It’s an imposition on us.”

Kashmiri freedom fighters have waged an insurgency since 1989, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Tens of thousands of people have died, and violence has been largely suppressed since Modi removed the region’s limited autonomy in 2019 and imposed a security crackdown.

But his visit came after a series of attacks by Kashmiris opposed to Indian rule, including one that left 10 Hindu pilgrims dead.

IIOJK has been transformed, Modi claims on first visit in five years

June 21 was declared International Yoga Day a decade ago and Modi has since led events at emblematic locations across India, and last year at the UN headquarters in New York.

“I get stressed out quite easily, so I have to work a lot to stay calm,” she said in an interview.

“Being in the public eye is like an extra layer of stressor that luckily most people don’t have to experience because it can be very wearing, but I think I’ve had a lot of maturity and development around not really engaging with those projections.”

Paltrow’s latest collaboration with meditation app Moments of Space is part of that self-love journey, the 51-year-old said.

“At this point in my life I really know who I am. I’m friends with myself and I don’t spend any time thinking about what other people think about me because I don’t find it beneficial. So, anything I can do to kind of strengthen my relationship with myself is really valuable to me.”

The artificial intelligence-powered app focuses on an eyes-open approach to meditation, allowing users to engage with the world while meditating.

Paltrow, who runs the lifestyle and wellness company Goop, was drawn to the project because she felt it was missing from her brand.

“I suppose what I really liked about it was I never knew that there was such a thing as eyes-open meditation,” she said. “I knew that when I took a walk through the woods by myself, I felt I could go into a kind of meditative state but I didn’t know that there was an actual practice you could do along with it.”

“I’m doing it right now and I’m still able to formulate thoughts and talk to you but I’m able to sort of tap into this reservoir of calm,” she said, demonstrating the practice during the interview.

Paltrow has not acted in nearly four years. Is she on a hiatus or has she retired from Hollywood?

“I definitely could not pursue it right now, my day job is just way too all-encompassing,” she said.

“I couldn’t, not with my job here at the company, but I think I’ve learned at this point to never say never.”

While the exchange rate has helped, local brands are now competing with their international counterparts, matching it pigment for pigment. Consumer demand has resulted in existing textile and retail brands branching out into beauty, as well as make room for new ones to enter the beauty market.

Local in focus: 5 fragrance brands on our radar

Here is a selection of some products readily available:

ZERO Makeup

Beauty and hair maven Nabila Maqsood has launched a series of unisex products under her label, ZERO Makeup, with a focus on minimalist beauty.

Beginning with the popular Face Perfecting Palette, launched a few years ago, the brand has since grown to include a Blurring Pen for both men and women, a foundation line and eyeliner/mascara duo.

The Instagram page, boasting nearly 200,000 followers, often feature makeup masterclasses by Nabila herself, for those looking to further understand how to use the products.

The product line ranges from Rs2,900-8,900.

Zhoosh Makeup

Begun in 2016 by a fashion consultant, Rabia Umair Abid, the brand has since grown to offer cream and liquid lipsticks, cream blushes, eyelashes and more.

The brand, boasting over 100,000 Instagram followers, became more popular during Covid, as it began offering dupes for Huda Beauty and Kylie Cosmetics with its long-lasting lip formulas.

The product line ranges from Rs450-4,950.

Local in focus: 5 skincare brands on our radar

Sapphire Beauty

Massarat Makeup

This veteran beauty maven was one of the pioneers of launching a makeup line in Pakistan, while aiming to be a true Halal-beauty brand as well as being cruelty-free.

The brand – boasting nearly 260,000 Instagram followers – offers everything from a wide range of silk foundations, to lipsticks, blushes and much more. There is a wide colour variety available and the products are specifically formulated for Asian skin tones.

The makeup line runs from Rs300-4,500.

Luscious Cosmetics

An affordable brand in the market, this cult brand offers stunning, pigmented products with quality formulation. Boasting nearly 240,000 followers on Instagram, this independent beauty brand debuted in 2007 and posits itself as vegan and cruelty-free.

The makeup line runs from Rs550-4,300.

According to analysts at McKinsey & Company, in 2022, the beauty market – defined as skincare, fragrance, makeup, and haircare – generated approximately $430 billion in revenue, and remains on the uptick this year.

No surprise then, that local brands want to capitalise on this burgeoning phenomenon which was no doubt also spurred by confinement during Covid as well as recent curbs on imports.

Local brands are innovating, building layered, elevated scents and offering customers locally-formulated substitutes for Tom Ford and Creed, as well as incorporating regional favourites such as Oud essences, all at competitive price-points.

Local in focus: 5 skincare brands on our radar

Here is a selection of some fragrance brands that caught our attention:

Sapphire

Primarily a textile brand, in recent years Sapphire has expanded its product line to include homeware, linens, skincare, western ready-to-wear and perfumes.

They offer an extended line of products offering a variety of scents for men and women as well as a selection of body mists.

Notable notes include Horizon, a woody, citrusy and musky scent, as well as Supernova, featuring bergamot, cedarwood, and lavender.

The fragrance line ranges from Rs1,200-6,000.

Bonanza Satrangi

Another textile brand that has diversified into homeware and beauty and skincare. Bonanza Satrangi beauty offers fragrances for men and women as well as a set of unisex options in a variety of scents.

Notable fragrances include Amber with notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine and cedarwood, as well as Pulse, featuring peach and rose elements with a base of sandalwood.

The fragrance line ranges from Rs1,000-6,000.

French luxury house and Gucci owner, Kering buys fragrance label Creed in beauty push

Colish

Predominantly a candle brand, Colish has since expanded into essential oils adding bath and beauty products along the way.

The scents are unisex and many incorporate the fragrance notes of some of their top-selling candles.

Notable products include Absolute Santal, a woody-floral fragrance with notes of black pepper, pink pepper, rose, sandalwood and oud.

The fragrance line ranges from Rs2,200-8,200.

L’Oreal buys Australian brand Aesop from Natura in $2.5 bn deal

Almirah

A local go-to for their fabulous Oud-based perfumes, their selection includes fragrances for men and women.

Notable scents include, scarlet – an intense oriental and floral composition based on notes of orange blossom, pink pepper, tonka and vanilla.

Their price range varies from Rs4,000-6,000.

J. Fragrances

This perennially favourite clothing and retail brand begun by singer-songwriter Junaid Jamshed has stood the test of time, as it has continually expanded its retail outlets as well as a dedicated fragrance store in Karachi’s Dolmen Mall.

Notable scents include Warrior Pour Homme, with notes of cinnamon, coconut, sandalwood, musk and vanilla.

The fragrance line offers plenty affordable and high-end options ranging from Rs600-18,000.

Luckily, several brands are formulating right here at home with quality products, incorporating organic ingredients and cruelty-free practices all the while offering reasonable and competitive price points.

Here is a selection of some skincare brands that caught our attention.

HER Beauty

This newly-launched clean skincare line has critics rushing to them the droves, with its lush formulas and superb packaging.

Launched in 2023 and already boasting over 30,000 followers on Instagram, the skincare line offers serums, moisturisers and cleansers, with products like the Hydrating Rose Essence, packed with natural ingredients.

The skincare line ranges from Rs2,500-3,500.

Salina Cosmetics

A veteran Karachi-based brand, this skincare line was launched in 2011 and has a wide range of products to suit a variety of skin types. Formulated with natural and organic ingredients, the products incorporate elements like lavender, eucalyptus and rose.

Popular products include the Orglow organic brightening face mask, the luxurious ScrubRose Body Polish and Cocogrow.

The skin and body care line ranges from Rs450-3,500.

OG Organix & Skin Lab

This organic skincare line is dermatologist-approved and cruelty-free, boasting a range of products such as eye creams, serums, sunscreen, deodorants and more.

The brand also offers products for men and children, as well as a recycling option for its packaging. Popular products include the Vitamin C serum, Avocado Eye Cream and the Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm.

The skin and body care line ranges from Rs1,000-3,500.

CoNatural

Self-described as Pakistan’s first 100% natural and organic hair and skincare line, the brand was founded by sisters-in-law, Rema Taseer and Shehrbano Taseer, in Lahore in 2014.

The brand offers products free from toxins such as parabens, triclosans, phthalates, and more. The company’s Instagram account has amassed over 360,000 followers.

Popular products include their rose-infused products, the haircare line and the essential oil selection.

The skin and body care line ranges from Rs400-5,000

Lush Organix

This ‘101% organic’ hair and skincare line was formulated in 2019 and boasts over 120,000 followers on Instagram. Its vegan product line offers everything from hair repair serums, bath bombs, sunscreens and much more.

Popular products include The Coffee Scrub, the lip scrubs and the charcoal-infused line.

The product line ranges from Rs600-5,000.

The medical practitioners evolved this consensus in the National Conference on Preventive Cardiac, held here to underscore the insidious spread of the diseases among the Pakistani populace.

Addressing the conference, Professor Mansoor Ahmed, Chairman of the National Preventive Cardiac Society and the former president of SAARC Cardiac Society, said that the heart diseases prevalent among young people were largely due to an imbalance lifestyle.

He emphasized the need to involve children in non-competitive physical activities to prevent heart diseases. “Currently we are fostering the causes of heat diseases in children since there are no outdoor playing fields in school,” he observed. “All their activities revolve around digital games, which is a matter of great concern.”

Professor Ahmed recalled that there used to be a significant number of cigarette advertisements in the media in the past, which required extensive efforts from heart disease experts to curb. However, now we are facing a challenging advertising campaign for cold drinks and soft beverages, which do not receive adequate attention for raising awareness and promoting heart disease prevention.

However, Professor Ajaz A Wahrah added that avoiding tobacco consumption, making exercise a routine, and reducing the intake of fatty foods can exert significant control over this disease.

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, Professor Masood Hamid, asserted that adopting a balanced lifestyle keeps an individual safe from various diseases. He highlighted that in the causes of heart diseases, tobacco consumption holds paramount importance, but junk food consumption is also a major factor contributing to heart diseases and high blood pressure. The use of low-salt diets is highly beneficial for health.

Addressing the National Conference on Preventive Cardiac, Dr Abdul Rashid, former Secretary of the SARC Cardiac Society, emphasized that the most dangerous aspect facing societies like Pakistan is the rising prevalence of heart diseases among young people, including both men and women.

He stressed the importance of taking precautionary measures to prevent high blood pressure, hypertension, mental stress, and heart diseases since the treatment of heart diseases is expensive and beyond the reach of the common man. However, precautionary measures are within everyone’s grasp, especially adopting exercise as a routine and avoiding all types of tobacco consumption.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

The United Nations in 2014 declared June 21 the International Day of Yoga, adopting a measure proposed by Modi.

“Let us use the power of yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world, and a cleaner, greener and sustainable future,” he said.

Modi is in the United States for talks with President Joe Biden that the White House sees as bolstering “one of the defining partnerships of our age.”

Modi has been to the United States five times since becoming prime minister in 2014, but the trip will be his first with the full diplomatic status of a state visit, despite concerns over what is seen as a deteriorating human rights situation under his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.

Modi is to head from New York to Washington for a private dinner with Biden on Wednesday evening, followed by talks at the White House and a state dinner on Thursday.

US to ease visas for skilled Indian workers as Modi visits

Before taking to the stage to speak on Wednesday, Modi paid his respects before a bust of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in the U.N. grounds.

Gandhi, who was born in 1869, played a key role in India’s fight for independence. He was assassinated by a Hindu radical on Jan. 30, 1948, just a few months after he led India to freedom from British rule through a nonviolent struggle.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video message to the yoga event, saying he wanted to “recognize Prime Minister Modi for all he has done to promote understanding of yoga and its many benefits.”

The global health body is first revising guidelines for treating children and adolescents with obesity, and will then update recommendations for adults, said Francesco Branca, WHO director of nutrition and food safety.

The WHO last issued global guidelines on the topic in 2000, which are used as a blueprint for countries without the resources to draft their own plans.

As part of the work, the WHO has commissioned the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, in Milan, Italy, to assess the evidence for the use of all drugs for children and adolescents – from older options like GSK’s Xenical to newer, more effective treatments like Wegovy and Eli Lilly and Co’s Mounjaro, Branca told Reuters.

“The kind of communication that has been done around these drugs – ‘We’ve found a solution’ – that’s wrong,” said Branca. Drugs for obesity are important but must be “part of a comprehensive approach,” he said. “This is not a silver bullet.”

Branca said that other interventions, including diet and exercise, remain critical to help manage obesity.

The latest WHO data shows that the percentage of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 who are obese or overweight has risen to just over 18% in 2016 from 4% in 1975, and this now represents more than 340 million people.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Wegovy and Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose.

More recently, they have been shown to help people lose around 15% of their body weight, capturing the attention of patients, investors and even celebrities.

Part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, they are given by a weekly injection and work by affecting hunger signals to the brain and slowing the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full longer. Studies suggest people are likely to have to take the drugs for the rest of their lives to keep the weight off.

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Wegovy is approved for weight-loss in the United States and Europe, while Mounjaro is expected to receive US approval later this year.

The enormous demand for the drugs is expected to be worth $100 billion in annual sales within a decade, with as many as 10 different drugs on the market.

US medical groups are also reviewing their obesity treatment guidelines to consider the best use of Wegovy and similar drugs, with some specialists advocating broad use while others recommend prioritising them for high-risk patients with health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, that are exacerbated by excess weight.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended using such medicines in children age 12 or older with obesity, even though the long-term impacts have yet to be studied.

More robust

The WHO said its revised guidelines will be based on more robust methodology than previous iterations and include up-to-the-minute science.

The first draft of the new management guidelines for children and adolescents are expected by the end of this year. Branca said the researchers at Mario Negri, as well as other institutions working on the guidelines, had been extensively vetted to avoid conflict of interest concerns.

Novo Nordisk was suspended earlier this year from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for its marketing practices, such alleged funding of health professionals and providing training that the association alleged was intended to promote its drug.

“We really screen the potential conflicts of interest,” said Branca. He described obesity as a “rising epidemic”.

“There are multiple reasons why we really have to take much more serious and bolder action,” he said.

To mark the day, different events were held in which speakers highlighted importance of quality life. April 7 is marked as the World Health Day celebrated all over the world. Speakers said that health is a priceless blessing of Allah Almighty. The provision of health facilities is the basic right of every human being. Only a healthy person can live a healthy life.

Caretaker Provincial Ministers of Health Dr. Javed Akram and Dr. Jamal Nasir participated as special guest in the awareness seminar organized at Fatima Jinnah Medical University.

On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Kamran, Prof. Munazah, Prof. Nooreen. Akmal, Prof. Munaza Qayyum, Prof. Balqees Shabbir, Prof. Shamsa, Prof. Naveed, Assistant Prof. Hafiz Dr. Shahid Latif, Dr. Yahya Gulzar from World Health Organization and Dr. Naeem Majeed from Bill Gates Foundation also participated.

Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, in his address thanked the caretaker provincial health ministers for their visit. He highlighted the importance of World Health Day. VC also presented commemorative shields to the caretaker provincial health ministers, Dr. Javed Akram and Dr. Jamal Nasir.

Dr. Javed Akram said that Professor Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal has always organized seminars on important topics related to health and spread awareness among the people.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

Ramadan is the most blessed time of year in Pakistan when we express love, devotion, and good deeds. In order to fully submerge in the spiritual significance of Ramadan, it is also important to remain healthy to maintain our energy while worshiping.

What to eat and what to avoid during a heatwave

The first thing in order to have healthy Ramadan is to prioritise one's nutrition.

Stay hydrated

It is very easy to become dehydrated when fasting from water so ensure that you drink water before consuming food at Iftar time. Drinking water before eating makes it less likely to overeat at Iftar.

It is also recommended to drink as much water as possible between Iftar and Suhoor.

Avoid fried foods

Additionally, avoid eating too many fried foods like samosas and pakoras as these foods can cause further dehydration. Regular consumption of fried foods can also lead to unwanted weight gain and issues with cholesterol.

Protein is an essential macronutrient that provides satiety signals to your body therefore, it is recommended to have a lean source of protein at Iftar and Suhoor.

Fat is another essential macro nutrition that helps keep you fuller longer. I recommend consuming healthy fats as a snack between Iftar and Suhoor instead of consuming processed foods like chilli chips or biscuits.

Kidney detox: boosting kidney health

Healthy snacks that include good fats include mixed nuts or olives or pumpkin/sunflower seeds.

It is recommended to choose carbohydrates wisely during Ramadan.

Complex carbs like bajra, brown rice, quinoa, etc. are recommended instead of white bread or pasta as whole grains do not spike blood sugar as much as processed carbs.

Stable blood sugar is the key to keeping hunger at bay during Ramadan.

Try to consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to avoid developing any nutrition deficiencies during Ramadan. I recommend that half your plate should be vegetables at Iftar.

Bhindi masala, baingan bharta, sarson ka saag, and palak sabzi all make incredible, flavorful, healthy side dishes at Iftar. The fiber from vegetables also helps with satiation and gut health.

Get ample sleep

Not only is it important to eat healthy but it is also important to get enough sleep.

Sleep is one of the most overlooked commodities when it comes to our health. Getting enough sleep during Ramadan helps balance hunger hormones and helps to avoid hunger pangs.

How to beat a sugar addiction

Remain active

Regular movement during Ramadan is essential to support muscle mass and bone health.

Fasting may decrease muscle strength but exercising may help stop muscle deterioration. I recommend taking a long walk before Iftar.

A slow walk does not stimulate hunger as much as running or cycling would and therefore, it is the perfect activity. Additionally, walking before Iftar is a great way to keep one’s mind busy to avoid the sensation of hunger. Walking before Iftar is also a great time to practice Tasbih.

There is much to be thankful for during Ramadan, therefore it is important to treat one's body with respect by providing it proper nutrients through your food.

The writer is a certified functional nutritionist

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the high prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan could be a major public health concern, as diabetes is responsible for 400,000 deaths in the country in 2021, the highest number in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Pakistan has the third highest number of people living with diabetes globally, after China and India. The IDF, in its report, shared the data till the year 2021, revealing around 33 million diabetic patients in Pakistan. The number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing due to a lack of awareness about the disease.

The IDF report further said that around 26.9 percent of 33 million diabetic patients in Pakistan are undiagnosed, placing them at risk of serious and life-threatening complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and lower-limb amputation.

On the other hand, studies showed that Muslims worldwide tend to gain weight during Ramazan despite fasting.

However, Pakistanis are ahead of other Muslims worldwide as we consume many fatty, oily, and sugary foods and beverages more frequently than any other nation during Ramazan.

During non-fasting times, we consume large amounts of unhealthy food at Iftar, and after a short span, we consume again at Sehar with more or less a similar quantity of foodstuff.

Experts advised fasting individuals to be mindful of their food choices and portion sizes during Ramazan and engage in physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of diabetes.

Talking to Business Recorder, Peggy Martinet, CNS, Food Writer/ Dietitian at www.blogzah.com, said Ramazan is a time of spiritual reflection and renewal for Muslims worldwide, but it also brings about changes in dietary habits that could have long-term health consequences.

With the highest national prevalence of diabetes in the world, Pakistanis should avoid high intake of calories and sugar foods during Ramazan to avert weight gain and the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, she advised.

Furthermore, she said that Ramazan could not only be a challenging time for people with diabetes but for everyone who is fasting due to changes in their eating habits and physical activity.

Peggy said it is important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet during Ramazan and avoid overeating, especially during non-fasting times.

The variety of sugary and oily food choices, their easy availability at supermarkets, and overeating during the non-fasting time of the day contribute significantly to weight gain.

She advised them to break their fast with water or dates, a good natural sugar source, and avoid sugary drinks and foods to address this issue.

In addition to dietary changes, she recommended regular physical activity as a key component of a healthy lifestyle.

During Ramazan, the fasting individual may feel less inclined to exercise due to fatigue and reduced energy levels from fasting.

However, she maintained that incorporating physical activity into daily routines, such as taking a brisk walk after Iftar or engaging in light exercise before Sehar, can help maintain energy levels and prevent weight gain.

Furthermore, she said there are several other practical ways to lead a healthier lifestyle during Ramazan.

She added that a recent article published on https://blogzah.com provides 30 practical ways to reduce sugar intake and maintain a balanced and healthy diet throughout the month of fasting.

The suggestions in the article range from drinking water instead of sugary drinks to using natural sweeteners like dates and honey to cooking at home to control sugar and salt intake.

By adopting these practical strategies, the fasting individual can reduce their sugar intake and improve their overall health and well-being during Ramazan, she said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

Drugmakers Eisai Co Ltd and Biogen reported in September that their therapy lecanemab could slow progress of the disease by 27% over 18 months compared with a placebo.

The finding validates the theory that clearing the amyloid protein that forms clumps in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients could slow or halt the disease and has strengthened the support from some scientists for simultaneously targeting another notorious protein linked to Alzheimer's: tau.

Eisai and Biogen are scheduled to present full data from their lecanemab study on Tuesday at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease conference in San Francisco. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to make a decision by early January on the companies’ application for accelerated approval.

If approved on an accelerated basis, the companies said they would immediately apply for full U.S. regulatory approval which could help secure Medicare coverage.

"I think lecanemab has reinvigorated the idea that now you could do a combination of amyloid (and) tau,” Dr. Reisa Sperling, a neurologist and Alzheimer’s researcher at Harvard Medical School, said in an interview.

Tau naturally accumulates in a memory center of the brain called the medial temporal lobe as people age. A growing body of research suggests that rising levels of amyloid in Alzheimer’s patients act as an accelerant, causing an explosive spread of tau that forms toxic tangles inside brain cells, eventually killing them.

“We’ve been trying to do combination trials for years,” Sperling said. Nearly a decade ago, Alzheimer’s experts met in Washington to discuss testing combined therapies. At the time, “no one would listen,” she said.

Now, however, Sperling and other researchers in the Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC), a research network backed by the National Institute on Aging, say drugmakers are increasingly interested in participating in a study to test tau drugs alone and in combination with anti-amyloid drugs such as lecanemab.

“We've been talking to multiple companies about working with us on our proposed platform, which can evaluate multiple drugs, and everybody's interested,” said Dr. Paul Aisen, director of the Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, and a leader with Sperling of the ACTC.

Eisai’s trial success raises hope for Alzheimer’s prevention

The scientists said they expect an answer on funding by year-end. NIH said it does not discuss grants under review.

More than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, costing the U.S. economy nearly $6 billion a year in direct spending and unpaid caregiving expenses, according to congressional briefing documents. By 2050, Alzheimer’s cases are expected to double to 12.7 million, bringing the total yearly cost to nearly $1 trillion, according to the documents.

Last year, the FDA gave Biogen and Eisai’s drug aducanumab conditional approval even though it failed one of its two late-stage trials. The approval was based on the drug’s ability to remove amyloid from the brain.

Biogen initially priced the drug at $56,000 a year, but the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said it needed more compelling evidence, and that Medicare would only cover the drug for use in clinical trials.

Lecanemab’s success rests on years of research into the causes of Alzheimer’s as well as advances in measuring amyloid deposits through brain scans and spinal fluids. Trials of tau drugs will aim to build on that progress, using brain scans, spinal fluids and blood tests to better assess the stage of disease, when to intervene and whether the drug is hitting its target. That would allow companies to test drugs even before symptoms emerge.

Nearly a dozen drugmakers, including Roche, Merck & Co, Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly and Co, are working on therapies that target tau. At least 16 treatments are being tested in clinical trials, with results expected over the next three years, according to a Reuters review of the clinicaltrials.gov registry.

Merck is testing its MK-2214 therapy aimed at clearing tau in patients in very early stages of the disease in several small trials.

"The understanding of the disease is getting much, much better," said Jason Uslaner, Merck’s head of discovery neuroscience. The drugmaker has been largely absent from the Alzheimer's space after the high-profile failure of its drug verubecestat five years ago.

So far, only a few trials combine an amyloid-lowering therapy with a drug that targets tau in a “cocktail” approach, similar to those used against cancers and HIV.

Such combinations may improve on the benefit of lowering amyloid alone in people who have symptoms, researchers told Reuters. And when used earlier in the disease, the hope is that they might prevent dementia altogether.

“It may be that you need both - the removal of amyloid that's driving that biological cascade - and you need to clean up any tau that's already spreading from one cell to another,” said Dr. Adam Boxer, a tau expert at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Memory and Aging Center.

But several antibody therapies from Lilly, Biogen and AbbVie that were designed to slow the rate of tau accumulations failed outright last year. A drug from Roche, semorinemab, showed limited effectiveness.

"It took maybe 20 or 30 years before we found a drug that really targeted the right form of amyloid to make a difference,” Boxer said. “It’s still early days.”