Current Affairs - Science

The ‘Asha Van’ mobile unit was launched to strengthen early detection and diagnosis of cancers, especially in underserved and rural areas. Equipped with advanced EVA-Pro diagnostic systems, mammography facilities, and teleconsultation services, the unit is capable of screening for ten different types of cancer, including lung, breast, and cervical cancers. By enabling early screening, the initiative aims to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality. Handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society, the mobile unit aligns with the broader goal of accessible healthcare and supports the vision of universal health coverage.

WHO introduced its first clinical guideline for the use of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide to support long-term obesity management. These medicines, added to the Essential Medicines List in 2025, are recommended alongside lifestyle interventions that include dietary improvements, increased physical activity, and sustained medical follow-up. WHO advised caution regarding the use of these drugs during pregnancy due to insufficient data. With over one billion people worldwide affected by obesity and millions of deaths occurring annually, the guideline aims to provide structured, evidence-based global direction for managing this growing public health challenge.

Auramine O is an industrial-grade synthetic yellow dye commonly used in textiles, leather, paper, and printing inks, but it is completely prohibited in food products under Indian regulations. Its recurring presence in Indian foods reflects deeper issues such as weak enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, inadequate chemical-market regulation, and widespread use of informal supply chains. Vendors often adopt it because it is cheap, visually vibrant, and easily accessible, while consumers typically lack awareness of the health risks. Prolonged exposure can cause liver and kidney toxicity, mutagenic effects, and possible carcinogenicity, making its continued use a significant public-health concern.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, partnered with UNICEF to announce a breakthrough pricing agreement for the R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine on November 24, 2025. This deal lowers the vaccine cost to US$ 2.99 per dose, saves up to $90 million, and enables 7 million additional children to be vaccinated by 2030. Gavi’s role includes advance financing and supporting vaccine delivery in over 24 African countries, which bear 70% of the global malaria burden. The collaboration ensures greater accessibility, equity, and rapid deployment of life-saving vaccines in high-need regions.

Phesgo is a subcutaneous treatment that combines two monoclonal antibodies—trastuzumab and pertuzumab—into a single under-the-skin injection. It significantly reduces hospital time from around 2.5 hours to just 5–8 minutes while maintaining the same safety and efficacy as intravenous therapy. Designed for HER2-positive breast cancer, which accounts for about 20–25% of all breast cancer cases, Phesgo represents a major advancement in making cancer care more convenient, patient-centered, and efficient by simplifying the treatment process without compromising medical outcomes.