Every year, World Toilet Day is observed to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis and encourage action to solve it. The goal set by the United Nation is to achieve safe toilets for all by 2023, as a part of their Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN also states that 3.5 billion people live without proper sanitation and many children also lose their lives due to poor sanitation and unsafe water. This is why World Toilet Day is observed to raise awareness on this issue.

Theme

This year, the theme for World Toilet Day 2024 is "Toilets - A Place for Peace'. This focuses on the growing threat to sanitation that is caused by conflict, climate change, disaster and neglect. When there is a threat to using toilets, it can lead to many health risks.

Not using toilets for too long may lead to Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. For many who do not have access to clean toilets do not drink enough liquid or hold pee for too long. Doctors suggest that holding in pee for too long can cause bacteria to multiply and lead to UTI. By not drinking enough water, your bladder fails to tell the body to pee often, and can cause the bacteria to spread through the urinary tract, which can lead to infection.

Symptoms of UTI:

• Burning or stinging feeling while urinating
• Pain in pelvis or lower abdomen
• Constant urge to empty the bladder
• Strong or foul smelling urine
• Consistently dark urine
• Blood in urine

Holding in pee for too long can also cause your bladder to stretch, making it difficult or even impossible for the bladder to contract and release pee normally. It can also damage your pelvic floor muscles or could lead to kidney stones.

World Toilet Day History And Significance

To prevent such conditions, it is important that everyone has access to clean and safe toilets. In terms of history, the day was established in 2001, by the World Toilet Organization (WTO), which was founded by Jack Sim. However, it was officially recognised by the UN in 2013. The Government of Singapore worked with WTO to create the first UN resolution called Sanitation for All.

India too promotes safe and hygiene toilet through its Swachh Bharat Yojna.

An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered blood test has accurately detected liver cancer in patients from two geographically and biologically distinct populations.

It is being considered a breakthrough that can help researchers develop accessible and effective screening for people at high risk of the disease.

About The Study

The study by researchers from Johns Hopkins University, validated an AI-based blood test in 377 participants from Guatemala and Romania, two populations with different genetic backgrounds and major causes of liver disease.

The findings suggest the technology may be effective across diverse populations. It marks an important step in deploying AI in real-world clinical use.

The test is based on DELFI (DNA Evaluation of Fragments for Early Interception), an AI platform that analyses patterns in cell-free DNA fragments circulating in the bloodstream.

Rather than searching for a single mutation, the algorithm detects subtle changes in how DNA is fragmented, which is a sign of cancer.

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Better Than Conventional Blood Test

Researchers found that when the DELFI blood test was combined with the commonly used liver cancer biomarker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), along with a patient's age and sex, it detected 89% of liver cancers overall and 79% of early-stage cancers.

This was significantly better and effective than AFP testing alone, which has limited sensitivity for detecting tumours at an early stage.

The study also provided new insights into why the test performs well, showing that DNA fragmentation patterns carry biological signals linked with liver cancer across different patients from different backgrounds.

According to the researchers, this strengthens confidence that the AI technology could be applied beyond a single country or healthcare setting and can be used to improve liver cancer detection systems.

Also read: Bone Marrow Transplant: The Quiet Revolution Transforming India's Fight Against Blood Cancers

How Does The AI Test Work?

Healthy and cancerous cells release tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. The DELFI platform uses AI to examine the size, distribution, and genomic patterns of these fragments.

Instead of looking for a specific mutation, it recognises fragmentation signs that indicate the presence of liver cancer, making it possible to identify the disease using just a simple blood sample.

While the findings are promising, the researchers emphasised that the test is not yet ready for routine clinical use.

Larger human clinical studies will be needed before it can become part of standard liver cancer screening programmes.

If future trials confirm these results, AI-powered blood tests could become a valuable addition to current cancer detection processes, helping doctors detect liver cancer earlier and improving outcomes for people at highest risk.

Also read: WHO Cancer Agency Flags 3 Common Medicines As Carcinogenic: What It Means For Millions Of Patients

Who Is At Risk?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is often diagnosed only after symptoms develop, reducing the chances of successful treatment.

People living with cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at particularly high risk of contracting this disease.

The existing screening methods, including ultrasound and AFP testing, can miss early cancers, while access to imaging is limited in many parts of the world.

A blood-based test that performs consistently across diverse populations could help improve screening and identify cancers when they are still treatable.

From weight loss and diabetes to cancers and much more, GLP-1 drugs have delivered blockbuster results and transformed treatment for millions of people worldwide.

Clinical data have consistently shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists containing semaglutide and tirzepatide—including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro—reduce overall mortality as well as the risk of heart-related deaths.

However, reports from the UK and US have linked these medicines to more than 200 deaths. While a direct causal relationship has not been established and millions of people use these medications safely, high-profile inquests and adverse event databases have highlighted reports of deaths in which these drugs were listed as a suspected contributing factor, including cases associated with severe complications, dosing errors, and the use of counterfeit or compounded products.

UK Reports 82 Deaths Linked to GLP-1 Drugs

Data submitted to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) show a total of 82 deaths associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, the class of drugs used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, up to January 31, 2025.

The data includes 22 deaths associated with GLP-1 agonists used for weight loss, while 60 deaths were linked to their use in treating type 2 diabetes. As per the MHRA data:

• 18 deaths were linked to tirzepatide (Mounjaro), including 10 associated with weight loss and eight with type 2 diabetes treatment.
• 29 deaths werelinked to semaglutide products, including Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. Of these, four were associated with weight loss and 25 with diabetes treatment.
• 35 deaths werelinked to liraglutide products, including Saxenda and Victoza.

"The decision to start, continue, or stop treatments should be made jointly by patients and their doctor, based on full consideration of benefits and risks," said Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer.

Northern Ireland Reported Two Deaths in 2026

In 2026, the deaths of two people in Northern Ireland potentially linked to Wegovy and Mounjaro injections were also reported to the MHRA.

The two cases are among more than 500 suspected adverse drug reaction reports submitted from Northern Ireland over the past two years related to GLP-1 medications.

US Reported 162 Deaths

In the US, Ozempic and Wegovy have been linked to 162 deaths since 2018, according to reports in the FDA's FAERS (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System) database.

While none of the deaths have been proven to be directly caused by semaglutide injections, the reports indicate the drugs were listed as a factor in the fatalities.

Growing Use of GLP-1 Drugs

Driven by the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, the use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound has increased dramatically in recent years. The global GLP-1 drug market is estimated to reach $200 billion by 2030.

Although each medication has distinct FDA-approved uses, they share four common mechanisms of action:

• Stimulate insulin release.
• Reduce blood sugar.
• Slow digestion.
• Reduce hunger.

FDA Warning on Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs

In June 2026, the FDA raised concerns about patients and healthcare professionals seeking unapproved versions of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, for weight loss.

The agency warned that unapproved products do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness or quality before being marketed.

The FDA recommends that:

• Compounded drugs should only be used when a patient's medical needs cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug.
• Patients should obtain a prescription from their doctor and fill it at a state-licensed pharmacy.
• Patients should use the FDA's BeSafeRx campaign resources to safely purchase prescription medicines online.
• Patients should consult their doctor if they have questions about their medications.
• Patients should contact the compounder or telehealth platform where they purchased the drug if they have questions about instructions for use or label information.

What Are The Red Flags

The FDA advises consumers to watch for warning signs, including companies that:

• Claim a compounded drug is the same as an FDA-approved product.
• Offer medicines at deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true.
• Send medicines that look different from previous prescriptions, arrive in damaged packaging or lack instructions for use.
• Do not require screening and a prescription from a licensed doctor.
• Do not have a licensed doctor available to answer questions after the medication is received.
• Have spelling errors on labels or provide incorrect pharmacy addresses.
• List a pharmacy name on the label that appears to be fraudulent.

Even as the ongoing Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat and Rajasthan has reportedly claimed 22 lives, most of them children, the Centre has launched a comprehensive 'One Health' investigation that combines human, animal and vector surveillance to better understand how the virus spreads and how future outbreaks can be contained.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) comprising experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). The team will support the two states in outbreak investigations, strengthen surveillance and recommend evidence-based public health measures.

What Will the Multidisciplinary Probe Do?

The investigation aims to improve understanding of the Chandipura virus by studying:

• How the virus spreads
• The full clinical spectrum of the disease
• Its epidemiology
• Potential treatment approaches
• Measures to strengthen outbreak response

The exercise brings together experts in epidemiology, virology, entomology, veterinary sciences and laboratory diagnostics to study infections ranging from mild fever to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Also read: Breastfeeding Can Help Reduce Mothers' Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Breast Cancer and More

Surveillance Intensified in Affected Areas

As part of the investigation, authorities have stepped up surveillance among patients presenting with:

• Acute Febrile Illness (AFI)
• Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)

Researchers are also conducting community-based serosurveys to estimate asymptomatic infections and understand the true extent of virus transmission. At the same time, laboratories are working to strengthen diagnostic tests and develop improved animal models to better understand the disease.

Scientists Probe the Virus Transmission Cycle

While sandflies are the established vectors of Chandipura virus, the scientists are also investigating whether other arthropods—including mosquitoes, ticks and mites—could play a role in transmission, the Ministry said.

Large numbers of vector samples collected from affected areas are currently undergoing laboratory analysis. However, officials have stressed that it is too early to identify the vector responsible for the current outbreak until scientific investigations are complete.

Livestock Also Under Investigation

Animal surveillance has been expanded to determine whether domestic animals could act as reservoirs for the virus.

Blood samples collected include:

• cattle
• buffaloes
• goats
• Milk samples

Read More: Maharashtra Becomes Second Indian State To Ban Sale Of Fake Paneer: Here's Why It Can Be Harmful

Around 70 animal blood samples have been collected so far and are being tested for Chandipura virus and other relevant pathogens. Authorities have clarified that no conclusions can be drawn until laboratory investigations are completed. The scientists' team is also examining whether the virus has undergone genetic changes.

While scientists investigate how the virus spreads and whether it has evolved, HealthandMe spoke to infectious disease experts who stressed that parents should focus on recognising symptoms early, as there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus.

No Need to Panic

Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Gleneagles Chennai, says the recent cases are a reminder to remain vigilant—not alarmed.

"The virus can cause severe illness, particularly in children under 15 years, but prompt recognition and early hospital care can make a difference," he said.

He added that not every fever during the monsoon is Chandipura virus, but children with warning signs in affected areas should be evaluated without delay.

Symptoms Parents Should Never Ignore

The doctor advised seeking immediate medical attention if a child develops:

• Sudden high fever
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Excessive sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• Confusion or altered behaviour
• Seizures
• Rapid deterioration in consciousness

Dr. Divya Shetty, Infectious Diseases Specialist at Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, added that the illness can progress rapidly.

"Within 24–48 hours, children may develop neurological symptoms such as lethargy, irritability or altered consciousness. In severe cases, deterioration to coma can occur within 48–72 hours."

Why Cases Rise During the Monsoon

According to Dr. Shetty, Chandipura virus is endemic and cyclical in Gujarat, with cases typically increasing during the monsoon.

• Sandflies are the primary vectors.
• They breed in humid conditions during the rainy season.
• Researchers are also investigating whether Aedes aegypti mosquitoes may play a role in transmission.

Can Chandipura Virus Spread From Person to Person?

"There is no documented human-to-human transmission. Chandipura virus is a vector-borne infection," Dr. Shetty told HealthandMe.

How To Prevent

The experts stressed that there is no approved antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including:

• Maintaining hydration
• Controlling fever
• Monitoring for brain involvement

To reduce the risk of infection, they recommended:

• Using mosquito nets and insect repellents
• Keeping surroundings clean
• Filling cracks and crevices in mud walls where sandflies breed
• Seeking immediate medical care if warning symptoms develop.