#WORLDREDCROSSDAY

World Red Cross Red Crescent Day is celebrated on 8 May each year.

Its birth anniversary of Henry Dunant (born 8 May 1828), the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is an opportunity to celebrate the bravery of those who keep their commitment to humanity every day.

Local and international, independent and impartial, also they are everywhere for everyone.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is an opportunity to recognize the amazing work of volunteers and staff who go out saving lives and changing minds every day.

Fundamentals of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day:

 Humanity    Impartiality   Neutrality   Independence  Voluntary service  Unity   Universality

The idea for an "Annual action could take hold in the whole world ... would be a major contribution to peace" was introduced just after World War I and evolved out of the "Red Cross Truce, an initiative that was studied by an international commission established at the 14^th International Conference of the Red Cross.

Results, presented to the 15th International Conference in Tokyo in 1934, was approved and having considered the principles of the truce, and its applicability across different regions of the world, the General Assembly of the International Federation of the Red Cross Societies (IFRC) asked the League of the Red Cross Societies (LORCS) to study the feasibility of adopting an annual International Red Cross Day. 2 years later, the proposal was adopted and the first Red Cross Day was celebrated on 8 May 1948. The official title of the day has changed over time, and it became "World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day" in 1984.

World Red Cross Day celebrates the work of those who volunteer with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

IFRC is the world's largest humanitarian organization, providing worldwide relief during times of disease, famine, disaster or war.

It has around 97 million members and volunteers in some 170 countries and helps more than 230 million people every year.

“SAVING LIFES SPREADS HUMANITY”

WORLD DNA DAY: 25TH APRIL 2016

The World DNA Day celebrates the discovery and understanding of DNA and the scientific advances that understanding has made possible.

It commemorates the day in 1953 when James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin and colleagues published papers in the journal Nature on the structure of DNA.

Furthermore, on that day in 2003 it was declared that the Human Genome Project was very close to complete, and “the remaining tiny gaps” were considered too costly to fill.

The study of human DNA and genetics can be intellectually fascinating, but it also has plenty of practical applications.

From the use of DNA in court cases to the discovery of new therapies for genetic diseases.

Human in Olden Days

Studying human DNA and genetics can help scientists better understand the human.

This can help to prove the connections between different groups of people and where historians and anthropologists get a perfect picture of historic human migration.

An individual's genome can give clues to his ancestry and help him understand his genetic background.

Diseases (Diagnosis & Treatment).

Genetic basis behind human disease is one of the most important reasons for studying the human genome.

Many genetic disorders are incurable but early diagnosis can help improve the life quality or even extend the lifespan of diseased subject.

Diagnostic tests can help pregnant women to decide whether the risk passing on specific disease-related genes to their babies.

Tests assist in-vitro fertility doctors to specifically select embryos that do not carry the dangerous gene.

Legal and Forensic Involvement

Use of human DNA in criminal cases and the importance of human genetics in forensics became even more important as techniques have improved.

Human genetic information has been used to either match or rule out a suspect's DNA to biological evidence found at a crime scene.

Paternity testing is another common legal application of genetic testing.

Genetic Improvement

Genetic improvement is an open to question topic, but research in this area has biggest promise for upcoming applications.

Requires a thorough understanding of human DNA prior to scientists alter the human DNA at embryonic level.

When that’s achieved, it will be an end to certain incurable genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, Congenital deafness and Congenital heart defects.

Controversial applications may include enhancing athletic ability, intelligence, or other characteristics.

On April 25th people across the globe take part in a wide range of activities to mark World Malaria Day.

For half the world every day is malaria day - a day to keep up the fight against this killer disease.

2016 Theme

“End malaria for good”

25 April 2016 -- Each year, WHO and partners unite around a common World Malaria Day theme.

This year's theme "End malaria for good" reflects the vision of a malaria-free world set out in the "Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030".

The new strategies adopted in 2015 by the World Health Assembly aims to dramatically lower the global malaria burden.

Its goals are ambitious but achievable, including a reduction in malaria case incidence and mortality of at least 90% by 2030.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately half of the world’s population is at risk of the deadly disease of Malaria. The vast majority of malaria cases and malaria-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by up to 126 other developing countries, where the disease is widespread and life threatening. Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide, and it is a leading cause of death and disease in many developing countries, where young children and pregnant women are most affected.

Malaria may not be a substantial threat in the UAE, but those who travel for work or pleasure may be exposed to the risk if traveling to a high-risk country. It is highly advisable to seek professional advice from a doctor if traveling to a malaria endemic country.

While governments are undertaking mass level plans & projects to defeat the disease, as individuals we also need a solid plan to combat it.

To achieve that, we need to start by understanding the disease and ways to prevent it from spreading.

Symptoms of Malaria:

Malaria can begin with flu-like symptoms, and symptoms can appear in 7 days.

The most common symptoms are very similar to many other infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses etc.

•             Fever.

•          Chills.

•          Headache.

•          Sweats.

•          Fatigue.

•          Nausea and vomiting

•          Dry (nonproductive) cough

•          Muscle or back pain or both

•          Enlarged spleen.

In severe cases, malaria can lead to impaired function of the brain or spinal cord, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

What needs to be done to prevent Malaria?

EXPERT ADVICE:

If malaria is prevalent in an area you plan to travel to, seek advice from a certified doctor about taking preventive medicines.

BEWARE BITES:

For optimal prevention of malaria, protection from mosquito bites is essential. Carry mosquito repellants and preventive medicines, mosquito nets etc. Long trousers, long-sleeved clothing and socks thick enough to stop the mosquitoes biting will also help protect you

Diagnosis made promptly with early treatment of an infected case can help prevent and to a great extent defeat Malaria. As always, prevention is better than cure. Lastly, ensure if you are pregnant, or are planning to get pregnant, you avoid travelling to Malaria ridden regions.