Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most often caused by a virus, in which case it is referred to as viral hepatitis. Toxic substances, such as alcohol or certain drugs, may also be responsible for cases of toxic hepatitis. Of the six known types of hepatitis virus (A, B, C, D, E and […]
Initiated by the United Nations, World Environment Day is celebrated on 5 June every year in order to encourage awareness of the world environment, and stimulate individual actions. At Inserm, there is active ongoing research to identify the impacts of our environment on health, especially the effects of atmospheric pollution, endocrine disruptors and their consequences […]
Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease, usually results from the combination of a genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as allergens (moulds, house dust mites and pollen), tobacco smoke or air pollution. During an episode, the lining of the bronchi swells, causing their diameter to become narrower, and leading to breathing difficulties, accompanied by wheezing. The […]
Caused by a parasite of the genus Plasmodium, malaria is transmitted to humans through bites from the female Anopheles mosquito. World Malaria Day is held every year on 25 April and the theme for this year will be: “End Malaria For Good”. Advances in the prevention and treatment of malaria have led to a considerable […]
Haemophilia is a hereditary disease characterised by bleeding due to a deficiency of coagulation factors. Haemophilia A is the most widespread form, affecting one in every 5,000 boys born.[1] The severity of the disease depends on the extent of the coagulation factor deficiency. It is described as severe when the level of coagulation factor is […]
Celebrated on 7 April next, World Health Day will be devoted to diabetes this year. The incidence of diabetes is growing rapidly worldwide, and more particularly in developing countries. In 2014, 8.5% of the adult population was diabetic.[1] World Health Day is an opportunity to raise awareness among the public authorities, the health authorities and […]
Next Saturday, 2 April, is World Autism Awareness Day. This event is aimed at reminding the general public, professionals and politicians of the need to improve the quality of life of people suffering from this disorder. Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder characterised by impaired social interactions and verbal and non-verbal communication, and by repetitive […]
World AIDS day, which will be held on 1 December next, is aimed at making the general public aware about prevention and management of the disease. Inserm researchers are involved in combating this infection on a year-round basis.
Initiated by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, World Diabetes Day, which takes place next Saturday, 14 November, is aimed at sensitising and informing the general public about diabetes prevention and management. Diabetes, type 1 or type 2, is a chronic disease characterised by insufficient production of insulin, or by poor […]
A Cerebrovascular Accident results from the interruption of blood flow to the brain. The deprivation of oxygen and essential nutrients causes brain cells to die, leading to permanent damage (speech or writing difficulty, memory problems, bodily paralysis to a greater or lesser extent), or even sudden death. World Cerebrovascular Accident Day is organised on 29 […]
