The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently announced that Iraq has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem. This makes Iraq the 50th country to eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease. Trachoma, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. Despite this significant accomplishment, Trachoma remains endemic in six countries within the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Elimination of Trachoma: The Leading Infectious Cause of Blindness
When it comes to neglected tropical diseases, Trachoma holds top rank. This infection starts off relatively harmless but can eventually cause irreversible blindness if left untreated. In those areas plagued with insufficient water supply, substandard sanitation, and infestations of flies, Trachoma becomes prevalent. To combat it, the World Health Organization recommends the SAFE strategy: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement.
Postal Life Insurance: Enhancing Direct Incentive Disbursement
In an effort to streamline transactions and increase employee motivation, Postal Life Insurance (PLI) introduced its pilot initiative, “Direct Incentive Disbursement,” in Delhi and Uttarakhand Circles. Through this program, sales force agents will receive their earned commissions directly into their Post Office Savings Bank Accounts. This digital upgrade ensures secure, prompt transactions and fosters improved client relationship management. Sales force members, including Gramin Dak Sevaks and Direct Agents, are expected to reap the benefits of this new system. PLI has been operating since 1884, initially serving as a welfare scheme for postal employees.
Vaquita Porpoise: On the Brink of Extinction
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) issued its first-ever ‘extinction alert’ for the vaquita porpoise on August 7, 2023. This marine mammal, characterized by distinctive dark rings around its eyes and patches on its lips, is the most endangered porpoise species worldwide. The current vaquita population in the Gulf of California stands at a critical count of ten, a drastic fall from approximately 570 individuals recorded in 1997. One of the significant threats to the vaquita’s survival is bycatch, where these creatures accidentally get trapped in gillnets intended for the totoaba fish.
Norseman Xtreme Triathlon 2023: The Ultimate Endurance Test
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is hailed as one of the most challenging endurance events globally, attracting athletes from over 35 countries to participate. The 2023 edition of this multi-discipline race was held on August 5th in Norway, involving a total of 290 competitors. The event comprises a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike ride, and a 42.2 km run, with an overall elevation gain of 5,230 meters. Notably, the race commences with a leap from a ferry into the frigid Hardangerfjord waters, culminating at Mount Gaustatoppen’s peak, one of Norway’s towering summits.
