First Check Team - First Check

26
Jul

India’s Union Budget 2024: Hits and misses for health sector

First Check Team / 1 day
0
3 min read

Initiatives focused on health infrastructure development, digital health and mental health face reductions, even as overall budgetary allocation for the Union Health Ministry marks a 12.59 per cent increase. India’s Union Budget for 2024-25, presented earlier this week, proposed notable budgetary allocations for healthcare programmes, along with tax exemptions for critical drugs and medical devices. […]

24
Jul

The conundrum of COVID deaths: Claims and counterclaims

First Check Team / 3 days
0
3 min read

While a recent study found that India recorded an estimated 11.9 lakh excess COVID-19 deaths in 2020, eight times more than the official figure, the Indian government questioned the study’s flawed methodology and misleading findings. A recent study claimed that large and unequal life expectancy declines were recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in India in […]

23
Jul

The impact of climate change on lung cancer in Asia: The Lancet

First Check Team / 4 days
0
3 min read

Environmental and lifestyle factors lead to early onset of lung cancer. In India, lung cancer typically manifests about a decade earlier than in Western countries. The intersection of climate change and lung cancer in Asia presents an urgent and complex public health challenge that demands urgent action. As climate change continues to amplify the burden […]

22
Jul

Polio virus detected in Gaza, WHO warns of global risk

First Check Team / 5 days
0
2 min read

The origin of the virus, isolated from sewage samples in two sub-regions within Gaza, is currently being investigated. Variant type 2 poliovirus (VDPV) has been isolated from sewage samples in Gaza, as per the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s official statement released on 19 July, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers there to be a […]

19
Jul

Addressing the threat to global public health

First Check Team / 1 week
0
2 min read

Experts consider the impact of upcoming US election results and the role of social media platforms in the dissemination of health information. As the presidential election approaches in the United States, experts underscore how the results will impact the health and human rights of millions of people across the globe. A recent article in Health and […]

18
Jul

Salmonella outbreak in the US linked to cucumbers

First Check Team / 1 week
0
2 min read

Untreated canal water used by a cucumber grower was a likely source of the outbreak affecting more than 449 people, according to the CDC and FDA. After more than 449 people were diagnosed with salmonella infection in the United States, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) […]

15
Jul

Decoding the link between formal education & Alzheimer’s disease

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
4 min read

Researchers suggest that formal education may help sustain cognitive function in mid- and late life, and delay the development of symptoms, according to 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report. People with more years of formal education are at lower risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias than those with fewer years of formal […]

15
Jul

5:2 intermittent fasting effective for managing early type 2 diabetes: Study

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
3 min read

Overweight or obese Chinese adults with early type 2 diabetes found that 5:2 MR could improve glycemic outcomes, weight loss in the short term as compared to prescription drugs. An intermittent fasting plan consisting of two non-consecutive fasting days and five days of habitual intake per week and meal replacement diet (5:2 MR) could provide […]

12
Jul

FDA updates guidelines to combat misinformation on medical devices, drugs

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
3 min read

The revised draft guidance sets out a policy to support health companies to address internet-based misinformation with tailored responsive communication. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its official guidelines to address misinformation about medical devices and drugs spread by celebrities and online influencers. The new draft guidance, titled “Addressing Misinformation About Medical […]

11
Jul

LASA drugs pose significant public health threat in India: The Lancet

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
3 min read

The plethora of look-alike, sound-alike drugs are yet to catch the attention of the media or the medical community. When a renowned academic journal calls out the “poor drug regulation in India” vis-à-vis the plethora of look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) drugs that are yet to catch the attention of the media or the medical community, it is […]

09
Jul

WHO guideline for 750 million tobacco users seeking to quit

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
2 min read

The first-ever clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults recommends behavioural support delivered by healthcare providers, digital cessation interventions, pharmacological treatments. Tobacco kills more than eight million people per year and imposes a significant economic burden throughout the world. Globally, there are 1.25 billion people who use tobacco, of which over 60 per cent – more […]

05
Jul

‘Concerning to see pseudo-experts encouraging the population to forgo sunscreen’

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
2 min read

The Ordre des chimistes du Québeche, a regulatory body in Quebec in Canada, recently issued a strong warning against the worrying social media trend. By First Check Team As temperatures rise globally, so does the misinformation about sunscreen on social media platforms. The Ordre des chimistes du Québeche, a regulatory body in Quebec in Canada, […]

04
Jul

Cigarette-style warnings on social media risks to protect children: US surgeon general

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
2 min read

Dr Vivek Murthy slammed social networks for emerging as an “important contributor” to the “mental health crisis” plaguing the youth of America. There is an association between social media use and mental health harms for adolescents, wrote Dr Vivek Murthy, the US surgeon general, in an op-ed published in the New York Times last month. […]

03
Jul

Palestine’s oral health crisis amid conflict, poverty: Study

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
2 min read

Oral diseases are severely under-addressed globally, despite their prevalence and link to chronic illnesses. Political conflict, poverty, and lack of access to clean water and dental care have greatly impacted oral health in Palestine. In 2021, oral diseases in Palestine ranked just behind COVID-19 and upper respiratory infections in terms of morbidity. The 2021 Global […]

27
Jun

Study reveals alarming rise in global physical inactivity

First Check Team / 4 weeks
0
2 min read

A recent study found that about one-third (31%) of adults worldwide, around 1.8 billion people, did not get enough exercise in 2022. The highest inactivity rates were in the high-income Asia Pacific (48%) and South Asia (45%). In other regions, inactivity rates ranged from 28% in wealthy Western countries to 14% in Oceania.

26
Jun

WHO report highlights alcohol and drug impact

First Check Team / 1 month
0
2 min read

The recent WHO report emphasises urgent global action to reduce the severe impact of alcohol and drug use, focusing on high mortality rates and limited treatment accessibility.

24
Jun

Improved cookstoves reduce low birth weight in rural Bangladesh: A Lancet study

First Check Team / 1 month
0
2 min read

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21
Jun

Early intervention in gestational diabetes key to better health: Study

First Check Team / 1 month
0
3 min read

The latest Lancet Series calls for the urgent need to adopt a holistic life-course approach in how we manage the disease. Managing gestational diabetes, aka gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the most common medical pregnancy complication worldwide, early in pregnancy can prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes for mothers and babies. Speaking at the ongoing American Diabetes […]

18
Jun

Optimal vitamin D intake for disease prevention: Guideline

First Check Team / 1 month
0
2 min read

Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline focuses on supplementation guidance for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-diabetes. The Endocrine Society released its latest clinical practice guideline, earlier this month, on the use of vitamin D for the prevention of disease. ‘Vitamin D for the Prevention of Disease: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline’ […]

18
Jun

US military’s anti-vax campaign targeted Muslims to undermine China during pandemic: Report

First Check Team / 1 month
0
3 min read

A key part of the strategy was to amplify the disputed contention that, because vaccines sometimes contain pork gelatin, China’s shots could be considered forbidden under Islamic law, reveals Reuters investigation. The fact that vaccine misinformation thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic is well established. The latest investigation by the Reuters news agency reveals how the […]

13
Jun

South Asian countries can support PPPs to introduce new antibiotics responsibly

First Check Team / 1 month
0
6 min read

Given that AMR poses a significant health burden, particularly among vulnerable populations, and those with limited access to quality healthcare, India has implemented several important strategies to combat the challenge. India faced a severe health crisis as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) claimed 297,036 lives, with 1.04 million deaths associated with it, in 2019. Bacterial infections and […]

11
Jun

High night-time temperatures increase stroke risk in older women: Study

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

Researchers from Helmholtz Munich and the Augsburg University Hospital in Germany found that the risk of stroke among older women is seven per cent higher on warm nights. As the march of climate change continues, notwithstanding the many climate accords aimed at arresting the progress of global warming, a recent study has added to the […]

06
Jun

Climate change poses significant health challenges for kids, elders, pregnant women: Study

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

Nearly 2,50,000 additional deaths per year are estimated from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress due to climate change between 2030 and 2050. As 2023 was the warmest year on record in over 170 years, with numerous climate emergencies like wildfires, cyclones, flooding, and extreme heat, serious health complications are arising for pregnant women, newborns, […]

05
Jun

WHO Member States set new pandemic treaty deadline

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

Representatives from the WHO’s 194 member countries agreed on a set of critical amendments to the International Health Regulations of 2005. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced recently that negotiations for a pandemic accord aimed at preventing a repeat of the COVID-19 challenges are expected to conclude within the next year. During the annual meeting […]

31
May

World No Tobacco Day 2024 Crossword!

First Check Team / 2 months
0
1 min read

Dive into the clues and fill in the squares with terms related to smoking. Whether you’re a puzzle pro or just getting started, this crossword is a fun and engaging way to learn more about the harmful effects of smoking. Want more crossword challenges in the future? Stay tuned and keep an eye on this […]

29
May

Vaccination averted 154 million deaths in 50 years: Study

First Check Team / 2 months
0
2 min read

Vaccination accounted for 40 per cent of the observed decline in global infant mortality, 52 per cent in the African region, according to the WHO-funded study. Since 1974, vaccination has averted 154 million deaths, including 146 million children younger than five years, of which 101 million were infants younger than one year of age, according […]

27
May

7,50,000 AMR-related deaths can be prevented annually: The Lancet

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

Enhanced hand hygiene, equipment sterilisation, safe water, effective sanitation, and paediatric vaccinations are key strategies highlighted in the latest modelling analysis. Improving and expanding existing methods to prevent infections, such as hand hygiene, sterilisation of equipment in healthcare facilities, safe drinking water, effective sanitation and use of paediatric vaccines, could prevent over 750,000 deaths associated […]

24
May

Curable sexually transmitted infections account for over one million daily cases: WHO

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

In 2022, there were 2,30,000 syphilis-related deaths and 6,30,000 HIV-related deaths, of which 13 per cent were children under the age of 15 years. Four curable sexually transmitted infections – syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis – account for over one million cases daily, according to a WHO report released this week. The report, ‘Implementing the […]

22
May

Psychological inoculation works against health misinformation: JAMA

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

Just as the body benefits from being exposed to low doses of an attenuated virus to generate an effective immune response, research finds that it works the same way with the mind. Although debunking misinformation is important, the approach faces many challenges. For example, once people are exposed to misinformation, they often rely on false […]

20
May

17 steps to combat obesity and diabetes: ICMR-NIN

First Check Team / 2 months
0
4 min read

The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) — the country’s apex nutrition authority — recently updated its dietary guidelines for Indians. The guidelines, released this month after a 13-year hiatus, recommend 17 steps to meet the requirements of a balanced diet and to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity and diabetes.

17
May

Infections associated with health care delivery represent a preventable tragedy: WHO

First Check Team / 2 months
0
2 min read

Publishes the first global guidelines to prevent the occurrence of bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the first global guidelines to prevent the occurrence of bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters. Up to 70 […]

15
May

Wearing makeup during exercise not healthy for skin: Study

First Check Team / 2 months
0
2 min read

The heightened moisture retention could potentially hinder the natural evaporation process of the skin, impacting its overall health. In the age of social media trends such as GRWM for Gym/Workout, and hashtags like #gymglam #gymglow, applying makeup before heading to the gym is a common practice. What’s more, even cosmetic companies advertise their products as […]

15
May

High BP affects almost 50% of American women: FDA

First Check Team / 2 months
0
2 min read

Although one may not feel sick at first, if the condition isn’t treated on time, it can lead to grave consequences, and even death. High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is often called a “silent killer” because you can have it and not know it. It is a serious disease that affects almost half of […]

13
May

Fides: WHO launches new initiative to combat health misinformation

First Check Team / 2 months
0
2 min read

The aim is to build a network of healthcare influencers to counteract the spread of health-related misinformation on social media. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a noteworthy initiative to combat health misinformation. Fides aims to build a network of healthcare influencers to counteract the spread of health-related misinformation on social media, thereby supporting […]

10
May

Malaria vaccine saves two million kids : WHO 2023 Results Report

First Check Team / 3 months
0
3 min read

The WHO’s 2023 Results Report highlights the progress made in global health, particularly the malaria vaccine’s impact, funding strategies, accomplishments, and ongoing challenges in fighting diseases worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) released its 2023 Results Report, marking significant strides in global health advancement. Among the standout achievements is the impact of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria […]

09
May

Red Line Campaign: Spotlight on self-medication risks

First Check Team / 3 months
0
2 min read

The awareness campaign by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare educates the public about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance, caused by the overuse of antibiotics without medical supervision. Self-medication, the practice of taking medicines without prescription from a qualified medical practitioner, has become alarmingly common. Videos recommending drugs for various ailments can be […]

03
May

AI search engines promote illegal online pharmacies: Study

First Check Team / 3 months
0
2 min read

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into search engines offers exciting prospects for a more personalised and user-friendly search experience. However, a pertinent study has raised serious concerns about the associated public health risks, particularly the inadvertent promotion of illegal online pharmacies.

02
May

Food safety: 5 harmful chemicals in food products

First Check Team / 3 months
0
2 min read

There’s an urgent need for transparent labelling, effective regulation, and greater consumer awareness to safeguard public health. Indian spice brands have been in the news lately for allegedly not following food safety regulations in various countries. Popular products from companies like Everest and MDH were found to contain ethylene oxide, classified as a ‘Group 1 […]

25
Apr

World Malaria Day 2024 Crossword!

First Check Team / 3 months
0
1 min read

Team First Check is thrilled to present its first-ever crossword puzzle which is designed to test your knowledge and raise awareness about the important global health issue – Malaria.

Dive into the clues and fill in the squares with terms related to malaria. Whether you’re a puzzle pro or just getting started, this crossword is a fun and engaging way to learn more about malaria.

25
Apr

Airborne pathogens to be called infectious respiratory particles: WHO

First Check Team / 3 months
0
2 min read

The latest global technical consultation report addresses the issue of not having a consistent language to describe the spread of airborne pathogens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, different groups used different words to talk about how pathogens spread through the air. This caused massive confusion. A global technical consultation report by the World Health Organization (WHO), […]

23
Apr

Explainer: 5 vitamins, besides vitamin D, for optimal bone health

First Check Team / 3 months
0
2 min read

International Journal of Molecular Medicine article sheds light on the complexity of bone building, underscoring the need for incorporating vitamins A, B, C, E, and K in our daily lives. While the role of vitamin D in calcium absorption and the prevention of osteoporosis is well known, there’s little awareness about the importance of other […]

18
Apr

Light physical activity can improve metabolic health in children: Study

First Check Team / 3 months
0
2 min read

Among overweight and obese youths, increased LPA linked with 20 per cent reduced risk of worsening hyperinsulinemia. Light physical activity (LPA) is linked to a lower chance of developing excess insulin and insulin resistance from childhood to young adulthood. Increased sedentary time worsens metabolic health, especially in those who are overweight or obese, says a […]

16
Apr

Deep inequities, underreported suffering in global breast cancer battle: Report

First Check Team / 3 months
0
4 min read

Lancet Commission report estimates global breast cancer incidence to rise from 2.3 million new cases in 2020 to over three million by 2040 and one million deaths annually. In 2020, 7.8 million women were alive having been diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous five years, reflecting progress in research and cancer management that has […]

12
Apr

India closing the gap between estimated and reported TB cases: Report

First Check Team / 4 months
0
3 min read

India TB Report 2024, by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlights the pressing need to improve the adoption of latest technology to combat the disease. Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s annual report on the state of tuberculosis (TB) India TB Report 2024 shows significant progress in the detection and treatment of […]

09
Apr

India ‘Cancer capital of the world’: Report

First Check Team / 4 months
0
4 min read

Apollo Hospitals’ Health of Nation report shows a concerning surge in non-communicable diseases, which are now manifesting at increasingly younger ages across the country. Apollo Hospitals, the largest private hospital network in India, recently released the latest edition of its flagship annual report, Health of Nation, which shows a concerning surge in non-communicable diseases […]

08
Apr

Social cues shape perceptions of online information: Study

First Check Team / 4 months
0
3 min read

By acknowledging the social aspects of online information consumption, the researchers contend that we gain valuable insights into our susceptibility to misinformation. In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become central to how we consume information. Yet, the role of social cues and source credibility in shaping our perceptions of online content often goes […]

21
Mar

US launches Foreign Ministry Channel for Health Security to counter health misinformation, disinformation

First Check Team / 4 months
0
3 min read

Climate change, growing regional instability, the rise of misinformation and disinformation increase the complexity of preventing and responding to the next pandemic. The United States has launched Foreign Ministry Channel (FMC) for Health Security, making health security a foreign policy priority, and effectively addressing health-related misinformation and disinformation. This comes with the recognition that the […]

20
Mar

Pro tips to find scientific health information on social media

First Check Team / 4 months
0
2 min read

Nutrition and fitness expert Layne Norton offers some sound advice on navigating false, misleading claims online. While self-proclaimed health experts on social media platforms are some of the biggest perpetuators of health misinformation, there are also several qualified professionals, who share valuable information online on health and well-being. Layne Norton, a PhD holder in Nutritional […]

18
Mar

Vaccine misinformation fuels measles resurgence in US

First Check Team / 4 months
0
2 min read

58 new measles cases reported by 17 jurisdictions, raising fears of comeback of the disease that was declared eliminated from the US 24 years ago. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the United States of America. However, recent trends show a resurgence of measles cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated […]

14
Mar

WHO proposes pandemic agreement, not treaty

First Check Team / 5 months
0
2 min read

The ninth Intergovernmental Negotiating Body meeting will be held in hybrid format from March 18 to March 28, 2024. Ahead of the ninth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) for a World Health Organization (WHO) instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, later this month, the WHO has started an aggressive campaign on the […]

28
Feb

Indian court takes firm stand on misleading health ads

First Check Team / 5 months
0
2 min read

The Supreme Court orders immediate ban on all electronic and print advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved. In a scathing indictment, the Supreme Court of India has criticised the Central Government for its lack of action against Patanjali Ayurved, co-owned by yoga guru Ramdev, in a case involving “misleading and false” advertisements. The apex court remarked that […]

20
Feb

Exercise is an effective treatment for depression: Study

First Check Team / 5 months
0
2 min read

While walking or jogging benefited both genders, strength training was more beneficial for women, and yoga or qigong was more effective for men. A recent study, published in the British Medical Journal, finds that exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training more effective than other exercises, particularly […]

14
Feb

Interview: ‘Misinformation can lead to misunderstandings about scientific facts’

First Check Team / 5 months
0
4 min read

Dr Safieh Shah, First Check member and Canada-based senior policy scientist, talks about the power of collaboration, the prevalent challenges, and the urgency to strengthen our fight against health misinformation. “The landscape of health misinformation is dynamic and changes over time, as does social media,” says Dr Safieh Shah, First Check member and senior policy […]

12
Feb

AI-generated content cannot provide personalised medical advice: Study

First Check Team / 6 months
0
2 min read

While ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 can serve as supplementary sources for health information, a recent study underscores the need for validation and scrutiny of AI-generated content. By First Check Team As health misinformation continues to spread across various online platforms, the reliability of sources becomes paramount. An interesting study sought to evaluate the potential of […]

06
Feb

Conspiracy theories major obstacle to new global pandemic treaty: WHO

First Check Team / 6 months
0
3 min read

Despite lessons that should have been learned during COVID-19, the world is unprepared for the next pandemic, be it an influenza virus, another coronavirus, or “Disease X.” A new global pandemic treaty is in the works. The motive of the treaty is to prepare the world for the next pandemic, be it an influenza virus, […]

02
Feb

Use behavioural science to fight health misinformation: Study

First Check Team / 6 months
0
2 min read

Latest research underscores the importance of recognising the content, tactics employed by spreaders, and understanding the motivations of those susceptible to misinformation. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of social media in public health has become increasingly evident. A recent research titled ‘Using Behavioural Science for Infodemic Preparedness: The Case of Vaccination […]

31
Jan

Dilute vaccine misinformation with large amounts of scientific evidence: US FDA experts

First Check Team / 6 months
0
3 min read

Vaccine hesitancy brings about a substantial risk to the population’s immunity against vaccine-preventable infectious diseases and could potentially lead to thousands of deaths. Plummeting vaccination rates currently pose a major public health challenge in the United States. A recent viewpoint article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) by Peter Marks and Robert […]

26
Jan

Measles: Misinformation-fuelled vaccine hesitancy puts children’s lives at risk

First Check Team / 6 months
0
2 min read

The CDC reported that measles cases in 2022 increased by 18%, and deaths by 43% globally as compared to 2021. Misinformation on vaccines, spread by a section of social media users, is contributing to vaccine hesitancy and negatively affecting public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 10-year low in routine […]

24
Jan

Video gamers at risk of irreversible hearing loss, tinnitus: Study

First Check Team / 6 months
0
2 min read

Researchers note the need to consider permissible noise levels and exposure duration to determine safe listening practices. Recent research findings suggest that video gamers worldwide may be jeopardising their hearing, exposing themselves to irreversible hearing loss, and persistent tinnitus. Researchers analysed data from studies involving over 50,000 individuals and found that reported sound levels often […]

22
Jan

Cervical cancer awareness month: HPV vaccines are safe

First Check Team / 6 months
0
2 min read

While India’s Union Health Ministry is yet to take a decision on the roll-out of HPV vaccination against cervical cancer, misleading posts and videos are doing the rounds on social media channels. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. While India’s Union Health Ministry has said it is yet to take a decision on the roll-out […]

18
Jan

Decline in tobacco use rates globally: WHO

First Check Team / 6 months
0
2 min read

Currently the WHO South-East Asian Region has the highest percentage of population using tobacco at 26.5%, with the European Region not far behind at 25.3%. The World Health Organization (WHO) tobacco trends report released earlier this week brings some good news. The world is getting closer to the voluntary target of a 30% relative reduction […]

16
Jan

A pill or injection can’t address the complexities of obesity: Lancet

First Check Team / 6 months
0
3 min read

Weight loss is only maintained while taking the drugs; once treatment stops, weight can be regained, and so the costs of chronic treatment, for both individuals and health systems, could be substantial. Global efforts are on to discover effective drugs for obesity and diabetes. While a simple pill or injection will undoubtedly help some patients, […]

11
Jan

Moderate to vigorous physical activity can help COPD patients: Study

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

Getting 20 minutes of intense activity at least three days a week, or 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days a week can make a positive difference for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exercising more, specifically doing moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), can help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), […]

05
Jan

ChatGPT gives incorrect diagnoses, but holds promise

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

The LLM-based chatbot reached an incorrect diagnosis in 83 out of 100 pediatric case challenges, finds study. A large language model (LLM) based chatbot gave the wrong diagnosis for the majority of paediatric cases, finds a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Among the diagnoses, 72% were incorrect and 11% were clinically related but too […]

03
Jan

Social media listening crucial for tackling infodemic’s impact on health: Study

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

There is growing evidence of the impact of the infodemic on non-communicable diseases, climate change, vaccine acceptance, and mental health, among many other health concerns. A recent study says that social listening and integrated analysis to generate infodemic insights are the first step in managing the infodemic.

01
Jan

Fact-checking health in 2024

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

Medical practitioners, fact checkers and journalists need to collaborate to make it happen As 2023 draws to a close, global health regulators are issuing warnings against counterfeit versions of Ozempic, a drug used for type 2 diabetes. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confiscated ‘thousands of units’ of counterfeit medication within the American drug […]

05
Dec

Critical gap in cancer trials in India, finds study

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

Several states in Northeast India had no registered clinical trials available to cancer patients from 2007 to 2021. A recent study revealed a disconcerting reality about India’s fight against cancer: Between July 2007 and December 2021, a mere 1988 cancer clinical trials were registered with India’s Clinical Trial Registry (CTRI). This figure pales in comparison […]

27
Nov

COVID-19 vaccine not the cause of unexplained sudden death among young adults: ICMR Study

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

Certain high-risk behavioural factors such as binge drinking, smoking and strenuous physical activity were found to be positively associated with unexplained sudden death. COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India, states the latest Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study. On the contrary, the study finds […]

20
Nov

Delay umbilical cord clamping by two minutes to reduce premature baby deaths, says study

First Check Team / 8 months
0
2 min read

It allows blood to flow from the placenta to the baby whilst the baby’s lungs fill with air, potentially easing the transition into breathing. Waiting for two minutes or longer to clamp the umbilical cord of a premature baby likely reduces the risk of death soon after birth, according to two companion systematic reviews and […]

16
Nov

370% rise in heat-related deaths by 2050 if climate goals unmet: The Lancet report

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

The 2023 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change highlights how the health of humanity is at grave risk. The 2023 report of the ‘Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: the imperative for a health-centred response in a world facing irreversible harms’, released earlier this week, provides a disturbing glimpse of […]

07
Nov

UNESCO unveils action plan to regulate social media platforms to fight disinformation

First Check Team / 9 months
0
3 min read

The first World Conference of Regulators to be held in mid-2024; to mobilise dedicated funding, including one million Euros pledged by the European Commission. While unveiling an action plan to tackle online disinformation on November 6, 2023, UNESCO made a strong comment on the escalating proliferation of online disinformation and hate speech becoming “a major […]

01
Nov

Fact-check: Emergency contraceptive pills are safe

First Check Team / 9 months
0
2 min read

While they can be a powerful tool of women empowerment, there’s an urgent need for public awareness and access, coupled with efforts to promote gender equality in the reproductive sphere. A viral tweet – with three million views at the time of this writing – on the perils of using emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) claims […]

25
Oct

AI can perpetuate harmful, debunked, racist ideas in healthcare: Study

First Check Team / 9 months
0
2 min read

A recent study highlights the potential dangers of integrating Large Language Models in healthcare systems without addressing inherent biases. A recent study published on npj Digital Medicine (Nature) highlights the potential dangers of integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) in healthcare systems without addressing inherent biases. At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly getting […]

19
Oct

Rise of anti-science movement claims millions of lives, warns researcher

First Check Team / 9 months
0
2 min read

In his book ‘The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science: a Scientist’s Warning’, Peter Hotez notes that health misinformation is organised, well-financed, and politically motivated. ‘The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science: a Scientist’s Warning’ by Peter Hotez, Dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA, is essential reading for out […]

13
Oct

Fact-check: Vitamin C can’t ward off the flu

First Check Team / 10 months
0
2 min read

Vitamin C has long been of interest to medical experts and researchers for its role in supporting the immune system and its potential in preventing and treating infections. As the cold and flu season approaches, many individuals arm themselves with a familiar defense: pills, powders, and various forms of vitamin C. Does vitamin C actually […]

12
Oct

Nipah virus infection: 10 facts

First Check Team / 10 months
0
3 min read

It’s important to be informed about the infection; don’t be swayed by fear mongering and misinformation. By First Check team Nipah virus infection is suspected to be the cause of two recent deaths due to fever in Kozhikode, Kerala. While the suspicion can only be confirmed once the test results from the National Institute of Virology […]

21
Sep

Hypertension affects one in three adults globally: WHO global report on hypertension

First Check Team / 10 months
0
4 min read

The first-of-its-kind, comprehensive analysis finds that currently, only one in five individuals with hypertension has their condition under control. Strengthening hypertension control programmes is crucial. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently unveiled a first-of-its-kind report highlighting the devastating global impact of high blood pressure, a pervasive health issue often referred to as the “silent killer”. […]

16
Aug

A good start: YouTube’s long-term vision for medical misinformation policies

First Check Team / 12 months
0
2 min read

The platform will streamline existing guidelines to fall under three categories – Prevention, Treatment, and Denial. By First Check team As the threat of health misinformation continues to loom large across the globe, YouTube recently announced its long-term vision for medical misinformation policies on the platform. The video platform will start by removing content that […]

01
Jul

First Check bags Global Fact Check Fund award

First Check Team / 1 year
0
2 min read

IFCN awarded 35 organisations serving 45 countries with $25,000 each to strengthen the impact of their fact-checking projects. The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) on Thursday announced grant recipients from the Global Fact Check Fund’s BUILD phase, which aims to help fact-checking organisations scale or upgrade their online presence. First Check, DataLEADS’s flagship health fact-checking initiative, […]

25
Jan

The Mercury Project: Call for proposals

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

The Social Science Research Council announces USD $2 million grant for projects designed to increase demand for childhood vaccines, HPV, polio, measles, and COVID-19 in low- and lower-middle income countries.

03
Nov

Baseless theories about entry of women in Sabarimala Temple causing the 2018 floods in Kerala, debunked and clarified

First Check Team / 3 years
0
4 min read

If social media posts are to be believed, the 2018 flood fury in Kerala, was a divine response to allowing women of all ages into the temple, breaking a centuries-old tradition.

23
Apr

NSA Ajit Doval didn’t write a letter lauding Kumbh efforts

First Check Team / 3 years
0
1 min read

Government officials confirmed that reports of the so-called letter praising the Uttarakhand govt for Kumbh efforts are fake.

19
Apr

False claim uses Japanese Nobel laureate Tasuku Honjo name again to spread COVID-19 misinformation

First Check Team / 3 years
0
2 min read

As the world grapples with a health crisis and misinformation, false claims are re-emerging despite being debunked earlier.

15
Mar

Are DIY disinfectants safe?

First Check Team / 3 years
0
4 min read

Youtube is awash with how to disinfect surfaces and many people have resorted to trying to make their own disinfectants by watching viral do-it-yourself (DIY) videos and YouTube tutorials. But mixing chemicals in the wrong proportion can at best create an ineffective product – and at worst result in poisoning.

15
Mar

First Check now a member of the International Fact-Checking Network

First Check Team / 3 years
0
2 min read

First Check, the health fact-checking initiative of Health Analytics Asia, is now a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter, USA.

20
Feb

No evidence to say that COVID-19 vaccines affect pregnancy

First Check Team / 3 years
0
2 min read

Currently, there is no established link between miscarriages after COVID-19 immunization as only limited data is available

01
Nov

Debunking 6 viral claims about COVID-19 remedies

First Check Team / 4 years
0
2 min read

There’s no dearth of posts on social media platforms claiming to have found the cure for the coronavirus. Here’s one in Hindi that makes not one, but several claims about COVID-19 cures and prevention.

10
Jul

No, tying a sack of spices and camphor will not protect you from Covid-19

First Check Team / 4 years
0
3 min read

There is no scientific evidence that tying a homemade pouch full of different spices can protect people from Covid-19. The video has been viewed thousands of times but the claim is false and is misleading people.

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