OMM Redaksiyası
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke are linked to reduced fertility in both women and men.
Women who smoke face a 40% higher risk of infertility than nonsmokers. In men, smoking has been linked to poorer sperm quality and sexual dysfunction. The report also says smoking reduces the chances of success for assisted reproductive procedures, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The WHO recommends providing medical support to people planning a pregnancy to help them quit smoking. The organization also stresses that exposure to secondhand smoke carries risks.
Study examines paracetamol use during pregnancy
A study conducted in Copenhagen examined 302 three-month-old girls. It found that children exposed to paracetamol in the womb had, on average, smaller ovaries and uteruses, as well as fewer ovarian follicles.
The study also identified an association between exposure to paracetamol before the 17th week of pregnancy and lower AMH levels. A related study tracking 1,210 girls until adolescence recorded similar findings.
Researchers said the results do not prove that paracetamol caused these differences or that it would affect fertility later in life. Existing medical recommendations on the use of paracetamol during pregnancy remain unchanged.
First legal complaint over school meals filed in Indonesia
Sixty parents in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province have filed a police complaint against the National Nutrition Agency. The complaint concerns hundreds of children who fell ill after eating food distributed under President Prabowo Subianto’s free meals program.
The parents are seeking an investigation into negligence, the identification of those suspected of wrongdoing and compensation. A separate lawsuit is also expected to be prepared.
The $13 billion program is presented as the largest social project of its kind among G20 countries. The number of reported food poisoning cases linked to the program has exceeded 50,000. Allegations of administrative irregularities and corruption have also emerged.
Food safety concerns grow in India
Tukaram Mundhe, Maharashtra state’s food safety commissioner, has become popular on social media for conducting raids at restaurants and seizing adulterated food products. Millions of users follow his posts.
However, the broader picture is more complex. Parliamentary reports have for years highlighted problems involving unaccredited laboratories, incomplete databases and understaffing.
Disputes over placing warning labels on food products have also raised questions about lobbying pressure from major food companies. Consumers remain concerned about food safety.
Democratic Republic of the Congo lacks resources for Ebola response
According to the WHO, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing shortages of skilled personnel, operational partners and funding needed to expand treatment capacity as an Ebola outbreak spreads across six provinces.
About 1,400 beds have been established at 59 centers. However, another 1,600 beds are needed, requiring approximately 5,000 additional healthcare workers.
Officials said there were not enough large organizations with the experience required to manage treatment centers. Donors are being urged to increase funding for the $1.3 billion response plan.
