As we come to the end of yet another eventful year, we spent time to reflect on the medical achievements of 2023. The Goan Observer started a new section on health and lifestyle wherein we got an expert to answer frequently asked questions on various aspects of health. It was pleasure once again speaking to DR AMIT DIAS, assistant professor at the Department of Preventive & Social Medicine of the GMC, to get an idea of the medical achievements and milestones in 2023.
“The year 2023 brought forth remarkable breakthroughs in the field of medicine, showcasing the immense potential of human ingenuity,” he says. Read some of the remarkable achievements of the year in this article.
FROM advancements in precision medicine to innovative solutions powered by artificial intelligence, these notable achievements paved the way for improved patient care, disease management, and global health initiatives. Here are some of the achievements that have made a significant impact on healthcare worldwide.
Precision Medicine:
ADVANCEMENTS in genetic research and personalized therapies have unlocked new frontiers in precision medicine. Targeted treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup are driving improved outcomes for patients with various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions and rare genetic disorders.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare:
AI has continued its accelerated integration into healthcare, revolutionizing diagnostics, research, and patient care. Utilizing machine learning algorithms, AI systems can analyze vast amounts of medical data and provide accurate predictions, aiding in the early detection of diseases and guiding treatment decisions.
Elimination of diseases
IN our fight against infectious diseases, India has maintained its status as polio-free and we are marching towards eliminating diseases such as measles, rubella, malaria, leprosy, tuberculosis and more. According to a WHO report the year 2023 was a record year for disease elimination, with several countries eliminating infectious diseases.
In March 2023, WHO certified Azerbaijan and Tajikistan malaria-free, followed by Belize in June. Malaria affects some of the world’s most vulnerable people, and these extraordinary achievements demonstrate how a malaria-free future can become a reality. Cases due to malaria dropped drastically in India and in the state of Goa. We are committed to malaria elimination.
Egypt became the first country in the world to achieve “gold tier” status on the path to eliminate hepatitis C — an important milestone towards the goal of achieving full elimination of the disease before 2030. This is a significant turnaround for a country that had one of the world’s highest rates of hepatitis C infection less than 10 years ago.
As of today, 50 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD), in line with WHO’s ambitious target of having 100 countries achieve this milestone by 2030.
In January, Ghana eliminated gambiense human African trypanosomiasis, a life-threatening sleeping sickness transmitted by tsetse flies that causes significant harm in rural populations living in poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
In May 2023, Benin and Mali eliminated trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. They were the fifth and sixth countries in Africa to achieve this significant milestone, joined by Iraq from the Eastern Mediterranean region in July.
Bangladesh and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic successfully eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health concern. Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a debilitating parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Bangladesh made history as the first country to eliminate two NTDs in the same year. In a historic achievement, Bangladesh also became the first country in the world to be officially validated for having eliminated kala-azar. Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) is a life-threatening disease transmitted by sand flies which, if left untreated, can prove fatal in over 95% of cases.
Management of COVID-19
FOLLOWING the tumultuous years of the Covid-19 pandemic, significant progress in managing and responding to emerging infections has been achieved. Rapid development of vaccines, improved testing capabilities, and the implementation of robust public health measures have played pivotal roles in curbing the spread of infectious diseases.
On May 5, 2023 the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared Covid-19 over as a global health emergency. However, this does not mean that the viral infection is no longer a global health threat, rather that it was time for countries to transition from emergency mode to managing Covid-19 alongside other infectious diseases. Unfortunately towards the end of this year, we have noticed a significant rise in the number of Covid cases which is an indication to stay alert and be prepared.
Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease:
THE search for effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease witnessed promising advancements in 2023. Researchers made significant strides in understanding the disease’s mechanisms, leading to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches targeting amyloid plaque build-up and neuro-inflammation. With our current knowledge on prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, the focus is also on prevention and taking advantage of neuroplasticity.
Progress Towards Health for All
THE WHO this year was for “health for all” and efforts were made to ensure the expansion of Universal Health Coverage. Several countries have prioritized strategies to expand access to quality healthcare services, improve health infrastructure and strengthen healthcare systems, with a specific focus on marginalized populations.
Government Initiatives in Healthcare
THE government of India introduced impactful initiatives and policies to strengthen healthcare delivery and access to essential services. Measures such as the expansion of health insurance schemes, investment in digital healthcare infrastructure, and increased funding for medical research have contributed to improving overall public health outcomes. The recent announcement by the Home Minster that medical negligence will not be considered a criminal offence is also a welcome one. The fear of being persecuted for their act in good faith, can be a huge barrier in providing health care.
Telemedicine & Remote Care
THE adoption of telemedicine and remote care solutions witnessed a surge in 2023. These technologies allowed patients to access medical consultations and care remotely, particularly crucial during the pandemic. The expansion of digital health platforms and improved connectivity helped bridge geographical barriers and reach underserved populations.
Advancements in Regenerative Medicine
STRIDES in regenerative medicine have invigorated the field of tissue engineering and organ transplantation. Researchers have made progress in developing innovative techniques for regenerating damaged or diseased organs and tissues, potentially revolutionizing transplantation therapies in the future.
Conclusion
THE year 2023 witnessed remarkable progress in medicine, fuelled by technological advancements and a shared commitment to improving global health. We hope that the new year will bring in more news of medical advancement to improve the quality of care provided to the people. Till then follow your resolutions made on the first day of the New Year on fitness and watching your dieting right through the year. Prevention is always better then cure.
