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Published on: Apr 06, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MicroRNA That Makes Them Fight COVID Better ?

Recently you may have read a New Delhi based International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) sequenced the genome (genetic data) of SARS-COV-2 (coronavirus) from India, Italy, US, Nepal and Wuhan, China. They found that the Indian variant of SARS-CoV2 has the potential to be targeted by antiviral RNA within host cells, a feature that is unique to the Indian strain.

This amazing finding has been published on blogs, newspapers and other media as proof that Indians may not suffer as much as the rest of the world when the COVID-19 pandemic hits the country. One headline touted “MicroRNA in Indians may reduce severity of corona attack”, stating “Indians have comparatively better immunity compared to other countries”. Of course this article is being forwarded on WhatsApp, and enough people may take it as gospel. Is it true?

No.

If you want to know why, just look on the Journal’s website:

“these are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. They should NOT be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behaviour, or be reported in news media as established information.”

Research is not easy. I could write a very long explanation for why, but I have summarised it below.

SUMMARY:

- To prove x causes y up to a high scientific standard is incredibly difficult

- Even if you think x causes y, someone might find a flaw in your study

- Numbers can be manipulated by statistics to show what you want to believe

- Reporters might not understand the study and mis-report it

- We all want to believe there is a magic cure that will protect us, that makes us special, immune to this disaster so we can get on with our lives. Unfortunately there simply isn’t one. And believing in them without fact checking can cause more harm than good.

IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID

So what about this study? Firstly it is looking at one tiny mechanism in a cell, when a cell can have millions of proteins responsible for a billion different functions in just the cell itself. Secondly it is not peer reviewed. This means no one has fact checked the study to check whether the design is valid, whether the statistics hold up, whether they have missed something or are making incorrect conclusions based off their data. Peer-reviewing a recent paper showing SARS-CoV-2 and HIV were extremely similar disproved this paper as false.

In the authors defence he acknowledges this:

“In our study, which is a purely computational one, we predicted that this microRNA binds to the SARS-Cov2 genome submitted from India. However, it is too early to comment on it because there is only one high coverage sequence from India, so far,”

Thirdly, the news article says that Indians have better immunity because of this “microRNA”. This is wrong. The study sequenced the genome of the virus, not of the Indian population. Antiviral microRNA is found in all people. The study simply suggests that this might be more effective at targeting the Indian strain of COVID, but it does not make any concrete claims that Indians are protected from COVID.

Again, the journal even states this:

“These are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. They should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or be reported in news media as established information.”

But most importantly, even if the paper suggests that the Indian strain may be less potent, it does not give us an excuse to be reckless. We have to adhere to social distancing, hygiene, lockdown principles in order to prevent infection. Because what happens if you take the article stating “Indians have comparatively better immunity compared to other countries” as fact, use this as an excuse to go about your regular daily lives, and it actually turns out that the microRNA has little to no effect on COVID. This endangers yourself and those around you.

Be sensible. Listen to public health officials.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Community Health Wellness Programs: Building Healthier Communities Together

Healthcare does not begin in hospitals—it begins within communities. Community health wellness programs play a vital role in strengthening preventive healthcare systems, improving early detection and reducing disease burden. In India, where both urban and rural populations face increasing lifestyle and infectious disease risks, community-level initiatives are essential.

According to the World Health Organization, preventive and primary healthcare services delivered at community level significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports also highlight the rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, emphasizing the need for community-based interventions.

What Are Community Health Wellness Programs?

Community health wellness programs are organized efforts designed to:

promote preventive healthcare
increase health awareness
provide screening services
encourage healthy lifestyle adoption

These programs may be conducted by healthcare organizations, NGOs, corporate CSR initiatives or government agencies.

Why Community Programs Matter in India

India’s healthcare challenges include:

high population density
urban-rural disparities
limited early screening access
rising lifestyle diseases

NFHS-5 data shows increasing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity, especially in urban areas. Community-level screening improves early detection.

Key Components of Community Health Wellness Programs

1. Preventive Health Screening

Health camps often provide:

blood pressure checks
blood sugar testing
cholesterol screening
BMI measurement

Early detection prevents complications.

2. Health Education and Awareness

Workshops on:

balanced nutrition
physical activity
tobacco cessation
mental health

help individuals adopt healthier habits.

3. Vaccination Drives

Immunization programs reduce spread of infectious diseases.

Community outreach increases coverage.

4. Maternal and Child Health Services

Programs focus on:

prenatal care
nutrition guidance
child immunization

Protecting vulnerable populations strengthens long-term health.

5. Chronic Disease Management Support

Community programs support patients with:

diabetes
hypertension
asthma

Education improves medication adherence.

Benefits of Community Health Wellness Programs

Improved Early Detection

Screening identifies disease before symptoms worsen.

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Preventive care is more affordable than emergency treatment.

Increased Public Awareness

Educated communities make informed health decisions.

Better Access for Underserved Populations

Rural and low-income groups benefit significantly.

Strengthened Public Health Systems

Community-level intervention reduces burden on tertiary hospitals.

Role of Technology in Community Health

Digital health platforms enable:

teleconsultations
electronic health records
AI-assisted risk assessment

Technology improves efficiency and outreach.

Corporate and CSR Involvement

Many organizations integrate community health programs into CSR initiatives.

Such programs:

enhance brand reputation
promote employee engagement
contribute to social impact

Corporate-community partnerships amplify reach.

Addressing Urban Health Challenges

Urban populations face:

pollution exposure
sedentary lifestyles
high stress

Community programs provide screening and awareness to mitigate risk.

Addressing Rural Health Gaps

Rural areas may lack access to:

specialists
diagnostic services
preventive screening

Mobile health camps bridge this gap.

Measuring Impact

Successful programs track:

number of screenings conducted
disease detection rates
follow-up adherence
reduction in risk factors

Data-driven evaluation improves sustainability.

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Community health wellness programs contribute to:

reduced chronic disease burden
improved life expectancy
stronger healthcare infrastructure

Preventive care at grassroots level creates systemic improvement.

Challenges in Implementation

Common challenges include:

limited funding
awareness barriers
logistical constraints

Collaboration between government, private sector and NGOs improves scalability.

The Future of Community Wellness in India

With rising lifestyle diseases and growing awareness, community wellness initiatives will become central to public health strategy.

Integration of digital tools, preventive screenings and education campaigns will enhance impact.

Conclusion

Community health wellness programs are essential for building resilient and healthier societies. By promoting preventive care, early screening and health education, these initiatives reduce disease burden and improve quality of life. In India’s diverse and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, community-based wellness efforts serve as a foundation for sustainable public health progress. Investing in community health today ensures stronger, healthier generations tomorrow.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Community Health and Preventive Care Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Non-Communicable Disease Data
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Public Health Statistics
NITI Aayog – Primary and Preventive Healthcare Strategy
Lancet – Public Health and Community Intervention Research

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