Sociopath, in popular culture, is usually defined as a mega villain who acts outrageously cruel and manipulative. In real life, however, sociopaths are a little harder to identify. "Sociopaths in real life often look charming and can be quite liked as a manipulative tactic, explains Erin Rayburn, LMFT, founder of Evergreen Therapy in Tennessee to Men's Health. and charming on the one hand, but deep down, they are deceptive, exploitive and aggressive.

There are symptoms that manifest in sociopaths. Individuals who exude these behaviours actually might have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), which is a mental health condition where someone continuously manipulates, exploits, or violates the rights of others without remorse, according to MedlinePlus. American Psychiatric Association estimates that up to 3.6 percent population has ASPD.

Who Is A Sociopath?

Antisocial personality disorder is often called sociopathy. People who are diagnosed with this disorder, often show conduct disorder before the age of 15 years. They express symptoms like aggression, cruelty to people or animals, lying, property destruction or violating rules.

While researchers are still figuring out the causes of the disorder, but experts theorize that genetics or factors like child abuse may contribute to its development. Still, people can display antisocial—or sociopathic—behaviours without necessarily meeting the criteria of a personality disorder. "Human beings are complex and can fall somewhere on a spectrum of sociopathic behaviour, at times manipulating others for personal gain, demonstrating aggression, or lying, but perhaps only doing these behaviours in a specific context or certain relationships,” Kennedy explains. For instance, an executive might lie, manipulate, or behave aggressively to land a high-stakes deal, but at home is a loyal, responsible partner and parent," Rayburn said.

Immunization has been one of the most remarkable public health achievements of modern times, it has not only slowed down child mortality, eradicating certain diseases to be wiped off, and reduced outbreaks of conditions that could potentially kill, but also raised awareness of the seriousness of the emerging threat to these immunization campaigns during World Immunization Week from April 24–30. The rise in vaccine-preventable diseases is a cause for concern, as misinformation, population growth, funding cuts, and humanitarian crises jeopardize years of progress. This article explores the ongoing challenges in immunization and the global consequences of failing to maintain vaccination rates.

In the past decade, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives, making immunization one of the most effective tools in preventing infectious diseases. However, even with these gains, the global health community is experiencing setbacks. Increased outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles, meningitis, and yellow fever have risen alarmingly. Illnesses that were previously almost eradicated, such as diphtheria, are coming back in some areas. WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi have all issued urgent calls for governments to invest in immunization programs to prevent further health crises.

While the United States has come far in vaccination efforts, the effects of no longer continuing immunization programs would be disastrous. If vaccination programs were to be discontinued in the country, diseases such as measles would instantly become much larger outbreaks than they are at present and spread to infect tens of thousands or more. Even those who never travel outside the nation might encounter sick carriers within their own communities and thus be subject to rapid spread of diseases that are otherwise preventable.

Consider measles. Although the U.S. has experienced a decline in measles cases due to strong vaccination efforts, outbreaks elsewhere in the world—particularly in nations with low vaccination rates—could do serious damage if the U.S. were to discontinue vaccinating. Complacency about vaccine-preventable diseases can be fatal. The dangers of being infected with these diseases may appear to be low, yet each person is at risk and nobody can tell if they will be the "one in 10,000" to die from an illness that could be prevented by a basic vaccine.

Why Health Systems Are Struggling to Keep Up?

Measles is coming back particularly perilously globally. Since 2021, incidence has been increasing, following declines in immunization coverage that happened during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Measles cases increased to an estimated 10.3 million in 2023—a 20% rise from the previous year—according to WHO estimates. The trend is predicted to continue into 2024 and 2025, with outbreaks worsening across the globe.

Last year, 138 nations recorded cases of measles, and 61 of these had large or disruptive outbreaks. This is the highest number of outbreaks since 2019, and the trend is expected to increase in the next few months. Measles, which is a very infectious viral infection, is not only a public health threat but also overburdens health systems, taking away resources that can be used to address other critical health issues.

Meningitis and yellow fever have also increased substantially in recent years. In Africa, meningitis cases jumped in early 2024 with over 5,500 suspected cases and close to 300 fatalities in only three months. That is a major upsurge from other years, highlighting the necessity for proper immunization coverage. The same is true of yellow fever, whose cases are on the rise in Africa as confirmed cases appear in nations where the disease was on the decline in the last decade.

Role of Funding and Humanitarian Crises

One of the largest dangers to immunization campaigns is the decline in international funding for health programs. A recent WHO rapid stock take in 108 countries found that nearly half of these countries experience moderate to severe interruption in vaccination campaigns and routine immunization programs because of reductions in donor support. Least developed countries are being compelled to make difficult choices between important services, which tend to come at the cost of lifesaving vaccination programs.

Humanitarian emergencies, including armed conflicts and natural disasters, add complexity to the delivery of immunizations. Children in conflict or fragile areas are most at risk. In 2023, an estimated 14.5 million children did not receive all routine vaccine doses, a decline from 13.9 million in the previous year. Those children reside in areas where access to healthcare services is drastically reduced, which increases their likelihood of acquiring preventable illness.

The growing global health crisis underscores the urgent need for continued investment in immunization. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, emphasized that vaccines have saved millions of lives over the past five decades. However, without proper funding and political will, these hard-won gains are at risk. The WHO is urging governments, especially in lower-income countries, to invest in vaccines, as they are one of the most cost-effective interventions for public health.

The international health community also urges continued efforts to build more resilient immunization systems and to ensure vaccines reach the most at-risk communities. WHO and its agencies have initiated efforts like the "Big Catch-Up," to vaccinate children who lost doses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort, supplemented with ongoing investment in mass vaccination campaigns, is critical to stopping subsequent outbreaks and saving lives.

Importance of Herd Immunity

Vaccination not only protects the individual—it also safeguards communities. This phenomenon, referred to as "community immunity" or "herd immunity," is when a high percentage of the population has been vaccinated, thus limiting the transmission of disease. This is especially important for those who are unable to be vaccinated because of medical conditions or age, such as infants, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems.

By vaccinating ourselves and our kids, we not only protect our loved ones but also protect the others in our communities who cannot get vaccinated. Keeping vaccination rates high is what makes sure diseases that used to cause widespread sickness and death stay under control and never come back.

Vaccine-Preventable Disease Outbreaks Across The World

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• COVID-19
• Measles
• Mumps
• Meningitis
• Influenza (flu)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Hepatitis A

What Can You Do to Keep Your Family Safe from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases?

Keeping your family safe from vaccine-preventable diseases is important to make them healthy and safe. By keeping pace with recommended vaccinations, not only are you keeping your loved ones safe but also your community. Here's how you can do it:

1. Adhere to Immunization Schedules

The initial and most critical step is to adhere to the recommended immunization schedules for your family and yourself. These schedules are formulated to give protection in a timely manner against a variety of preventable illnesses. Sticking to these schedules ensures that people, particularly children, get vaccinated when they are most effective. This can avert outbreaks of diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and mumps.

2. Support Herd Immunity

Vaccines do not only immunize individuals, but they also immunize populations, a process referred to as "community immunity" or "herd immunity." If large numbers of people are vaccinated, it becomes more difficult for infection to spread. This is particularly important for groups that cannot themselves be vaccinated, like babies that are too young for some vaccines or people who have weakened immune systems from such diseases as cancer or HIV. By getting vaccinated and your family, you're helping protect the most vulnerable members of your community.

3. Stay Current on Vaccines for All Household Members

It's not just kids who require vaccines. Adults need to stay up to date on their immunizations as well. Many illnesses, such as the flu or shingles, can strike adults as well. Keeping all members of your household current on their vaccinations helps keep herd immunity intact and stops outbreaks.

4. Know the Consequences of Not Vaccinating

If vaccination levels fell, diseases that have been almost eliminated or contained could return. Diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and even polio have returned in regions with low vaccination levels. These diseases were once all but eliminated in much of the world but remain a threat, especially if vaccination levels fall.

5. Guard Future Generations

Vaccinating now doesn't only keep your family safe today—it helps to keep future generations healthy. By maintaining high levels of immunization, we ensure our children's children—and their children—are safeguarded against illnesses that were once widespread. If we discontinue vaccination, we might be fighting infections that we previously believed to be a relic of the past, and which create serious public health issues.

6. Stay Informed About Disease Outbreaks

Recent disease outbreaks like pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, and COVID-19 have proven that vaccination efforts are always a concern. Keeping yourself updated regarding current outbreaks and vaccination schedules changes ensures that you can protect your family more effectively. Being aware of the when and where of outbreaks will also enable you to take preventive actions against exposure.

Our communities' well-being, and that of their most vulnerable, rely on common effort. If we stop vaccinating, the consequences could be dire, resulting in preventable deaths and overwhelming health systems.

A nationwide ban on ranitidine, one of India’s most widely used antacids, may soon be on the cards. A confidential report by an expert panel has flagged serious health risks associated with the drug, particularly its potential to cause cancer. Submitted to India’s Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the findings have triggered deliberations on whether to suspend the manufacture, sale, and distribution of the drug across the country.

The Cancer Risk Behind Ranitidine

The expert committee’s report, accessed by News18, highlights the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in several samples of ranitidine tested at the Central Drug Laboratory in Kolkata. NDMA is a chemical impurity classified as a probable human carcinogen. It is considered unsafe when consumed over a prolonged period in concentrations above global safety standards.

Out of the 42 samples tested, 21 were found to contain NDMA levels above 0.32 parts per million (ppm)—the internationally accepted limit. This finding has raised red flags, as it confirms that nearly half the samples exceeded the safety threshold.

What Is Ranitidine and Why Was It So Popular?

Ranitidine, developed in 1981 by Glaxo Holdings Ltd (now GlaxoSmithKline), quickly became a go-to medication for millions around the world. In India, it is widely available over-the-counter under brand names like Rantac, Zinetac, and Aciloc. It is primarily used to reduce stomach acid and treat issues such as indigestion, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers.

Due to its affordability and easy accessibility, ranitidine became a staple in Indian households. Despite its ban in countries like the United States, Australia, and across Europe due to the NDMA contamination concerns, it has continued to be sold in India.

Global Regulatory Response

Ranitidine first came under global scrutiny in 2019, when international regulators began detecting unsafe levels of NDMA in the drug. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) all pulled the medication from their respective markets.

These agencies took the precautionary step of banning or recalling ranitidine to prevent long-term health risks in the population. They also recommended alternative treatments for acid reflux and ulcers, including other classes of antacids.

India’s Position So Far

While India did not impose an outright ban, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)—the country’s apex drug regulator—acknowledged safety concerns as early as 2019. However, regulatory action remained limited. In December 2024, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that safety concerns were being addressed, though no concrete steps were taken until recently.

A key development came in 2022, when ranitidine was removed from the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). This was seen as a soft warning to healthcare providers and the public. The CDSCO also issued multiple advisories but stopped short of a suspension or recall.

What Happens Next?

Now that the expert committee has submitted its findings to the DTAB, the board is expected to review the recommendation for suspending ranitidine. If the board agrees, India may finally join the list of countries that have banned the drug.

In the meantime, doctors and pharmacists may begin advising patients to explore alternative treatments for acid-related disorders. Consumers, especially those with long-term use of ranitidine, are encouraged to consult their physicians and avoid self-medication.

As regulatory bodies weigh their next move, public awareness and medical guidance will be key to ensuring a safe transition away from ranitidine.

Despite having access to better information and healthcare than ever before, many men still avoid seeing doctors, unless it is absolutely critical. The reasons being outdated cultural norms, and idea of masculinity that often push men to vulnerability and pain. It also includes being ignorant about their physical health issues.

On an average, men die five years earlier than women. They are also more likely to suffer from preventable conditions that could be caught through regular routine checkups. The narrative that men should "tough it out", not only endangers individual lives, but also contributes to a broader public health problem.

What Do The Numbers Say?

A Cleveland Clinic survey revealed that close to 60% of men do not regularly see a doctor. Nearly half stated that they do not talk about their health. Instead they are far more likely to talk about sports, current events, or work. Only 7% of men reported regularly discussing their health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are 33 percent more likely than men to visit the doctor, and women are 100 percent better at keeping up with preventive care such as routine screenings. This disparity holds even when adjusting for pregnancy-related visits.

Similarly, a UK study published in BMJ Open found that men’s consultation rates were 32 percent lower than women’s, especially in the 16 to 60 age group. Even when men had similar medical conditions, they were slightly less likely to consult a doctor than women — but the gap narrowed significantly when reproductive health visits were excluded.

Why Men Stay Away From Doctors?

The reasons are more psychological and emotional than practical. According to an online survey commissioned by Orlando Health, the most common excuses men give for avoiding annual doctor visits are:

• They’re too busy
• They fear being diagnosed with something serious
• They’re uncomfortable with intimate or invasive exams

Prostate checks, testicular exams, and colon screenings are often cited as particularly awkward experiences. These fears, combined with social conditioning to appear invincible, lead many men to delay care — sometimes until it’s too late.

In fact, nearly 1 in 5 men in the Cleveland Clinic survey admitted they only visit the doctor because a loved one nags them to go.

What Can Be Done?

Recognizing this gap, health organizations are developing creative strategies to connect with men. INTEGRIS, a health system in Oklahoma, launched Men’s Health University 15 years ago to directly address male health awareness. The initiative offers screenings at sporting events, cooking demonstrations, and wellness fairs — making the experience more social, accessible, and stigma-free.

Steve Petty, director of community health at INTEGRIS, emphasized the importance of such outreach. In 2018, their screenings found that 67 percent of participating men had abnormal blood pressure, and 40 percent had concerning blood sugar levels — both red flags for serious conditions like hypertension and diabetes.