CNS: December 2023

CNS wishes you a very happy new year 2024

Looking back at over 150 articles published on CNS (English, Hindi, Thai) in 2023 (and via CNS news wire syndication network worldwide), we are delighted to say that each of them, and the issues they focussed on, was so very important. Our heartfelt thanks to all those who shared their insights, analysis, reflections and science, evidence and rights-based viewpoints.

Looking back at health and development conferences (and other public health and development meetings) covered by CNS in 2023 on a range of issues around health and development justice, here is a list of top 12 (based on the popularity of the conference coverage).

Faith can move mountains. Thanks to all partners and supporters who helped us do what we dare to do best. We look forward to continued solidarity and support in 2024 and beyond.

Looking back at CNS audio podcasts of 2023 on a range of issues around health and development justice, that streamed via CNS on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, Podtail, BluBrry, Himalaya, ListenNotes, American Podcasts, CastBox FM, Ivy FM, Player FM, and other podcast streaming platforms, here is a list of top 12.

Looking back at over 100 online sessions (such as, Gender Equality Talks Live, End TB Dialogues, SDG Talks Live, Global Media Forum on Antimicrobial Resistance) hosted by CNS in 2023 and live streamed, we are delighted to say that each of them, and the issues they focussed on, was so very important. Our heartfelt thanks to all the panelists and participants.

Click here to register

Be welcome to join an engaging online discussion on youth and online gender-based violence: challenges and solutions.

[हिन्दी] As the year 2023 comes to an end, it is indeed a quantum of solace moment in terms of finding all TB worldwide. Globally we could find a record number of new TB cases in a single year - historically. Over 7.5 million new TB cases were diagnosed in 2022 worldwide – highest ever in the age-old fight against TB (as per the latest Global TB Report of the UN health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) which was released in November 2023).

If we are to end TB as promised by all the governments of African countries and globally, we need to find all people with TB, link them to effective standard treatment and care. If full cascade of TB services fails to reach people with TB, then not only will it result in avoidable human suffering but also fail us in stopping the spread of infection. Finding TB remains the critical entry-point to TB care pathway.

[podcast] Women migrant workers: Heroes of remittance or survivors of violence?

This episode of Gender Equality Talks Podcast Series, puts spotlight on issues faced by women migrant workers in Asia. Three feminist journalists-editors from India, Indonesia and Nepal, share their insights: Rita Widiadana, former Editor of The Jakarta Post (Indonesia); Kalpana Acharya, Editor-in-Chief of Health TV Online (Nepal) and former President of Health Journalists Forum Nepal; and Shobha Shukla, founder Managing Editor of CNS.

The “feminisation” of migration is most visible in Asia, where women constitute over 50% of all migrant workers. It is mostly poverty, and regressive societal norms in their home country that push 5 million women in South East Asia to migrate to other countries in search of a life that gives them economic independence to be able to carve a better future for their family back home. But their dreams can go terribly wrong at times. Despite making strong societal and economic contributions (to countries of origin and destination), their journey of migration is beset with serious human rights violations, including the risk of physical and sexual violence, harassment and abuse.

The least that countries can do is to make migration safe and fair for female migrant workers through enforcement of labour laws that protect labour and other human rights of workers.

Listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, Podtail, BluBrry, Himalaya, ListenNotes, American Podcasts, CastBox FM, Ivy FM, Player FM, and other podcast streaming platforms.

[video] Find all TB to stop TB call at ICASA 2023

Dreams of female migrant workers are often shattered, but hope remains

Published in The Jakarta Post, Indonesia (11 December 2023)

written by: Rita Widiadana and Shobha Shukla

Purwanti (name has been changed to maintain confidentiality) was just 17 when she arrived in Hong Kong. When she saw the stunning views of glittering lights, lines of high-rise buildings, beautifully dressed women and the lavish lifestyles she came to know from many Hong Kong-produced movies and TV dramas, Purwanti felt her dream had come true.

[हिन्दी] In today’s world many human interactions are taking place in the online spaces. As the internet and mobile technologies, as well as social media spaces, become more and more accessible, this is where many of our real life activities take place. Many of us find virtual spaces safe and convenient to share opinions, exchange ideas, increase our knowledge, and find entertainment, without even stepping out of our homes.