Soumya Swaminathan
@doctorsoumya
Followers
140K
Following
6K
Media
783
Statuses
21K
We need to prepare for large increases in cardiovascular, neurological & mental health disorders in countries affected by the #SARSCoV2 #pandemic.
On the after-effects of Covid, beyond and including #LongCovid."Covid generated a kind of epidemiological aftershock by leaving people susceptible to a huge range of other conditions".@FT by @SarahNev @federicacocco
248
4K
7K
My sisters & I have been overwhelmed with the messages of love, sympathy & support on the passing of our father #MSSwaminathan. While it’s a deep personal loss for us, we realize he belonged to the world & are thankful to all who have comforted us. @MadhuraFAS @nityarao63
404
697
7K
I have been misquoted. I said B1.617 is more transmissible, based on which it is a VOC. There is no data on its impact on diagnostics, therapeutics or vaccine effectiveness yet. @WHO updating variant data continously .via @scroll_in.
375
2K
5K
India achieves 50% coverage (at least one dose) of adult populn - > 620 million doses administered, 10 million in the past day! Congratulations to the thousands of personnel involved. Vaccination, along with public health & individual preventive measures will protect everyone!.
52
711
4K
As you see here, @WHO terminology is B.1.617 and not Indian variant, 1.1351 not SA variant, B.1.117 not UK variant and so on @mvankerkhove @MoHFW_INDIA @PrinSciAdvGoI @DBTIndia.
113
999
3K
Taking the clean, efficient and environmentally friendly Chennai Metro @cmrlofficial from the airport. Need to improve access from domestic terminal to Metro station, especially for people with luggage @aaichnairport @TamilnaduChief
59
100
3K
#HMPvirus is nothing to panic about. It’s a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild. Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we shld all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, consult Dr if severe symptoms.
38
837
2K
I have never seen a primary health centre like this anywhere in the world - congratulations to Dr Dahar Mohammed & his team at #Noolpuzha, Wayanad, Kerala! This is what comprehensive, quality health care looks like - #AyushmanBharath @mansukhmandviya @CMOKerala @MoHFW_INDIA
39
367
2K
Humbled & honoured to be awarded the Presidents medal today at #AIDS2022. Dedicate it to the @WHO team who works around the clock on the toughest health challenges the world faces. @DrTedros @iasociety @ProfAdeeba
148
134
2K
COVID-19 response over next 6-18 months critical, says Soumya Swaminathan
48
547
2K
#Omicron is NOT the common cold! Health systems can get overwhelmed. Important to have systems to test, advise and monitor large number of patients as the surge can be sudden and huge.
Omicron is NOT the common cold. While some reports show a reduced risk of hospitalisation of Omicron compared to Delta, there are still far too many people infected, in hospital sick & dying from Omicron (& Delta). We can prevent infections, save lives now. #VaccinEquity @WHO.
54
621
2K
Individuals should not decide for themselves, public health agencies can, based on available data. Data from mix and match studies of different vaccines are awaited - immunogenicity and safety both need to be evaluated.
113
1K
1K
What a self assured, beautiful person she is! Hats off and all the best - she will be a leader one day.
The Topper Who Tamed The Trolls | #PrachiNigam is your typical girl, full of laughter, quick quips, except that she is also a state topper! When some trolls on the internet decided to attack her for her facial hair, she fought back.@journo_harshit reports:
15
105
1K
Really good news for many countries. US can also facilitate mRNA Technology transfer to more manufacturers to scale vaccine supplies for #COVAX.
America will never be fully safe while this pandemic is raging globally. That’s why today, I’m announcing that over the next six weeks we will send 80 million vaccine doses overseas. It is the right thing to do. It is the smart thing to do. It is the strong thing to do.
23
224
1K
Looking beyond the pandemic, there is a real need for countries to invest in workforce development including field epidemiology, medical laboratories, surveillance & public health informatics and primary health caregivers.
23
270
1K
Delighted to meet 4 super bright, motivated #SBI #youthforindia fellows in @mssrf Kolli hills, Namakkal district, TN. Each one has come up with an idea for improving lives & livelihood for the tribals @NITIAayog @SBI_FOUNDATION @CollectorNmkl @BIRAC_2012 @PrinSciAdvGoI @nramind
21
105
1K
Hidden sugar, salt & fat, but especially sugar is killing us! The rates of rise of #diabetesmellitus in low income families is terrifying. We need to change our #diets, #foodsystems to deliver for people’s health. Behaviour change also key, along with policy levers.
64
342
1K
Pleasure to meet @CMOTamilnadu @mkstalin & discuss the health priorities for the state. TN has an excellent public health system, more focus needed on prevention of #NCDs, women's health, health impacts of climate change & healthy ageing @RAKRI1 @ptrmadurai @Subramanian_ma.
#CMMKSTALIN | #TNDIPR |.#CM_MKStalin_Secretariat |.@CMOTamilnadu @mkstalin .@mp_saminathan.@doctorsoumya
11
114
969
Even if you get the infection, it more likely to be mild if you are vaccinated.
#JUSTIN | தடுப்பூசி செலுத்தியவர்களுக்கு ஒமைக்ரான் பாதிப்பு குறைவே. இன்றைய லைவ் அப்டேட்ஸ்> #Omicron | #coronavaccine | #WHO | #SoumyaSwaminathan | @doctorsoumya
47
236
949
The technical advisory group will meet on Oct 26th to consider EUL for #Covaxin. @WHO has been working closely with @BharatBiotech to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use & to expand access to populations everywhere.
Covaxin manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, has been submitting data to WHO on a rolling basis & submitted additional info at WHO’s request on 27 September. WHO experts are currently reviewing this info & if it addresses all questions raised, WHO assessment will be finalized next week.
416
238
868
Update: The @WHO independent TAG met today & asked for addnl clarifications from the manufacturer @BharatBiotech to conduct a final EUL risk-benefit assessment for global use of #Covaxin. It will reconvene for the final assessment on Wednesday, 3 November if data received soon.
789
259
822
We @WHO should have the new nomenclature for variants out this week.
B.1.1.7 is NOT a “UK variant”. B.1.351 is NOT a “South African variant”. P.1 is NOT a “Brazilian variant”. B.1.617.2 is NOT an “Indian variant”. SARS-CoV-2 is NOT a “China virus”. Referring to variants or viruses by where they were first detected should never be tolerated.
67
164
793
Whole of Asia is reeling under a heat wave, threatening lives & livelihoods. Both #climate adaptation & mitigation are urgently needed, especially to protect the most vulnerable in each country. @MoHFW_INDIA @moefcc @NITIAayog @UNFCCC @WHOSEARO @WHOWPRO
21
412
827
How does #COVID19 spread?Mainly by droplets from person to person, could also be through small droplets or aerosols that remain in air for some time, & through fomites. In closed, crowded settings, aerosol spread could happen & precautions should be taken. The science is evolving
50
473
792
Wearing good quality, well fitting masks, ensuring good ventilation if indoors, maintaining distance & being vaccinated are the best ways to protect against this airborne virus. #OmicronVariant is very transmissible & we all need to be extra careful now @DrTedros @PeterASinger.
How does #COVID19 spread? What are some modes of transmission? What can you do to protect yourself?.@DrMikeRyan explains.
48
321
720
As expected, T cell immunity holding up better against #Omicron. This will protect us against severe disease. Please get vaccinated if you haven't!.
Our T cells appear to be ready, willing and able to defend vs Omicron CD4+ and CD8+ cells hold up well in people vaccinated or prior Covid
24
287
767
A good day for Science! The first vaccine for #malaria recommended for use by @WHO - 30 years in the making - gives hope for improved vaccines in the future.
@DrTedros "✅ It has broad reach to children – incl. the most vulnerable who may not use a bednet.✅ It’s safe.✅ It significantly reduces life-threatening severe #malaria.✅ We estimate it to be highly cost-effective"-@DrTedros #EndMalaira .
9
189
734
Good approach to combine screening for COVID and TB in vulnerable communities. Both chest X-ray & molecular testing if widely available, can help in control of many infectious diseases @paimadhu @FINDdx @ICMRDELHI @MoHFW_INDIA @.
In an innovative approach in #Nigiris we have brought synergy in chest screening for #COVID19 through Mobile X-Ray Van meant for TB screening.Qualified technician sends the Digital X-Ray to a Radiologist for expert advise.Huge help in early lung infection control @doctorsoumya
25
159
742
Grateful to @CMOTamilnadu @mkstalin for this wonderful gesture. The Porur wetland Eco park looks lovely & will serve as an environmental awareness centre for the public. @CMDA_Official @chennai @chennaicorp.
Porur Wetland park was officially opened today and it looks lovely. 😍👌.It is also named after famous Indian geneticist Dr M.S Swaminathan .#Chennai #Parks
7
125
731
We are grateful to @mkstalin @CMOTamilnadu for announcing that agricultural college in Thanjavur district will be named after Dr #MSSwaminathan & student awards will be instituted in his name. This is a great way to honour his contributions & motivate students @icarindia.
பசுமைப் புரட்சியின் தந்தை என்று போற்றப்படும் மறைந்த வேளாண் அறிவியலாளர் திரு. எம்.எஸ்.சுவாமிநாதன் அவர்களின் அளப்பரிய பணிகளை நினைவுகூரும் வகையில், தஞ்சாவூர் மாவட்டம் ஈச்சங்கோட்டையில் உள்ள வேளாண்மை கல்லூரி மற்றும் ஆராய்ச்சி நிலையத்திற்கு டாக்டர் எம்.எஸ்.சுவாமிநாதன் வேளாண்மைக்
12
113
715
On #MahatmaGandhi Jayanti, this iconic photograph of Gandhiji looking at Mycobacteria through a microscope, in Sewagram, reminds me that we have made progress but not eliminated TB or leprosy. @ICMRDELHI @TheUnion_TBLH @StopTB @Sasakawa_India @TBAlliance @MoHFW_INDIA
22
139
707
One more vaccine gets @WHO emergency use listing. Congratulations India @BharatBiotech @ICMRDELHI @MoHFW_INDIA for successful development of indigenous vaccine #Covaxin as well as for a massive vaccination program! @mansukhmandviya @NITIAayog @SuchitraElla @DBTIndia @GaviSeth.
🆕 WHO has granted emergency use listing (EUL) to #COVAXIN® (developed by Bharat Biotech), adding to a growing portfolio of vaccines validated by WHO for the prevention of #COVID19.
42
178
691
The next few weeks will be critical as #Omicron surges. Need to manage without panic as the majority of cases likely to be mild. Test, isolate, avoid unnecessary medicines, mask up, work from home if possible, avoid crowds, get vaccinated if not already & follow Govt advice.
27
206
671
The coronavirus slayer! How Kerala's rock star health minister helped save it from Covid-19
25
199
649
Antibody Testing does not predict protection against SARS-CoV-2 & is not recommended. Memory B & T cells provide protection even after waning of neutralizing antibodies. So far, no threshold level of Ab has been identified via @JAMA_current @JAMANetwork.
37
250
634
The mathematical strategy that could transform coronavirus testing
24
222
642
The loss of learning for a whole generation of young children will be irreversible if we continue to close schools. Keeping schools open must be a priority and can be safely done.
The #COVID19 pandemic has resulted in lost learning for children worldwide. 2022 cannot be yet another year of disrupted education. @UNICEF is calling for schools to remain open for every child.
46
233
634
An honour and rare privilege to be awarded an honorary doctorate by the top medical university in the #EU @karolinskainst. Universities are the places where the boundaries of science are constantly expanding & innovation happens to improve our lives
98
47
623
Privileged to be in such company! Women’s Day greetings to all.
21
56
645
Unprotected African health workers die as rich countries buy up COVID-19 vaccines #COVAX @GaviSeth @CEPIvaccines @WHO @DrTedros @JeremyFarrar @jarottingen @ChrisJElias.
28
379
561
Who can resist wearing a mask now? @DrTedros @gabbystern.
My daughter wanted me to make this video tutorial on how to put on a mask as she prepares for JK.
13
94
601
I am looking forward to working with @MoHFW_INDIA and @ICMRDELHI to accelerate decline in #TB cases & deaths in India. We have a long way to go to eliminate it as a public health problem & will need to bring the best science to drive policy & practice. @WHO @TBHDJ @StopTB.
Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan @doctorsoumya appointed as the Principle Advisor at the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. #EndTB #TBHaregaDeshJeetega.
88
66
625
Coronavirus variants are spreading in India — what scientists know so far
22
254
583
Singapore claims first use of antibody test to track coronavirus infections This is an important advance. Serodiagnostics can help track the epidemic and also uncover the extent of mild infections in the community. @WHO.
6
312
559
Investing in public health most important lesson of Covid pandemic, says WHO chief scientist via @ThePrintIndia.
6
122
536
Vaccines protect against severe disease, hospitalization and death. Everyone who has access to a vaccine should take one @the_hindu @dinamalarweb @DinamaniDaily @aajtak @sardesairajdeep @ShekharGupta @DainikBhaskar @VishnuNDTV @nramind @Teensthack @htTweets @IndianExpress.
Want to re-emphasise that all vaccines reduce the severity of the disease says @doctorsoumya Chief Scientist at the @WHO. Adds that there is not enough data to show that the Indian double mutation is resistant to #Vaccine antibodies. @ShereenBhan .#COVID19
29
178
533
The gaps are widening. This is unacceptable. Covax urgently needs 20 million doses to ensure that people get their second dose of the AZ vaccine.
Africa’s #COVID19 vaccination coverage is the lowest for any region of the world. The continent now accounts for only 1% of the vaccines administered worldwide, down from 2% a few weeks ago.
19
180
504
This is the culmination of a huge number of people and organizations working nonstop over past few months @WHO @UNICEF @gavi @CEPIvaccines. Thanks also to Government of #India and @adarpoonawalla for the supplies.
#Ghana🇬🇭 becomes the first African country to receive #COVID19 vaccines from the COVAX facility. 600,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca doses arrived in Accra this morning. The delivery is the first wave of arrivals to continue in coming days.
5
104
516
India crosses 800 miliion vaccine doses administered!.
Standing tall against #COVID19 . India administers 80 crore vaccine doses. Congratulations to the nation on this momentous feat 👏. #WorldsLargestVaccinationDrive
18
76
498
First time I've had a child beautifully interpret and convey what I said, and did it better than me! Thank you!.
23
95
481
COVID-19 Research in Brief: December, 2019 to June, 2020
9
160
478
@ArvindKejriwal Tracking all admissions due to influenza like illness or severe acute respiratory illness in all hospitals could be an additional means of monitoring trends @ArvindKejriwal.
11
79
459
Looking forward to serving with a multifaceted and talented team! @DrTedros @MoHFW_INDIA
The new WHO senior leadership team reflects my deep-held beliefs: we need top talent, gender equity & geographical diversity to deliver.
67
113
450
In Anaikatti tribal village in NILGIRIS, interacting with children, elders & teachers on their lives during the pandemic. School closures have had a huge impact on learning bec of no network connectivity. We need to close the digital divide @supriyasahuias @ptrmadurai @NITIAayog
17
51
459
Coronavirus reinfections: three questions scientists are asking
20
222
389
“A lot of people call him a “Krishi Vaigyanik” – an Agricultural Scientist. But, I have always believed that he was even more. He was a true “Kisan Vaigyanik” – a Farmers’ Scientist. In his heart there was a farmer”. Hon PM @narendramodi pens a beautiful tribute to #MSSwaminathan.
Penned a few thoughts on Professor MS Swaminathan's indelible contribution towards making India self-sufficient in agriculture. He worked extensively for the prosperity of our farmers.
10
58
448
To counter the confusion between infection and disease, here's a thread on vaccines in the time of covid: 1) Vaccines are designed to prevent disease (symptoms). They are authorized and used based on their ability to prevent people from getting sick.
5
169
420
Important to document excess mortality and causes of death in every country.
WHO estimates show that #COVID19 was responsible for at least 3 million excess deaths in 2020. That’s 1.2 million more deaths than officially reported. The actual number could even be 2 or 3 times higher. (1/2)
14
127
419
Before boosters in some countries, we need to vaccinate the vulnerable in ALL countries. No evidence that boosters will be needed so soon after primary course. @WHO #COVAX goal to cover 40% population in ALL countries @DrTedros @GaviSeth @CEPIvaccines @jarottingen @JNkengasong.
With four high-income countries planning to give #COVID19 boosters and five considering doing so, these eleven would require hundreds of millions of additional vaccine doses & further reduce #VaccineEquity, endangering everyone in every country. @WHO chief scientist @doctorsoumya
20
142
386
No seasonal trend in #COVID19 so far. The virus will spread from human to human wherever & whenever it gets an opportunity.
21
185
381
Air pollution is the biggest threat to health today & is not limited to a city, state or country. Needs a science-based approach with actions in multiple sectors - transport, construction, factories, cooking fuel, agriculture etc. We can solve the problem, other countries have.
22
144
408
Nearly Half the People Who Have Died of COVID-19 in India Are Younger Than 60 via @TheWireScience.
21
259
380
Visited an urban #PHC in Chennai to see #MCH services & health information system. #Tamilnadu has developed an excellent platform for population based health data monitoring & details of all births and deaths. Essential for #UHC & #SDGs @drharshvardhan @MoHFW_INDIA @DrTedros
13
151
387
Scores of coronavirus vaccines are in competition — how will scientists choose the best? @WHO expert group has developed criteria to prioritize vaccine candidates based on a no. of characteristics - we will work with partners @CEPIvaccines @GaviSeth
12
153
374
Good news as another #CovidVaccine is developed - affordable, scaleable, known technology. Congratulations @PeterHotez #BioE #MahimaDatla @DBTIndia @mansukhmandviya @DrJitendraSingh @GaviSeth @CEPIvaccines
12
114
375
#COVAX is in business! Will start delivering vaccines in February 2021 to 92 AMC countries @GaviSeth @unicefchief @WHO.
11
80
366
A number of media reports this week on potential treatments for #COVIDー19. @WHO is tracking these developments and will update our treatment guidelines if any evidence emerges. Right now, what is needed are high quality #RCTs@JeremyFarrar @ICMRDELHI @Chikwe_I @jarottingen @MRCza.
19
155
363
Wishing everyone a happy & safe holiday season, look forward to 2021. The past year has tested our resilience as human beings & we should now focus on building a better, greener & more equitable world. A special thanks to frontline & health workers for your extraordinary services.
16
46
373
WE encourage all doctors taking care of #Omicron infected patients to submit data to the @WHO patient data platform. This will enable us to get accurate information about the clinical profile of this variant as quickly as possible. @mvankerkhove @PeterASinger @JeremyFarrar.
Lots of caveats; too soon to know. But early info from South Africa provide tantalizing hints that #Omicron may trigger milder illness. With thoughts from @MarionKoopmans, @AmeshAA & @PeterHotez.
15
178
356
Haunted by HIV, top @WHO scientist says world must do better on Covid via @FRANCE24 @JNkengasong @ProfAbdoolKarim @Chikwe_I @ICMRDELHI @MoHFW_INDIA @JeremyFarrar @JeremyKonyndyk @jarottingen @NIHDirector @NickKristof @NOIweala @WHOSTP45 @iasociety @IAVI.
13
84
358
Tribal Women self help groups in Kolli hills,Tamilnadu set up community seed banks with a variety of millets, & run processing units to earn a livelihood, reduce drudgery & improve nutrition security. @ptrmadurai @mkstalin @mssrf @NITIAayog @TribalAffairsIn @namakkal09
7
40
373
Happy to start enrolling patients into the Solidarity trial in Spain and Norway, to be followed shortly by Iran, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Many countries in Africa and Asia have signed up.
"Today we are delighted to announce that today in 🇳🇴 & 🇪🇸, the first patients will shortly be enrolled in the Solidarity Trial, which will compare the safety & effectiveness of four different drugs or drug combinations against #COVID19"-@DrTedros #coronavirus.
15
124
355
This book should be in the medical & nursing curriculum! Written with honesty, empathy, insight & based on his life’s experiences, @mrraj47 founder @palliumindia reminds us our first duty to patients is to relieve suffering. And how often we forget. @MoHFW_INDIA @IMAIndiaOrg
8
97
362
Just beginning to understand the various sequelae of #COVID19. Looks like having the infection increases the risks of NCD including diabetes and heart disease.
🆕 @TheLancetEndo .The ~40% increased risk of diabetes, in people with Covid, not present at 1 month, but manifest at 1-year follow-up.among 180,000 infectees vs 4.3 million controls #LongCovid @zalaly
52
168
320
WHO to launch multinational trial to jumpstart search for coronavirus drugs via @statnews @WHO @DrTedros @JeremyFarrar @jarottingen @mpkieny @CIHR_IRSC @ProfBhargava @trevormundel @DrMikeRyan @rd_blueprint.
10
184
342
Insulin was gifted to humanity by Best and Banting. No IP, no patents. Yet, millions of people today cannot afford insulin. @WHO is trying to change that! Lack of access to a 100 year old drug is unacceptable. @DrTedros @BillGates @JeremyFarrar @MikeBloomberg @ncdalliance.
Did you know? 2021 will mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. To build on a century of progress, we @WHO are building a new global program for how we help 🌎 prevent and control diabetes. Keep your eyes peeled.
11
144
334
We need more studies like this & more randomized trials to answer questions about duration and breadth of immune response and correlates of protection. Also different vaccines used in combination.
BREAKING—new #COVID19 vaccine efficacy study from Israel concludes that Pfizer/BioNTech's jab is up to 85% effective after the first dose after 15 days to day 28—and even 75% including asymptomatic cases—meaning it stops infections by 75%! Huge. 🧵.
11
66
310
So far #coronavirus has not mutated, good news. @GISAID @JeremyFarrar @CEPIvaccines @WHO @JNkengasong @jarottingen @trevormundel @PrinSciAdvGoI @WHOSTP @GaviSeth
17
159
337
Overwhelmed to be receiving an honorary doctorate from @mcgillu this month. Look forward to the visit & meeting the faculty & students @paimadhu @PeterASinger @mssrf @IDRC_CRDI @CIHR_IRSC @HCI_Ottawa .
44
22
345
I salute my colleagues on #InternationalWomensDay - sadly, Dr Mwele is no more. Champions of public health at @WHO
9
17
328
Whatever the stage of the outbreak, basic public health and social measures will have an impact, if effectively implemented. Local data, local leadership and community engagement are key.
"In 🇻🇳🇰🇭🇹🇭🇳🇿🇮🇹🇪🇸 & 🇰🇷 & even in Dharavi, a densely packed area in Mumbai, a strong focus on community engagement & the basics of testing, tracing, isolating & treating all those that are sick is key to breaking the chains of transmission & suppressing the virus"-@DrTedros.
15
114
345
People who don’t believe in vaccines have forgotten how much better they have made our lives today, because they don’t see the misery caused by infectious diseases like smallpox and polio @harari_yuval.
Listen to Prof. Yuval Noah Harari explain why he thinks vaccines are the best invention in history. -YNH Team
19
95
332
Role models and celebrities who speak openly about mental health issues can motivate others to seek help. @deepikapadukone @WHO @MoHFW_INDIA @kiranshaw @kris_sg . Perspective: India’s Deepika Padukone on Why She Took Her Battle With Depression Public
4
83
321
Proponents of natural #HerdImmunity should bear in mind that young people can get very sick, die and suffer long term complications from #COVID19. @TheZeinabBadawi @richardhorton1 @WHO @ICMRDELHI @JNkengasong @jarottingen @JeremyFarrar.
23
197
302