About Us
Connecting to Asian Air Sensors...
Research Watch
The Health Thread Archive

Health News

Nepal’s 40% Out of Pocket Health Burden

Nepal’s 40% Out of Pocket Health Burden

Despite health progress, Nepali families still pay 40.3% of chronic care costs directly. This article exposes how subsidy design, weak medicine supply, and uneven primary care leave households vulnerable — and offers practical reforms to protect them. ## When illness means debt, health gains don’t reach the people##

3/11/2026Read Story

Latest from Health News

APCAT Summit unites local governments to save lives from tobacco, TB, AMR and NCDs

APCAT Summit unites local governments to save lives from tobacco, TB, AMR and NCDs

Written by Shobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),Summit of sub-national government leaders from over 121 cities of 12 countries in Asia and the Pacific region unitedly passed an important declaration in Jakarta, Indonesia to save lives from preventable causes of diseases and untimely deaths, like tobacco use, TB, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). […]

Air Pollution in Kathmandu: Why the ‘Fluctuating’ AQI is a Silent Killer

Air Pollution in Kathmandu: Why the ‘Fluctuating’ AQI is a Silent Killer

Air Pollution in Kathmandu has reached a critical tipping point in January 2026. While the AQI fluctuates, TheHealth Thread breaks down the medical reality of this silent emergency and why the ‘improving’ numbers are more dangerous than they seem. This fluctuation is dangerous. It tricks us into th

Beyond the Bottleneck: A Blueprint for Sovereign Medicine Security in Nepal

Beyond the Bottleneck: A Blueprint for Sovereign Medicine Security in Nepal

Reviewed by Amrita Acharya, PhD Scholar (Pharmacy & Business Management) When a doctor in a rural health post in Karnali prescribes an antibiotic, they are acting on faith. Faith that the label matches the contents. Faith that the chemical structure hasn’t degraded in the heat. Faith that the regulatory system in Kathmandu has done its […]

Impacting positive change for those left behind

Impacting positive change for those left behind

Written by Shobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),Given the medical advancements today – in an ideal world, all children should be born free of infections like HIV, syphilis or hepatitis-B; all pregnant women should be accessing full spectrum of maternal and newborn care (including services to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis-B); and […]

Put people first mantra to drive WHO task force to save the medicines that protect us

Put people first mantra to drive WHO task force to save the medicines that protect us

Written by Shobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),The United Nations apex health agency – the World Health Organization (WHO) – had announced the establishment of its first-ever civil society Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in October 2025. This marks a major shift in addressing AMR which is not only among the top 10 global […]

From shadow to light: Supporting unhoused persons to access lifesaving TB services

From shadow to light: Supporting unhoused persons to access lifesaving TB services

Written byShobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),Bobby Ramakant (CNS Health Editor)The risk of getting TB disease is among the highest in unhoused and other marginalised persons but the likelihood of them seeking public TB services is low – and finishing lifesaving TB therapy is even lower. The delay is long – very long – for […]

Tobacco-free and nicotine-free future is a bedrock to deliver on #EndTB and SDGs

Tobacco-free and nicotine-free future is a bedrock to deliver on #EndTB and SDGs

Written by Shobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),According to the latest WHO Global TB Report 2025 released a week ago, tobacco smoking is among the top-5 risk factors for the deadliest of all infectious diseases worldwide – tuberculosis (TB). In countries with alarmingly high tobacco use, like Indonesia, tobacco use is the biggest risk factor […]

Zimbabwe and Cambodia getting return on investment by addressing AMR

Zimbabwe and Cambodia getting return on investment by addressing AMR

Written byShobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),Bobby Ramakant (CNS Health Editor)Right to health is a fundamental human right. There is no doubt that everyone – without any exception or exclusion – should be able to live healthily in a rights-based manner – everywhere. Along with ensuring high to health is a reality for all, it […]

Gateway to universal access to SRHR is human right to health

Gateway to universal access to SRHR is human right to health

Written by Shobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),The human right to health is not a privilege, tt is a legal obligation – rooted in international human rights law – and must form the foundation of all efforts toward universal access, equity, and justice. Protecting, implementing, and enforcing this right is essential for the wellbeing of […]

World's largest TB prize illuminates Indian Molbio's tech innovation reaching the unreached

World's largest TB prize illuminates Indian Molbio's tech innovation reaching the unreached

Written byShobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),Bobby Ramakant (CNS Health Editor)World’s largest prize devoted to TB, the coveted Kochon Prize, was awarded to India’s Molbio Diagnostics for its technological innovation which is helping over 90 governments worldwide to reach the unreached with best of diagnostics (molecular tests). This is the third time India won Kochon […]

Amidst anti-gender push, hope pins on ICFP 2025 to shift gears towards SRHRJ for all

Amidst anti-gender push, hope pins on ICFP 2025 to shift gears towards SRHRJ for all

Written by Shobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),Despite right to health and gender equality being fundamental human rights, the world is off the track from delivering on these goals in next 62 months (by 2030). Anti-rights and anti-gender pushbacks have made the situation even more grim. Activists are pinning hope on an upcoming global meet […]

Study proves strong impact of taking molecular TB diagnostics closer to the people

Study proves strong impact of taking molecular TB diagnostics closer to the people

Written by Shobha Shukla (Managing Editor of CNS),Bobby Ramakant (CNS Health Editor)An important scientific study published in The Lancet shows the strong public health impact of deploying molecular diagnostics closer to the people. This multi-country randomised controlled study shows that if we deploy battery-operated, laboratory independent and true point-of-care molecular test Truenat at the primary healthcare level, then […]

Rising Heat and Our Minds: The Overlooked Link Between Climate Change and Mental Health

Rising Heat and Our Minds: The Overlooked Link Between Climate Change and Mental Health

In today’s world, where climate change is increasingly evident, the link between environmental changes and human health has become a crucial topic of discussion. One often overlooked but important aspect is how extreme heat affects our mental well-being. As global temperatures continue to rise, the

Antibiotic resistance: A Global threat and an unseen pandemic

Antibiotic resistance: A Global threat and an unseen pandemic

Introduction People have been using medicine to combat infectious diseases for ages, and it is widely used in medical practices; however, now it has become ineffective against microorganisms as they have developed resistance to the drugs. This unresponsiveness exhibited by microbes towards antibiot

Epistaxis

Epistaxis

Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are a common medical issue affecting approximately 60% of people in the United States at some point in their lives. Although most episodes are minor and self-limiting, around 6% of individuals experiencing nosebleeds will seek medical attention (Tunkel et al., 2020). In ch

Exploring the Role of Metabolic Psychiatry in Understanding Mental Health Disorders

Exploring the Role of Metabolic Psychiatry in Understanding Mental Health Disorders

Introduction: Metabolic psychiatry is an emerging field that investigates the bidirectional relationship between metabolic dysregulation and psychiatric disorders. Increasing evidence suggests that disturbances in metabolism, including alterations in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and hormon

Micro plastics: A Silent Threat to Reproductive Health and Fertility

Micro plastics: A Silent Threat to Reproductive Health and Fertility

Microplastics, often abbreviated as MPs, are small plastic particles under 5 millimeters that are now widely recognized as an environmental issue. They have made their way into our water systems and the broader food chain, prompting extensive studies on how they might affect reproduction in differe

Is Your Medicine Cabinet Missing This? Laughter’s Amazing Benefits

Is Your Medicine Cabinet Missing This? Laughter’s Amazing Benefits

A robust sense of humor isn’t merely a pleasant diversion during challenging times; it’s a valuable asset in our pursuit of overall well-being. When we find ourselves amused by a friend’s witty remark or a comedian’s act, the positive impacts of humor resonate through our bodies, minds, and social

Advancing Kidney Health: Transforming Innovative Concepts into Practical Solutions

Advancing Kidney Health: Transforming Innovative Concepts into Practical Solutions

Exploring effective treatment options for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has led to the development of innovative technologies such as implantable bio artificial kidneys (BAK) and kidney regeneration. These advancements are not just impressive achievements; they are sources of hope for millions aro

A hope for spinal cord injury

A hope for spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that can cause permanent loss of function and affect mobility, senses, and many other bodily functions.Globally 15 million people are living with SCI with the majority of cases due to preventable trauma ( WHO,2024). Beyond the physical limitations

New research in pancreatic cancer screening

New research in pancreatic cancer screening

Pancreatic cancer is a tough and dangerous type of cancer that’s hard to treat and often doesn’t have a good outcome. But there’s good news: a group of experts from around the world is working hard to create a new program that will help doctors find this cancer early, which could save many lives. T

Silent crisis on your plate: declining food quality

Silent crisis on your plate: declining food quality

In an era marked by rapid advancements in food production and seemingly endless choices, a concerning paradox has emerged: the overall quality of our food appears to be in decline. This trend has far-reaching implications for public health, environmental sustainability, and the very enjoyment we de

The unseen risks of synthetic fragrance: Safeguarding your health

The unseen risks of synthetic fragrance: Safeguarding your health

Let’s step into a room with the fresh smell of clean sheets or sweet vanilla. These scents are part of our everyday life, offering a quick getaway for our noses. But what if these nice smells are hiding something harmful? This article takes a closer look at synthetic fragrances, showing the health

NCD and mental health campaign in one of the urbanized community in central Nepal

NCD and mental health campaign in one of the urbanized community in central Nepal

Background Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death globally with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accounting for the highest number of deaths followed by cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes. The impact of NCDs in health has been varied with reduction of the disability a

Understanding and Addressing the Burden of Coronary Heart Disease

Understanding and Addressing the Burden of Coronary Heart Disease

What is CHD? Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a health condition that involves the constriction or obstruction of the coronary arteries, which are responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. This constriction or obstruction is caused by the accumulation of fatty substances known

Exploring CAR-T Cell Therapy in Glioblastoma Treatment

Exploring CAR-T Cell Therapy in Glioblastoma Treatment

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor, presents a daunting challenge in clinical management, with a meager 5-year survival rate of merely 5% [1]. Despite advancements in treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the prognosis remains dismal due t

Rare Kidney Diseases: A Global Perspective on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Advocacy

Rare Kidney Diseases: A Global Perspective on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Advocacy

Rare kidney diseases pose significant challenges to patients worldwide, often leading to chronic debilitation, morbidity, or even death. These conditions, characterized by low prevalence and genetic or metabolic origins, demand specialized care and concerted efforts to enhance awareness, diagnosis,

A new hope to treat Flat Tire in Spine: The Tension-Activated Repair Patch (TARP)

A new hope to treat Flat Tire in Spine: The Tension-Activated Repair Patch (TARP)

The human spine, an architectural wonder of biology, is prone to a variety of injuries. Disc herniation is notably one of the most incapacitating conditions [1]. This condition, often compared to a ‘flat tire’ in the spine, happens when the soft, cushion-like discs between the vertebrae burst, caus

Enhancing Doctor-Patient Relations: Strategies for Addressing Frustrations and Improving Healthcare Experiences

Enhancing Doctor-Patient Relations: Strategies for Addressing Frustrations and Improving Healthcare Experiences

Effective doctor-patient relations are fundamental to delivering high-quality healthcare. However, challenges such as miscommunication, time constraints, and differing expectations can lead to frustrations for both doctors and patients. In this essay, we will explore common frustrations experienced

Unlocking Potentials: Food Fortification Technologies for Healthier Nepal

Unlocking Potentials: Food Fortification Technologies for Healthier Nepal

Introduction Malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in Nepal, with a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies contributing to poor health outcomes (Shrestha & Bhattarai, 2023). Recent findings indicate that Nepal is experiencing a dual challenge of malnutrition. For insta

Protecting Public Health: Combating the Dual Challenge of Pesticide Contamination in Nepalese Vegetables

Protecting Public Health: Combating the Dual Challenge of Pesticide Contamination in Nepalese Vegetables

Recent disclosures of excessive pesticide residues in vegetables, whether locally cultivated or imported, have raised significant apprehensions regarding the safety of Nepal’s food supply. These revelations have underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts to safeguard public health and ensure

Recent outbreaks of infectious diseases in Nepal

Recent outbreaks of infectious diseases in Nepal

Nepal has recently witnessed an upsurge in the number of infectious disease outbreaks, posing a significant public health challenge. Diseases such as dengue fever, cholera, and others have caused substantial morbidity and mortality, demanding immediate attention. This news article highlights the re

Neglected tropical diseases and their management

Neglected tropical diseases and their management

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of parasitic and bacterial infections that disproportionately affect populations in low-income countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These diseases are often called “neglected” because they have historically received litt

Emerging global health threats

Emerging global health threats

Emerging global health threats are defined as the sudden spread of infectious diseases or other health issues that have the potential to become epidemics or pandemics and cause significant morbidity and mortality on a global scale. These threats can arise due to various factors, including global tr

Access to healthcare in developing countries

Access to healthcare in developing countries

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right that should be enjoyed by every individual, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, in many developing countries, significant barriers prevent people from accessing the healthcare services they need. These barrier

Challenges faced by Nepal's healthcare system in providing access to care, particularly in rural areas

Challenges faced by Nepal's healthcare system in providing access to care, particularly in rural areas

Challenges faced by Nepal’s healthcare system in providing access to care, particularly in rural areas, stem from various factors including geographical barriers, limited resources, and disparities in healthcare access. Research findings shed light on these challenges and provide insights into the

Experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses or complex health needs in navigating the healthcare system, including challenges with care coordination and access to specialists

Experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses or complex health needs in navigating the healthcare system, including challenges with care coordination and access to specialists

This research report examines the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses or complex health needs in navigating the healthcare system, focusing on the challenges they face in terms of care coordination and access to specialists. The report includes examples from Nepal to provide context a

Exploring Tumor Growth Induction, Epigenetics, and the Impact of the Ketogenic Diet on Gene Regulation

Exploring Tumor Growth Induction, Epigenetics, and the Impact of the Ketogenic Diet on Gene Regulation

Introduction: Tumor growth is a complex process influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA molecules, play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression and can contribute to abnormal

Empowering Nepalese Patients: A Simple, Human Guide to Your Rights in Healthcare

Empowering Nepalese Patients: A Simple, Human Guide to Your Rights in Healthcare

When you walk into a hospital or clinic in Nepal, you’re not just a “case,” a “file,” or a “bed number.” You are a human being with rights — rights that protect your dignity, your choices, your privacy, and your safety. Around the world, patient rights have become a central part of modern healthcar

Navigating the Complex Terrain of Patient-Doctor Dynamics in Nepal: A Comprehensive Examination

Navigating the Complex Terrain of Patient-Doctor Dynamics in Nepal: A Comprehensive Examination

In Nepal, the pervasive issue of assaults on healthcare professionals is deeply embedded in a complex web of socio-cultural, legal, and systemic challenges. The repercussions of such incidents extend beyond the immediate harm caused, affecting patient care, exacerbating communication breakdowns, an

How Nepal’s medical research is quietly transforming treatment options

How Nepal’s medical research is quietly transforming treatment options

For a long time, Nepal’s healthcare story has been framed around limitations—limited resources, limited access, and limited infrastructure. But there’s another story unfolding, one that doesn’t always make headlines: a quiet, determined rise in medical research led by Nepali clinicians and scientis

Health disparities in rural communities

Health disparities in rural communities

Health disparities in rural communities continue to be a significant public health challenge. These disparities are characterized by differences in health outcomes, access to healthcare services, and health-related behaviors between rural and urban populations. Recent research has shed light on the factors contributing to these disparities and highlighted potential strategies to promote health equity in […]

The Impact of the Ketogenic Diet on Epigenetics in Controlling Seizures

The Impact of the Ketogenic Diet on Epigenetics in Controlling Seizures

Reviewed byDr. Prakash Paudel, FCPS,Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine SpecialistIntroduction: The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein eating plan, has gained recognition as an effective therapy for reducing seizures in individuals with epilepsy. While the exact mechanisms underlying its anticonvulsant effects are still being elucidated, emerging research suggests that the ketogenic diet may exert its […]

Health technology and innovation

Health technology and innovation

Health technology and innovation are rapidly advancing, revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Nepal. The latest developments in healthcare technology have the potential to enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and streamline healthcare processes. This summary highlights key advancements and research findings in health technology and innovation in Nepal. Telemedicine and Digital Health: Telemedicine has emerged as […]

Global health funding and aid

Global health funding and aid

Title: Innovative Approaches to Global Health Funding and Aid: Transforming the Landscape for Sustainable Impact Introduction: Global health funding and aid play a crucial role in addressing health challenges faced by countries around the world, particularly in low- and middle- income regions. Adequate funding is essential to strengthen healthcare systems, combat infectious diseases, promote preventive […]

Improving healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities

Improving healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities

Improving healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities is a critical aspect of achieving health equity and addressing disparities in healthcare. Marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income populations, immigrants, and individuals with limited access to resources, often face significant barriers to healthcare services. This essay explores the importance of improving healthcare access and […]

Cultural competency in healthcare

Cultural competency in healthcare

Cultural competency in healthcare is an essential aspect of providing quality and equitable care to diverse patient populations. It involves understanding and respecting the beliefs, values, customs, and practices of individuals from different cultures. This essay explores the significance of cultural competency in healthcare and highlights research findings that support its importance in improving patient […]

Comparison of malnutrition rates in urban and rural areas of Nepal and strategies to address the disparities

Malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in Nepal, with a high prevalence of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity. Malnutrition rates differ between urban and rural areas due to differences in socioeconomic status, access to food, and healthcare services. This report compares the malnutrition rates in urban and rural areas of Nepal and highlights strategies […]

Advocacy groups and initiatives that support patient rights and empower individuals to navigate the healthcare system effectively

Advocacy groups and initiatives that support patient rights and empower individuals to navigate the healthcare system effectively

Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, and advocacy groups and initiatives play a crucial role in promoting patient rights and empowering individuals to navigate the healthcare system effectively. These groups and initiatives work to promote healthcare policies, raise awareness about health issues, and provide resources and support to individuals in need. However, […]

Access to essential medicines

Access to essential medicines

Access to essential medicines is a fundamental component of the right to health. However, many low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges in providing affordable and quality medicines to their populations. The high cost of medicines, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and weak supply chain management systems are some of the barriers that prevent people from accessing […]