The postpartum period is described as the 'joyful time of bonding' with newborns, and for most mothers, this could be an uncomfortable time full of health-related complications. Women of color face specific challenges that most women are likely to ignore and overlook. Among those challenges is the condition of postpartum hypertension, which could pose long-term damage to the health of the mother and the child. Current studies indicate that microaggressions and systemic racism contribute greatly to blood pressure levels and further health conditions.

A medical condition occurring in a female after childbirth whereby her blood pressure is higher than normal. Such hypertension may become a continuation of preeclampsia or might develop independently, during the postpartum time. High blood pressure in this period is not merely a temporary inconveniences it increases the possibility of stroke and organ damage while also contributing to long-term diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Blood pressure is measured with two numbers.

• Systolic pressure: the pressure of the blood against walls of the artery during a pulse.
• Diastolic pressure: is the pressure found in arteries at any time between heartbeats.

Although levels under 120/80 millimeters of mercury are considered perfectly normal, just small increases represent significant health problems for new mothers.

What Are Microaggressions?

Microaggression refers to subtle verbal or nonverbal actions that affect individuals from marginalized or non-mainstream communities. The term was introduced around 1970 by Dr. Chester Pierce, a Harvard psychiatrist. Dr. Pierce coined the phrase to describe the frequent insults and dismissive behaviors he observed being directed at Black individuals by non-Black people. He recognized that these repeated experiences could significantly impact a person’s mental and physical health over time.

Microaggressions can be intentional or unintentional. There are 3 types-

• Microassaults are deliberate and intentional slights or insult
• Microinvalidation is when someone attempts to discredit or minimize the experiences of a person
• Microinsults are rude, insensitive comments that subtly disrespect a person’s racial heritage or identity

How Microaggressions Elevate Blood Pressure?

A study published in the journal Hypertension points out the association between microaggressions and high blood pressure in postpartum women of color. These are subtle, often unconscious slights, such as comments like, "You need to calm down," or being labeled "angry" for speaking assertively. While these remarks may seem trivial to some, their impact is profound.

The researchers studied nearly 400 women of color in Philadelphia and New York City, and 38% reported experiencing microaggressions during their pregnancy care. The study revealed that women subjected to these remarks had, on average, systolic blood pressure readings 2.12 points higher and diastolic readings 1.43 points higher. This increase in blood pressure highlights the potential health risks associated with subtle forms of racism and discrimination during maternal care.

It was more significant at higher levels of structural racism. Systolic was increased by 7.55 points, and diastolic was increased by 6.03 points. Such variations often determine the necessity for antihypertensive medication.

Microaggressions are described as "death by a thousand cuts." They go far beyond postpartum hypertension, these little cuts in day-to-day exposure result in chronic stress that has its physical manifestation as:

Some examples include:

Physical symptoms: Upset stomachs, tension and headaches.

Mental health challenges: Stress, depression and sense of hopelessness.

Biological consequences: Telomere shortening of protective ends of the chromosomes, vulnerability to chronic disease.

Also Read: Who Are 'Sandwich Carers'? Why Are Their Mental Health Declining?

Trust and healing through the healthcare system are sadly converted into a hotbed for all these experiences as patients describe not only disrespect, hearing, and not being taken seriously but also, in many instances, the added strain of their actual medical condition.

Structural Racism

Structural racism—the ways in which systemic policies and practices disadvantage people—exacerbates this issue. For example, women of color living in communities characterized by systemic inequities are more likely to face health difficulties stemming from: access to adequate quality care, implicit bias within healthcare providers, and increased exposures to stressors such as poverty and unsafe conditions of living.

Microaggressions have significant impacts that well exceed the postpartum period and even healthcare venues. Studies show that Black men are stereotyped as being aggressive and that this stereotype can cause dangerous discrimination. Latina women are often objectified, reduced to physical characteristics, which continues the pattern of societal biases.

Asian Americans suffer from backhanded compliments regarding their English fluency, though they have lived in the United States their entire lives, which illustrates a subtle yet pervasive form of racism that denies their identity and experiences. Though seemingly small and insignificant, these microaggressions carry a heavy emotional and psychological toll on the people who suffer them.

Over time, these experiences add up, leading to mistrust, social withdrawal, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or denial.

Tips to Combat Postpartum Hypertension

Postpartum hypertension, a critical health issue for many new mothers, is often exacerbated by microaggressions and systemic inequities. A systematic approach to tackling these challenges involves empowering individuals, creating inclusive healthcare systems, and addressing structural barriers.

1. Stress-Reduction Strategies

Stress from microaggressions significantly impacts health outcomes. Providing women with tools to manage stress can help mitigate the effects of postpartum hypertension. Key strategies include:

• Cognitive Restructuring: Encouraging women to reframe negative experiences positively can reduce the emotional toll of stressors. Simple practices like journaling or mindfulness exercises can assist in shifting perspectives.
• Social Support Systems: Building robust support networks—through friends, family, or postpartum groups—creates safe spaces for sharing and understanding, reducing isolation.
• Therapeutic Emotional Expression: Talking openly with therapists or trusted confidants helps new mothers process their experiences and relieve emotional burdens.

2. Inclusivity in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare environments must prioritize inclusivity and trust to ensure women feel respected and heard. Actionable steps include:

• Training on Implicit Bias: Comprehensive programs for healthcare providers can improve their ability to identify and address unconscious biases, fostering more empathetic and equitable care.
• Empowering Patient Advocacy: Women should feel confident expressing concerns about their care. Advocacy programs can support patients, ensuring their voices are acknowledged without judgment.
• Culturally Sensitive Care: Delivering care to respect cultural and personal differences in healthcare ensures the uniqueness of every patient's needs are met.

3. Acknowledging and Addressing Structural Inequities

Most postpartum health disparities have been contributed by systemic racism and lack of resources. That is the primary reason for dealing with the source of the problems.

• Investment in Underserved Areas: Better access to quality healthcare, education, and resources in these areas can eliminate health disparities.
• Institutional Accountability: Policies that ensure regular audits and transparency in healthcare institutions can make systems accountable for equitable care practices.
• Way Forward: A Call to Action
• Postpartum hypertension is a reflection of deeper societal challenges that require urgent attention. Solutions lie in empowering women with stress-management tools, fostering inclusivity within healthcare, and dismantling structural inequities.

Each effort—whether individual, institutional or systemic—contributes to a larger goal of reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for generations to come.

Microaggressions: Clarification, Evidence, and Impact. Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2020

Language Matters: Considering Microaggressions in Science. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2018

Unconscious biases: racial microaggressions in American Indian health care. J Am Board Fam Med. 2015

Racism and Postpartum Blood Pressure in a Multiethnic Prospective Cohort. Hypertension. 2025

As a part of World Immunization Week, which is observed from April 24 to 30, to promote the life-saving power of immunization, notes the World Health Organization (WHO), India has launched a week-long campaign to vaccinate 100% of children against measles and rubella. This is a move described as crucial to country's goal of eliminating the two viral diseases by 2026, noted Union Health Minister JP Nadda.

As per WHO, this week aims to promote the power of immunization to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines are one of humanity's greatest achievements, notes WHO. Since 1974, they have saved 150 million lives.

As per India's aim, Nadda suggests that health workers must not only ensure complete vaccination overage, but also remain vigilant through robust disease surveillance. “Measles is very contagious. Even a single case must be treated as a warning signal. We have to cover immunity gaps and ensure no child is left behind,” he said.

As per WHO, India has reported 4,388 cases of measles and 527 cases of rubella so fat this year.

What Are Measles And Rubella?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection marked by symptoms such as high fever, rash, cough, red eyes, muscle pain, and headache. Though often seen as a childhood illness, measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death, particularly in malnourished children and those with weakened immune systems.

Rubella, caused by a different virus, typically results in milder symptoms in children and adults. However, it poses a grave risk to pregnant women. Infection during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) — a condition leading to serious birth defects like heart problems, deafness, and developmental delays. According to WHO, rubella control is essential for reducing infant mortality and morbidity.

History of Measles and Rubella Vaccination In India

India has a long battle with measles, which had accounted for a significant portion of global measle deaths. In order to tackle this, the country introduced measles vaccination in 1985, under the Universal Immunisation Programme. However, rubella vaccination lagged behind until the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign was launched in 2017.

This massive drive aimed to immunize 410 million children between 9 months and 15 years of age, marking one of the largest vaccination campaigns in the world, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Post-campaign, the MR vaccine was incorporated into India’s routine immunization schedule, with two doses given between 9–12 months and 16–24 months of age.

Since measles and rubella are both highly contagious, health authorities say that achieving very high vaccination coverage — over 95% — is critical for creating herd immunity and stopping outbreaks.

Is India Close To Its Goal?

Health Ministry data shows promising progress: in 2024–25, 93.7% of children received the first MR vaccine dose, while 92.2% received the second. However, to achieve disease elimination, India needs to push these numbers above 95% consistently across all regions.

Highlighting the importance of full coverage, Nadda called upon public representatives to actively support the campaign and spread awareness, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

Despite progress, India faced a significant measles outbreak in 2023. The country was among 57 globally that saw major outbreaks after routine immunization services were disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023 alone, India reported 68,794 cases of measles and 2,930 cases of rubella.

Responding to the surge, the government intensified supplementary immunization activities, targeting areas where outbreaks occurred. The impact is visible: measles cases dropped by 73% and rubella by 17% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

With sustained efforts, India is now on a strong path towards achieving measles and rubella elimination by 2026.

Note: The data is taken from World Health Organization and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Fatty liver disease, now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), happens when extra fat builds up in liver cells without alcohol being the cause. Normally, the liver contains some fat, but if more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight is fat, it is considered a fatty liver. In its advanced stage, MASLD can develop into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), causing swelling and serious damage to the liver. Alarmingly, MASLD affects about 100 million people in the United States, including a growing number of children.

The disease often develops silently. Many people do not experience symptoms early on, but if it worsens, signs like fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, swelling, and even mental confusion may occur. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, rapid weight loss, poor eating habits, and certain medications.

A Breakthrough in Early Prediction

A new study offers hope for earlier detection. Researchers, led by Dr. Shiyi Yu from Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital in China, have developed a blood test that looks for five specific plasma proteins to predict MASLD years before symptoms show up. The findings are set to be presented at the Digestive Diseases Week meeting in San Diego.

The test was shown to be 84% accurate at predicting fatty liver disease five years in advance and 76% accurate at predicting it 16 years ahead of diagnosis. When additional factors like body mass index (BMI) and daily exercise habits were added, the prediction accuracy improved even more—over 90% at five years and 82% at 16 years.

This model was tested on two different groups—participants from the UK Biobank (over 50,000 people) and a separate group in China—showing promising results across diverse populations.

Why Early Detection Matters

Fatty liver disease not only damages the liver but also increases the risk of early death—primarily from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) rather than liver failure itself. The connection between MASLD and heart disease is strong, as both share causes like high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and obesity. That is why early diagnosis is crucial—not just to protect the liver, but also to manage the risk of heart disease.

Early identification through a simple blood test could lead to earlier lifestyle changes, medical monitoring, and interventions that can prevent serious complications like cirrhosis or heart attacks.

What You Can Do

Currently, there is no approved medication for MASLD. Treatment mainly involves:

• Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
• Controlling diabetes and cholesterol levels
• Avoiding alcohol
• Following medical advice if already diagnosed

Preventive steps include eating a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils, being physically active, and avoiding unnecessary medications.

Although the findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, this research marks a major advancement. It shows that a simple blood test could soon help millions of people know their risk decades in advance, giving them a chance to change the course of the disease before it's too late.

As the United States experiences the worst measles outbreak in over a decade with nearly 900 reported cases across 29 states, including deaths of two children, public understanding of the disease and its prevention strategy have been highly misunderstood due to political divide. The outbreak began in West Texas and has now spread widely. This highlights not only the persistent threat of measles but also the growing influence of vaccine misinformation, which have been fueled by political figures.

Why Is There A Resurgence of Preventable Diseases?

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, had been largely controlled in the U.S. thanks to the widespread use of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, gaps in vaccination coverage have led to a resurgence. The current outbreak, centered in Texas but extending to almost 30 states, has alarmed public health officials. Two young girls who were otherwise healthy have died as a result of measles complications.

The disease is known for its rapid transmission. A single case can lead to significant spread if vaccination rates in a community fall below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. Children are particularly vulnerable; although the first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically administered at 12 months, increased parental concern has led some to seek earlier vaccination during the outbreak.

The Politics Of Vaccine

As per a new survey by KKF, a nonprofit health information group, only one-third of Republican-leaning parents were aware of the current measles outbreak. This was in comparison with the two-thirds of aware Democratic parents. The survey also found and 1 in 5 Republicans believes that measles vaccine is more dangerous than the diseases itself, this is double the rate of Democrats.

These gaps in perception are not new but are deepening. About 35% of Republicans surveyed believe the discredited theory that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism—a belief held by just 10% of Democrats. While belief in this theory has not increased significantly, public awareness of the claim has grown, reflecting the impact of persistent misinformation.

Adding to the confusion is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric. Since taking office, he has supported an investigation into environmental contributors to autism and has floated unproven theories, such as vitamin A being a preventative measure against measles. These statements, while not outright opposing vaccines, muddy public understanding and can discourage immunization.

At a time when clear public health messaging is critical, conflicting remarks from top officials are exacerbating distrust. Advocacy organizations like Immunize.org and The Immunization Partnership warn that such mixed messaging, especially when it originates from high-ranking leaders, undermines public confidence in vaccines.

In southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, anti-vaccine activism has gained traction within state legislatures. Studies show that even lawmakers with medical backgrounds have not always supported public health measures, often influenced by political considerations and public pressure. Testimony from vaccine opponents at legislative hearings further amplifies misinformation, making it more difficult for facts to gain traction.

Meanwhile, healthcare providers are seeing the consequences firsthand. In California, where a 2014–15 outbreak began at Disneyland, pediatricians have treated severely ill children and taken stricter stances on accepting unvaccinated patients. These outbreaks serve as a stark reminder that the threat of measles is real and recurring.