Gobith🩺

Family Physician | Medical Educator | Health Administrator | WONCA Rural Council | Director & Co-Founder- Smile Care by @cchaid |Covid Warrior.

[WHO Sri Lanka @WHOSriLanka]

Yesterday, the WHO Representative to Sri Lanka, Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav handed over the report “Transforming Primary Health Care as the Foundation for Healthier Communities in Sri Lanka” to the Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa in the presence of the Hon. Deputy Minister of Health.

This report is the outcome of a two-phase health system review conducted by WHO with support of an international experts team at the request of the Hon. Minister.

The report offers strategic recommendations to advance Universal Health Coverage through a people-centred, Primary Health Care (PHC) oriented approach. A key focus of the review is strengthening Arogya Health and Wellness Centres as the foundation of comprehensive PHC in Sri Lanka.

WHO reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Government of Sri Lanka in translating this shared vision into action and will work together to build a more integrated, resilient, and community-responsive health system for all.

#WHOSriLanka #PrimaryHealthCare #UniversalHealthCoverage

[Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility @GlobalHealthUMN]

Are you a student or researcher interested in global health? Join us next Wednesday, April 22, to hear #UMN students speak about their experiences doing global health work abroad. https://t.co/4T2ql30LYA

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

Screen time damages toddlers’ speech, study finds

[Dr Alexey Kulikov @KulikovUNIATF]

Screen time damages toddlers’ speech, study finds
Average two-year-old spending more than two hours in front of TV or smart device, leading to significantly reduced vocabulary.
https://t.co/vt0Y2VrLIc

[World Health Organization (WHO) @WHO]

STATEMENT:
New analysis from a WHO global expert committee on vaccine safety has found that, based on available evidence, no causal link exists between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The conclusion reaffirms WHO’s position that childhood vaccines do not cause autism.

The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS), established in 1999, brings together international experts to provide independent and authoritative scientific advice to WHO on global vaccine safety related priorities.

The latest analysis, discussed by the Committee on 27 November 2025, focused first on the relationship between thiomersal-containing vaccines and ASD, and the association between vaccines in general and ASD. Evidence based on 31 primary research studies, published between January 2010 and August 2025, including data from multiple countries, strongly supports the positive safety profile of vaccines used during childhood and pregnancy, and confirms the absence of a causal link with ASD.

The Committee also assessed the review of potential health risks associated with vaccines with aluminum adjuvants, drawing on studies conducted from 1999 through March 2023. In addition, it reviewed a recent large cohort study analyzing nationwide registry data of children born in Denmark between 1997 and 2018. In summary, the available high-quality evidence shows no association between the trace amounts of aluminum used in some vaccines and ASD, supporting the ongoing use of vaccines with aluminum adjuvants.

Following its review, GACVS reaffirms its previous conclusions from 2002, 2004 and 2012: vaccines, including those with thiomersal and/or aluminum, do not cause autism.

WHO advises all national authorities to rely on the latest science and ensure vaccine policies are grounded in the strongest available evidence. Global childhood immunization efforts represent one of the greatest achievements in improving lives, livelihoods and the prosperity of societies. During the past 50 years, childhood immunization has saved at least 154 million lives.

[WHO Sri Lanka @WHOSriLanka]

When emergencies occur, the impact goes beyond physical damage - mental health is affected too.

Conflicts, disasters and other emergencies take a heavy toll, with 1 in 5 people experiencing a mental health condition.

#MentalHealth support must be prioritized.

[WHO Sri Lanka @WHOSriLanka]

The Health Cluster held its third meeting today, convened by #WHO and Co-Chaired by @MoH_SriLanka and Sarvodaya. Members reaffirmed their support to national authorities and committed to working together to address emerging urgent health needs. #FloodResponse #HealthEmergency

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗵, 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲.
His work shaped generations of doctors
Rest in peace. Your legacy lives on
@WoncaWorld

[WHO Sri Lanka @WHOSriLanka]

📢World Mental Health Day 2025 Webinar

Bridging the Gap: Mental Health as a Pillar of Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

🗓 Date: 2 October 2025
⏰Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM (IST)
📍Platform: Zoom

👉 Register here: https://t.co/z844FM2Xji

[WHO Sri Lanka @WHOSriLanka]

Sri Lanka is shaping its National Health Policy (2026–2035) to be gender-responsive, equitable & protective of health workers. With the @MoH_SriLanka Policy Unit, @WHOSriLanka led multisectoral dialogues on education, evidence, law & collaboration to build lasting health.

[WHO Sri Lanka @WHOSriLanka]

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Breastfeeding provides the perfect nutrition for babies and a healthy beginning - with benefits that last for life.
From maternity leave to trained counsellors, let’s ensure every mum gets the breastfeeding support she needs!

#HopefulFutures

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

I attended the panel discussion on "𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬: 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬" at the Conference of SLMA & Launch of the policy document on ‘𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬’.

[Save the Children in Sri Lanka @SCISL]

🚀With support from Save the Children Hong Kong, we’re working with Centre for Children's Happiness (CCH) to strengthen local CSOs with contextualised child participation tools in Jaffna & Mullaitivu, equipping them with skills to help children & youth design and lead campaigns on issues that matter to them through our joint effort for #VoicesforChange.

🗣️ In our first child & youth consultation in Jaffna, we created safe spaces 👥 for open discussions, using child & youth (CAY) friendly tools 📋 to understand their needs, and creative storytelling & role-playing 🎭 to help them express their experiences and ideas.

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

Inauguration ceremony of 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
As the Chair of the Steering Committee, I had the honour of greeting and welcoming all attendees to the event.

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

Inauguration ceremony of 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
We were privileged to have Hon. Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa grace the occasion as the Chief Guest @CGPSL

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

Inauguration ceremony of 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
We were privileged to have Hon. Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa grace the occasion as the Chief Guest @CGPSL

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

𝐆𝐏 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚 ‘𝟐𝟓
50𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka
𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑒:
𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

We cordially invite all the 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
It is an honour to serve as the Chair of the Steering Committee for this prestigious event
@CGPSL

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

We cordially invite all the 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
It is an honour to serve as the Chair of the Steering Committee for this prestigious event
@CGPSL

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

We cordially invite all the 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
It is an honour to serve as the Chair of the Steering Committee for this prestigious event
@CGPSL

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
It is an honour to serve as the Chair of the Steering Committee for this prestigious event
@CGPSL

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

We cordially invite all the 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
It is an honour to serve as the Chair of the Steering Committee for this prestigious event
@CGPSL

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

We cordially invite all the 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚.
It is an honour to serve as the Chair of the Steering Committee for this prestigious event
@CGPSL

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿.

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿.
Mentorship is not just about teaching-it's about guiding, supporting, and inspiring mentees by sharing knowledge and experiences.
@college_of_gps

[Gobith🩺 @GobithR]

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿.
Mentorship is not just about teaching-it's about guiding, supporting, and inspiring mentees by sharing knowledge and experiences.
@college_of_gps