Every year on August 6, Hiroshima Day is observed to commemorate a tragic event in history. This day marks the moment when a powerful bomb forever altered the lives of the people in Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II. It serves as a reminder of the countless lives lost and the devastating aftermath that endured for a long time.
On August 6, 1945, a specialized aircraft dropped a bomb called ‘Little Boy’ on Hiroshima, causing immediate devastation. Three days later, another bomb named ‘Fat Man’ was dropped on Nagasaki. Approximately 70,000 to 80,000 people were immediately injured or killed in Hiroshima, and many buildings were destroyed.
It takes around 10 seconds for the fireball from a nuclear explosion to reach its maximum size, but the effects last for decades and span across generations.
Seventy nine years have passed since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The damage to their health has continued, consisting of three phases of late effects: the appearance of leukaemia, the first malignant disease, in 1949; an intermediate phase entailing the development of many types of cancer; and a final phase of lifelong cancers for hibakusha (survivors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) who experienced the bombing as a child, as well as a second wave of leukaemia for elderly hibakusha and psychological damage such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Medical aspect of effect of Nagasaki atomic bombing on the human body.
Acute phase:
- Increased rate of deaths due to the atomic bomb.
- Epilation/ hair loss
- Colon damage
- Bone marrow damage
- Purpura (skin blood spot)
- High fever
- Bloody diarrhea
- Early phases of late effects:
- Keloid
- Atomic bomb cataract
- Chromosomal aberrations
- Microcephaly
- Late atomic bomb effects:
- Leukaemia
- Thyroid cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Excessive relative risk of malignant tumour by site
- Multiple primary cancers.
- Atomic-bomb numbness syndrome/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)/ Mental health issues/ Depression/ Anxiety.
After decades of campaigning for a world free of nuclear-weapons, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons adopted in 2017 holds great significance for the Hibakusha.
“Reflecting on the tragic events of Hiroshima Day underscores the profound impact of radiation exposure and the importance of advancements in medical science and public health. At Asian Institute of Public health (AIPH) university we are dedicated to educating the next generation of health professionals and advancing research that addresses these critical issues.”
Our Public Health university is dedicated to leading the way in basic and translational research across a range of critical areas, including infectious diseases, environmental health, chronic diseases, water sanitation and hygiene, microbiome and probiotics, as well as region-specific issues like sickle cell disease. Results of these studies funded by DBT and ICMR – India, NIH-USA, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through Child Health Research Foundation, WHO-UNICEF, other state and central government agencies have been published in the world’s best journals including Nature, Lancet, and PLoS Medicine to name a few.
The Department of Clinical Psychology at the university enhances learning by offering extensive exposure to mental health issues through partnerships with renowned hospital psychiatry outpatient departments. This prepares students to identify root causes and develop and implement effective solutions.
The School of Physiotherapy at our university undertakes the community-based physiotherapy programs and initiatives aimed at improving public health. Examples include fall prevention programs for the elderly, school-based physical activity programs, and workplace wellness initiatives. This further extend the benefits of physiotherapy, promoting overall health and well-being. By integrating physiotherapy into public health strategies, we can enhance quality of life and foster healthier communities.
Our comprehensive health programs offer a wide variety of degrees and certifications, including B.Sc. Nursing, GNM Nursing, Optometry, BCA and MCA in Health Care IT, MBA in Health Care, Executive MBA, Master’s in Public Health, and Bachelor’s to Ph.D. degrees in Biological Sciences. We are dedicated to preparing students to address real-world challenges effectively. Incorporating lessons from historical events such as Hiroshima into our curriculum, we go beyond the classroom by actively participating in community outreach. We promote disaster preparedness and health education through collaborations with both local and global organizations. We also emphasize the development of ethical leadership, preparing our graduates to make meaningful decisions in healthcare, especially during crisis situations. The expanded educational mission at AIPH currently includes several new courses at Masters Level and a Ph.D. programme.
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