For millions of people in India, the workday begins and ends in front of a laptop. Eight to ten hours spent at a desk, endless video conferences, a series of meetings, and constant screen time have become the new normal. Although labor productivity has increased, an unnoticed problem at the workplace—neck pain—has also grown.
Doctors note a sharp increase in young professionals aged 20 and 30 seeking treatment for neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and posture problems. What was previously considered an age-related condition is increasingly becoming a professional risk caused by office work.
The growing dependence on smartphones and laptops, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, has turned neck pain into a modern workplace health issue. Beyond physical discomfort, it negatively affects productivity, mental well-being, and healthcare costs, raising concerns about whether India's rapidly growing office workers are paying too high a price for long hours in front of a screen.
Neck pain is defined as discomfort or pain in the neck area (cervical spine) and surrounding areas, including the shoulders and upper back. Symptoms can range from mild stiffness to severe pain, and in some cases, may be accompanied by headaches, tingling, or numbness in the arms when nerves are affected.
Although neck pain can occur at any age, it is becoming more common among young adults due to prolonged screen time, poor posture, and a sedentary lifestyle. According to a study published in The Lancet, nearly 200 million people worldwide suffered from neck pain in 2020. The study predicts that this number could reach 270 million by 2050, driven by aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, and changing work patterns.
The impact of this issue extends far beyond simple physical discomfort. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that musculoskeletal diseases are among the leading causes of disability and work absence globally, affecting quality of life and productivity across different age groups. The GBD 2019 analysis estimated that about 1.71 billion people worldwide live with conditions such as neck pain, lower back pain, fractures, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
To gauge the scale of the problem, specialists surveyed 30 working professionals about their work habits, posture, and neck condition. Their responses revealed a common pattern: prolonged sitting, infrequent breaks, and recurring neck pain. Most respondents were young professionals: 26 out of 30 participants were between the ages of 24 and 35, highlighting the growing impact of neck pain on younger employees, not just the elderly.
Ten respondents experienced neck discomfort monthly, nine reported symptoms weekly, and seven stated they faced neck pain almost daily, demonstrating the prevalence of this condition among desk-bound workers. Shashank, a 38-year-old media professional, reported frequent pain in his neck, shoulders, and arms. He noted: 'I spend about 8 hours a day sitting in a chair that does not provide good support for my neck. I believe that more frequent breaks and awareness of proper office furniture can help employees work more effectively. Poor furniture placement leads to poor posture, which ultimately causes all sorts of problems,' he told TOI.
Dr. Arun Bhanot, Director of Spine Surgery at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, stated a noticeable increase in young patients with office jobs seeking treatment for neck pain. He explained: 'The patient profile has fundamentally changed. Previously, it was mainly older people with degenerative changes. Now we see a constant stream of people in their late 20s and 30s,' he said.
Long hours at the desk were the norm: 21 respondents spent more than eight hours sitting per day, and another seven reported sitting for seven to eight hours. Despite the long screen time, regular movement was rare. Twelve respondents said they rarely took breaks during work, and 10 took a break from their desk only once every two to three hours—much less frequently than doctors recommend. Komal Gupta, a 30-year-old journalist, told TOI that she barely has time for regular exercise, although she knows it would help reduce neck pain. She added: 'Most workdays are filled with deadlines, so finding time for stretching or training becomes difficult.'
Dr. Surender Pal Singh, Head of Physiotherapy at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, advises positioning the monitor at eye level, ensuring proper chair support, and avoiding carrying heavy laptop backpacks on one shoulder, as uneven weight distribution can increase strain on the neck and upper back. However, most respondents replied that employers provide no furniture or equipment. Gupta noted: 'My office also does not provide an external monitor or a laptop stand, so I am forced to work directly on my laptop for long hours, which puts extra strain on my neck and shoulders.'
The problem is not limited to corporate offices. Jyoti Jaiswal, a 29-year-old dentist, asserts that healthcare workers are also at risk due to the nature of their work. She said: 'Treating patients often requires us to remain seated or stand in one position for long periods, which puts significant strain on the neck.' Jaiswal believes that improving workload management could help mitigate this issue. 'Proper scheduling of appointments is crucial so that each patient can be given enough time without rushing or compromising posture. It also gives doctors short breaks between consultations, reducing physical tension.'
Tushar Gaur, a 25-year-old accountant from Meerut, reported that his job requires long hours of sitting, data entry, and continuous computer work. He noted: 'Prolonged sitting and constant screen time often cause severe pain on the left side of my neck. I realized that regular breaks help reduce discomfort, but this is not always possible on busy workdays.'
Dr. Bhanot explained that the head weighs about 4.5–5 kilograms in a neutral position. But if it is tilted forward by just 15 degrees to look at a screen, the effective load on the cervical spine increases sharply. If this posture is maintained for eight hours a day, five days a week, muscles and ligaments simply give out. Recalling one of his cases treating a 26-year-old software developer, he recounted: 'He developed severe neck pain, finger numbness, and hunching after working from bed for almost a year with a laptop placed on a pillow. There was no disc herniation, but there was significant muscle strain. Thanks to ergonomic correction, physiotherapy, and scheduled movement breaks, he largely eliminated the symptoms within six weeks.'
The vast majority of respondents concluded that preventing neck pain requires both individual lifestyle changes and employer support. Many stated that companies should invest in ergonomic workspaces, including better chairs, adjustable desks, laptop stands, and the option of standing desks to reduce the strain caused by prolonged sitting.
Some respondents also called for the implementation of more employee-friendly workplace policies, such as reduced working hours, flexible schedules, and improved workload management, to give employees enough time to rest, exercise, and maintain proper posture. Others suggested that employers encourage frequent breaks, with some even recommending software reminders or apps that temporarily block screens every 30 minutes to prompt employees to stand up, stretch, and move.
Dr. Singh emphasized that prevention is often simple but ignored. He stated: 'Standing up, stretching, and walking for just one or two minutes every 30 minutes can significantly reduce pressure on the neck and back,' adding that even the best workstation cannot prevent neck tension if a person remains seated for long periods without regular movement. In a work environment increasingly focused on productivity, the next big investment may not be technology, but healthier employees.
The South African government has implemented a new online authorization system that allows livestock owners to apply independently for permission to vaccinate their animals against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). This measure is part of South Africa's efforts to contain outbreaks and restore the country's status as FMD-free.
Agriculture Minister Willie Aukamp introduced this digital platform, which places greater responsibility on livestock owners and farm managers in managing FMD risks while ensuring compliance with biosecurity and reporting requirements. This step follows actions by the government and industry stakeholders aimed at strengthening disease control measures after FMD outbreaks disrupted livestock movement and jeopardized agricultural exports.
According to Aukamp, the launch of the system enables livestock owners and managers to conduct voluntary vaccination of their herds against FMD. He emphasized that this is just the beginning, and the Department of Agriculture is ready to support the private sector in combating this outbreak.
Under the new procedure, livestock owners must first apply for 'Authorized Person' status through the FMD reporting platform. After approval, they must notify the relevant Provincial Director of Veterinary Services or State Veterinarian no later than five days before administering vaccines. By submitting the notification, approved applicants can obtain vaccines directly from authorized veterinarians.
After vaccination, animals must be registered within 14 days, providing a detailed report on the number of vaccinated animals, the vaccine used, and the farm where the vaccination took place. The Ministry stated that the system is designed to comply with legal traceability and biosecurity requirements, as well as to improve oversight of the national vaccination campaign.
Furthermore, farmers may use approved private reporting platforms, such as systems managed by RMIS, SAAI, and Buffalo Analytics, provided they are authorized by the Director of Animal Health. Data collected through these platforms will be transmitted to the Department of Agriculture and integrated into its monitoring systems.
Aukamp noted that collecting vaccination data will be crucial for demonstrating the effectiveness of disease control measures in South Africa to international bodies. He added that all information gathered through these feedback systems will allow the government to track the progress of the vaccination program and effectively provide up-to-date information on the program's success to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) when reapplying for FMD-free status.
The Minister also called on organized agricultural groups to collaborate closely with vaccine importers and veterinarians to determine demand and ensure adequate vaccine supply nationwide. The government stated that farmers participating in the voluntary vaccination program are responsible for purchasing vaccines for their hoofed animals, but the state will continue to provide vaccines in recently affected outbreak areas and to farmers who cannot afford the cost of vaccination.
Aukamp expressed gratitude to farmers, agricultural organizations, and officials of the Department of Agriculture for their contribution to creating this system. The Ministry believes that the new online authorization process will accelerate vaccination efforts, improve epidemiological surveillance, and strengthen South Africa's application to restore FMD-free status, while protecting the country's agricultural industry.
Officials from Iran and China held discussions aimed at developing joint work in the healthcare sector. Special attention was paid to the supply of pharmaceuticals, raw materials, and medical equipment.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the XVI BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Health, which was held in Chandigarh, India, from July 21 to 25. Ali Jafarian, Senior Advisor to the Iranian Minister of Health, emphasized the significance of traditional medicine in both countries.
He spoke about the possibility of integrating Persian medicine into the national healthcare system using a scientifically sound approach to ensure the safe and proper application of traditional treatment methods, and called for expanding ties in this area, according to IRNA.
Jafarian also addressed the topic of scientific research cooperation in vaccine production within BRICS, noting the potential of the two countries for joint vaccine development. He stressed the need for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and technologies between Iran and China.
For his part, Zeng Yixin, Deputy Director of the Chinese National Health Commission, welcomed the deepening of bilateral relations in line with existing memorandums between Beijing and Tehran. He stated the readiness to increase cooperation in traditional medicine, highlighting its special importance to China as an integral part of cultural heritage, rather than just a component of the healthcare system.
In 2025, Iran and China agreed to implement joint programs in the pharmaceutical and medical fields under a 25-year agreement signed by both sides. Hamid Inanlou, an official from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reported that these programs are designed to stimulate the commercial, scientific, and industrial potential of both nations, boost domestic production, and facilitate access to regional markets.
He added that part of the 25-year strategic partnership focuses on expanding healthcare cooperation, including the exchange of experience and technologies, conducting medical research, training, exchange of specialized personnel, and developing new drugs. Inanlou also noted plans for the production of medical and laboratory equipment, such as syringes, diagnostic kits, health products, as well as joint investments and the creation of joint ventures.
In June 2025, Ding Zhisheng, Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China, expressed China's willingness to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation with Iran under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Zhisheng met with Hossein Afshin, Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, on the sidelines of the Second Conference on Science and Technology Exchange within the BRI, held in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, from June 10 to 12.
The Chinese official stated that China intends to effectively implement the Iran-China strategic partnership and promote high-quality cooperation within the BRI. According to Zhisheng, 'we strive to develop the potential for scientific and technological cooperation between the two sides to bring more tangible benefits to the people of both countries.'
The Iranian delegation actively participated in drafting the declaration and presenting technical and legal proposals to strengthen healthcare cooperation among BRICS member states at the XVI BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Health.
Iran's position was based on prioritizing consensus while safeguarding national interests, protecting the authority of regulatory bodies, expanding production and research capacities, ensuring equal access to medicines, vaccines, and medical technologies, and promoting cooperation in traditional medicine and mental health.
The Iranian delegation emphasized that cooperation within BRICS must go beyond declarations and transform into joint, actionable initiatives with measurable results. They also noted that access to medical products and technologies should not be blocked by obstacles disrupting supply chains, technology transfer, joint production, or timely patient access to treatment.
Clarifying the country's achievements in healthcare during crises, Jafarian put forward three key priorities for developing the 'BRICS Action Plan'. The first proposal concerned strengthening joint preparedness, including establishing early warning systems, emergency response networks, combating antimicrobial resistance, and environmental threats while respecting national sovereignty.
The second proposal was the development of pharmaceutical innovations, suggesting a shift from unilateral technology transfer to joint research, local production, and the creation of resilient supply chains. The third proposal focused on improving regulatory interaction. Stating Iran's readiness to participate in BRICS GxP initiatives, the official stressed the importance of experience exchange and reducing duplication of efforts to accelerate access to safe and quality medicines.
He also noted that despite strong pressure from recent illegal attacks by the US and Israel on the country, especially on hospitals, medical staff, and the pharmaceutical supply chain, the provision of essential medical services in Iran has not ceased, demonstrating true resilience. For example, during a 40-day military crisis in March, 15 complex liver transplant operations were successfully performed in Tehran.
Iran is ready to expand cooperation in various fields, including tuberculosis research, new vaccines, and advanced diagnostics.
In Phase 1 clinical trials aimed at assessing the safety and efficacy of a new Ebola vaccine, the first dose was administered to a volunteer on Friday. This vaccine was rapidly developed and targets the Bundibugyo strain, which causes a deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Oxford University.
According to the latest data from the World Health Organization, more than 1270 people have died out of nearly 3000 infected since the outbreak began in May in the DRC and Uganda. Researchers and medical organizations are urgently working to bring a vaccine or treatment for this relatively rare strain into human clinical trials.
Earlier this month, a team from Oxford University in the UK announced the start of the first trial of their ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine, which uses the same technology as the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19. The first dose was given to a 37-year-old volunteer named Ed Hunt in Oxford on Friday, an university representative told AFP.
David Pulido-Gomez from the Oxford Institute for Pandemic Sciences stated in a release: 'We moved this vaccine candidate from concept to clinic in just eight weeks.' He added that achieving this milestone in such a short time reflects exceptional collaborative efforts. The trial received funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the Serum Institute of India has already produced a supply of 620,000 doses.
The Phase 1 trial plans to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in 50 healthy adults in the coming weeks, while researchers continue to recruit additional volunteers. Upon receiving regulatory approval, the team is preparing for further clinical trials of the vaccine with partners in Uganda, according to Oxford University. Other candidates for a Bundibugyo vaccine are being developed in parallel, and work is underway on two potential treatments.
The Ebola outbreak is the 17th in the history of the DRC, but only the third caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X late Thursday that 'the outbreak continues to outpace the response,' partly because contact tracing cannot cover every remote community.
He also warned that due to 'insecurity and active conflict continuing to restrict access to affected areas, the actual number of people sick with the disease could be more than double.' The outbreak remains concentrated in the mineral-rich and conflict-affected northeastern province of this vast country. Cases of Ebola, transmitted through close contact and infected bodily fluids, have also been detected in four other provinces of the DRC.
