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Public Health Chronicle
Latest public health news and updates of the world
Public Health News Snippets 24-28th February 2025
NGT and UPPCB row over Ganga Water Quality Concerns at Maha Kumbh 2025
A recent National Green Tribunal report from Uttar Pradesh has raised alarm bells over the Ganga’s water quality ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Findings reveal that the river water fails to meet the safety standards established by the Central Pollution Control Board, with exceptionally high levels of faecal coliform bacteria detected.
While some parameters remain within acceptable limits, the elevated bacterial contamination poses significant health risks for devotees and participants.
The report urges authorities to adopt stringent remedial measures and continuous monitoring to ensure safe water conditions during the mega event.
Experts emphasize the need for immediate pollution control interventions to restore the river’s ecological balance and protect public health.
Content Editor: PHC Editor
National Green Tribunal
Source :
Published on :
February 27, 2025
Ganga water quality, NGT report, Maha Kumbh, CPCB, faecal coliform
Selenium-Contaminated Wheat Linked to Baldness in Buldhana
Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar, a Padma awardee physician, led a month-long investigation into a sudden outbreak of severe hair loss in Buldhana.
It was found that wheat from Punjab, supplied to ration shops in Buldhana, contained dangerously high levels of selenium. Excessive selenium intake is linked to widespread baldness observed among residents.
Experts revealed that the risk was further intensified by low zinc levels in individuals, a deficiency known to worsen hair loss. The incident has prompted investigations into the supply chain and quality control measures at local ration shops.
Health officials are urging immediate testing and nutritional interventions to mitigate further health impacts. The case highlights the urgent need for stringent monitoring of food quality in public distribution systems.
Ongoing investigation aims to clarify the impact and prevent future occurrences of similar issues.
Content Editor: PHC Editor
Indian Council of Medical Research
Source :
Published on :
February 27, 2025
Selenium, Wheat, Zinc, Baldness, Heavy-Metal Poisoning
"India's Path to Sustainable Growth: Highlights from the Economic Survey 2024-25"
India’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development aligns with its ambition of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2024-25.
Efficient coal use, advanced thermal power technologies, and nuclear energy are emphasized.
India is progressing towards its NDC targets, achieving 46.8% installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
Net-zero emissions by 2070 require grid improvements, critical minerals, and climate finance support.
Mission LiFE promotes mindful consumption, waste management, circular economy, and pro-environment behaviours.
Content Editor: Dr Anamika
Press Information Bureau of India
Source :
Published on :
March 2, 2025
Sustainable development, renewable energy, climate resilience
Economic Survey 2024-25: Mental Well-Being Key to Productivity and Growth
The Economic Survey 2024-25 defines mental well-being as critical for navigating challenges and maintaining productivity.
It highlights the impact of lifestyle choices, workplace culture, and family dynamics on mental health and economic productivity.
The rising mental health issues among youth are linked to excessive internet and social media use.
Regular consumption of junk food (HFSS), lack of exercise, and weak family connections worsen mental well-being.
Hostile work cultures and long desk hours are identified as detrimental to mental health and economic growth.
The Survey calls for school, family, and societal interventions to improve mental health outcomes and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Content Editor: Dr Anamika
Press Information Bureau of India
Source :
Published on :
March 1, 2025
Mental Well-Being, Productivity, Economic Growth
Guillain Barre Syndrome outbreak reaches Telangana
Telangana reported its first case of Guillain Barre syndrome, currently affecting multiple states in India, when a 25-year-old woman from the Siddipet district was admitted to a private institution, KIMS Hospital in Hyderabad. This marks the first case reported from the state.
The patient was initially treated at another hospital for a week before she was shifted due to her worsening condition. Doctors state that her condition is critical, and she is currently on ventilator support.
The patient had no history of travel to Pune or any family history of similar illnesses.
Content Editor: Dr Manu
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
February 21, 2025
Outbreak, Surveillance, Guillain Barre Syndrome
Reforming Labour Laws for Better Mental Well-being
The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹99,858.56 crore to MoH&FW, including ₹79.6 crore for Tele MANAS and increased NIMHANS funding. Despite this, blue-collar workers remain underserved due to policy gaps, unsafe work conditions, and stigma.
Unlike corporate employees, they struggle to access mental health support due to job insecurity, long hours, and hazardous workplaces. The OSHWC Code (2020) covers only physical safety, while the CSC Code (2020) fails to recognize mental illness as an occupational disease, limiting compensation. With a 70-92% treatment gap, low-income workers are most affected.
Labour laws must integrate mental health, ensuring compensation for work-related illness. Employers must regulate work hours, enforce mental health policies and promote Tele MANAS and counseling services. Expanding legal protections, employer accountability, and awareness will create safer, healthier workplaces for all.
Content Editor: Dr M Kasif
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
February 21, 2025
Mental health, SDG 3, Labour laws, Occupational health
Need for New Law- For manufactured chemicals in protecting children’s health
Safeguarding children’s health against synthetic chemicals requires a fundamental shift in chemical law to take a precautionary approach over unconstrained production.
Fewer than 20% chemicals have been tested for toxicity, and it’s still fewer when it comes to toxic effects in infants and children.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, synthetic chemicals have little assessment for health impacts and almost no post-marketing surveillance for long-term adverse effects.
Most synthetic chemicals and products are produced from fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal. Yet, they are subjected to few legal or policy constraints.
There was a 50-fold increase since 1950, and it is projected to triple again by 2050, which has led to widespread human exposure and environmental pollution, too.
Association between chemicals and disease in children continue to rise with distressing frequency, with still many additional diseases undiscovered.
Content Editor: Dr Soundhar
The New England Journal of Medicine
Source :
Published on :
February 20, 2025
Children’s health, environmental health, Health policy
Obesity and it’s association with climate change
According to researchers, in developing countries with a rise of 10 degrees C, there was a rise of 4% in the BMI of children and a 2% rise in BMI in women. It stated that BMI tends to increase at both low and high temperatures as there was a U-shaped relation between temperature and BMI.
Impact of temperature on obesity is a long-term outcome, which also makes people to stay indoors and which in turn, leads to reduced physical inactivity.
According to a 2019 Lancet commission report, climate change impacts plants’ protein and micronutrient content too, as elevated carbon dioxide levels have shown to reduce concentration in wheat, rice, potato, etc., by 10-15%.
When people spend less time in cool temperatures, the body’s need for adaptive thermogenesis reduces, leading to less demand for energy, ultimately leading to obesity.
According to the American Heart Association review of studies from 28 countries, today’s children are 15% less physically fit than their parents at the same age.
Content Editor: Dr Soundhar
JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH-GLOBAL HEALTH NOW
Source :
Published on :
February 20, 2025
Climate change, obesity, global health, child health
Report addressing misinformation about science
Research on misinformation is being done in many disciplines, with each offering its definitions. It’s also important to note that the claims that are tagged as misinformation can evolve over time as new evidence accumulates.
There are many sources of misinformation, and sometimes misinformation may be unintentional too. So, most of the work on the impact of misinformation focused on harm to individuals and much less to society.
Intervention should be designed along four points, which resupply, demand, distribution and uptake, though most of the evidence comes from intervention on uptake of misinformation.
Attention needs to be given to institutional aspects and to build capacity and capability to generate accurate information and to increase its supply, then to focus on censoring inaccurate information.
Content Editor: Dr Soundhar
HARVARD T.H.CHAN school Of Public Health
Source :
Published on :
February 19, 2025
Misinformation, Health Policy, Health Research
To focus on healthy habits instead of quick fixes for a longer life
It was suggested that maintaining a healthy weight across life stages is critical for healthy aging and for improving both lifespan and health span.
There were other science-backed strategies mentioned in the article such as dietary pattern which is high in healthy fats and vegetables and low in processed foods and sugar and to avoid smoking.
It was also noted there was an association with weight loss and physical activity with the reduced chronic disease risk.
So, Experts quoted in the article that focusing on sustainable changes such as making switching to making gradual healthier food based on personal and cultural factors and to find small opportunities for movement over course of the day.
Content Editor: Dr Soundhar
Harvard T.H. CHAN School of Public Health
Source :
Published on :
February 19, 2025
Healthy aging, Diet habits, Lifestyle changes
‘Hospital at home’ Programs remain concentrated in larger, urban Not-for-profit and academic hospitals
The ‘Hospital-at-home’ program was adopted from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) which was established in November 2020 allows hospitals to deliver care to patients in their own homes instead of traditional admission in hospital in case of acute illness.
In the cross-sectional analysis of short-term acute care hospitals in the United States, the study compared hospitals that applied waivers between November 2022 and December 2022 (pre-extension hospitals) and those after that (post-extension hospitals).
Study found that adoption of waiver remained concentrated in urban, not-for-profit and academic hospitals.
Study implicated that if CMS wants to expand the reach of Hospital-at-Home, then work must be done to ensure and incorporate rural and non-teaching hospitals.
It indicates that these types of hospitals are not seeking to create these programs on their own, because of resources involved in it to sustain their operation.
Content Editor: Dr Soundhar
Los Angeles Health Sciences
Source :
Published on :
February 18, 2025
Health Program, International health, Health innovations
WHOs Multi-Country Report : Mpox Ouutbreak
WHO’s Multi-country External Situation Report No. 45 (January 11, 2025) outlines the ongoing global Mpox outbreak with a focus on clade Ib MPXV.
In central Africa, the DRC, Burundi, and Uganda remain key hotspots, with community transmission and weekly case numbers of 100–200. For instance, the DRC recorded 2,464 cases (5 deaths) over six weeks, while Uganda and Burundi reported significant numbers, although December festivities likely reduced surveillance.
Internationally, travel-associated cases emerged in 11 non-African countries, including instances in Germany, the UK, China, and others, with some countries like Tanzania and the UAE suspected of undetected spread.
The report differentiates clade dynamics: clade Ia in the DRC is zoonotic but now increasingly human-transmitted; clade Ib is spreading rapidly via human contact; clade IIa is newly observed in West Africa; and clade IIb continues at low levels globally, primarily among MSM.
Africa saw 14,700 cases (66 deaths) over one year amid shifting demographics. WHO emphasizes bolstering surveillance, vaccination (87,000 doses in the DRC, 4.83 million doses for 2025), and cross-border collaboration, deeming clades Ib and Ia high risk. Additionally, ongoing trials indicate limited efficacy of tecovirimat for mild cases, prompting updated infection prevention protocols and expanded decentralized testing in resource-constrained areas.
Content Editor: Dr Chinmay
World Health Organization
Source :
Published on :
February 18, 2025
Mpox, WHO report, Outbreak
Health concerns rise as two die from suspected Guillain Barre syndrome in Kolkata
The West Bengal Health Department confirmed the deaths of two individuals aged 10 and 17 years to be due to Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS).
The first individual was a 17 year old adolescent from the North 24 Paraganas District. Though he passed away due to septic shock and myocarditis at NRS Medical College, Kolkata, doctors suspect that GBS was the underlying disease.
The 10 year old child was admitted to BC Roy Hospital who hailed from Jagatdal in the North 24 Paraganas district. He died after receiving treatment for a week.
On 29th January, a 48 year old man visited Dhaniakhali, Hooghly with symptoms of diarrhea for the past 4 days along with lower limb paralysis. He was put on oxygen due to respiratory issues, but was declared dead on arrival to Kolkata Medical college. The doctors suspected GBS in the case.
This outbreak in Kolkata follows the outbreak in Pune affecting more than 100 people and is suspected to be due to contaminated water sources.
Content Editor: Dr. Manu
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
February 4, 2025
Outbreak, Surveillance, Guillain Barre Syndrome
U.S. to Withdraw From WHO Over Alleged Bias and Funding Disparities
President Donald Trump declared that the United States would exit from the World Health Organization (WHO) within 12 months of January 20, 2025, citing concerns over its political influence and financial structure.
Trump accused the WHO of acting under the “inappropriate political influence” of certain member states, particularly China. He claimed the organization mishandled global health crises, including COVID-19, by failing to act independently.
The U.S., contributing 18% of WHO’s $6.8 billion budget, was its largest financial backer. Trump has criticized the unequal financial burden on the United States of America.
This decision mirrors Trump’s attempt in 2020 to withdraw, citing similar concerns. The WHO denies allegations of bias and continues pressing China for data pertaining to the origin of COVID-19.
The U.S. exit raises concerns about future global health funding and cooperation.
Content Editor: Dr Mohammed Kasif
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
February 4, 2025
Global health, Health funding, Pandemic response, World Health Organisation
Targeted nutritional support to affected households can avert ~400,000 TB deaths by 2035
A recent modelling study conducted by researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London and Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore; published in Lancet Global health, has evaluated the cost-effectiveness of nutritional support for TB households in conjunction with impact of the intervention on further transmission of TB.
The study estimated that about 900,000 TB episodes and around 400,000 fatalities can be prevented if India can implement nutritional support for all household contacts of TB patients in at least 50% of families where people are undergoing treatment for tuberculosis from 2023 to 2035.
These figures correspond to preventing 2·2% (2·1–2·4) of all TB cases and 4·6% (4·2–5·5) of all TB fatalities.
This proposed intervention would cost the nation around Rs.15k per DALYs prevented.
The study also estimated that on the contrary nutritional support to only the patient undergoing TB treatment can avert 46700 new cases and 234,300 TB fatalities.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy
The Lancet Global Health
Source :
Published on :
January 31, 2025
Tuberculosis, Infectious disease modelling, Nutrition, Health economics
Pune Battles a Surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases
The Pune Municipal Corporation, the Pimpri-Chinchiwad Municipal Corporation, and a few adjoining districts of Pune, Maharashtra, have reported about 127 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with two suspected deaths and 20 patients on ventilators as of 30 January 2025.
GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness, numbness, and paralysis. Though its exact cause is unclear, it often follows viral or bacterial infections. The condition is more common in adults and males, with an incidence of 1–2 per 100,000 population.
With cases rising, strengthened surveillance, early detection, and public awareness are crucial in managing the outbreak of GBS.
The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has deployed a team to assess the outbreak, while local health officials have surveyed over 25,500 households in affected areas. Postmortem and microbiological tests are being conducted to confirm the cause of death. Following this, local authorities have sent samples to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) for further analysis.
Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kasif
Social Trends
Source :
Published on :
January 30, 2025
Disease outbreak, Auto-immune disorder, Surveillance
Pakistan detects the nation’s first Mpox case in 2025
The first case of Mpox in 2025 in Pakistan was detected at Peshawar airport in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A 35-year-old man traveling from Dubai has been identified as the patient.
The patient had reported symptoms of the disease and a recent travel history of visiting the Gulf countries.
He was then transferred to the Police Services Hospital, where his samples were sent to the Public Health Reference Lab. His diagnosis was thus confirmed.
The passenger’s flight details were also sent to the Peshawar Airport Manager to initiate contact tracing among the passengers of the same flight as the index case.
This marks the 10th case of Mpox in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with two cases seen in 2023, seven in 2024, and now one in 2025.
Content Editor: Dr. Manu
Social Trends
Source :
Published on :
January 30, 2025
Outbreak, Surveillance, Mpox
Outbreak due to unidentified toxic agent impacts Rajouri District in Jammu and Kashmir
An outbreak that affected the Badhaal village in Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir led to 17 deaths, with over 38 people affected since December 2024.
It has led to a multi-sectoral response by the State and Union governments to curb the outbreak.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the State police and supported by experts from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS, New Delhi, and National Centres for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi was formed to investigate the possible causes. This was supplemented by an inter-ministerial team of experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Steps undertaken to control the outbreak -
Active door-to-door surveillance has been carried out to screen residents for similar symptoms of high fever, body ache, vomiting, and unconsciousness, with 230 residents quarantined.
Meanwhile, the police had also disallowed residents from drawing water from nearby wells and community feasting.
Food is being supplied by the government under strict supervision.
It seems to have been caused by an as-yet unidentified toxin. However, based on the symptoms, a neurotoxin is suspected after tests have turned out to be negative for all viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens.
The search for the cause continues as rising deaths have led to the cancellation of leaves for healthcare staff in the district.
Content Editor: Dr. Manu
Social Trends
Source :
Published on :
January 29, 2025
Outbreak Investigation, Epidemiology
Empowering Sustainability: Remarkable Growth in India’s Renewable Energy Sector
Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: Total capacity, including nuclear energy reached 211.36 GW
Solar Power: Showed the highest growth, with an increase of 20.1 GW (27.9%), rising from 72.02 GW to 92.12 GW and a total capacity of 250.57 GW when considering projects underway or tendered.
Wind Energy: Grew by 7.8% rising from 44.29GW to 47.72GW
Renewable Energy: Between April and October 2024, India added 12.6 GW of renewable energy capacity with 1.72GW added in October alone.
Hydro and Nuclear Power: Hydropower contributed to 46.93 GW, while nuclear power accounted for 8.18 GW of the renewable energy mix.
The expansion of renewable energy projects under implementation and tendered further accelerates India’s transition towards clean energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development.
Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
January 29, 2025
Environment, Non fossil fuels, Fossil fuels, Sustainability
Return of fluorosis in Nalgonda sparks concerns
Following reports of cases of dental fluorosis detected in Marriguda Mandal of Nalgonda District, Hyderabad, the Department of Medicine and Health, Karnataka launched a household survey to identify cases of fluorosis in the district.
Conducted by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), it was a door to door, household survey that covered over 34,800 contacts that tried to identify fluorosis symptoms in elderly and children.
Over 100-150 cases of dental fluorosis and multiple cases of skeletal fluorosis were identified in the target age groups. This suggests a risk of relapse of fluorosis in a region that was free from the burden since 2020.
The Nalgonda district has historically suffered from this scourge with over 1180 mandals affected. Mission Bhagirathi, launched in 2015 by the previous Karnataka government to supply potable water via taps was a successful initiative that ended the spread of cases.
Authorities and activists have blamed faulty management of the water supply along with a use of groundwater rich in fluoride by reverse osmosis(RO) plants that led to consumption of rice and vegetables contaminated with fluoride rich water.
In response, the government will analyze the survey data and plan further implementation of corrective measures.
Content Editor: Dr. Manu
District Flouride Monitoring Committee, Government of Telangana
Source :
Published on :
January 28, 2025
Nutrition, Surveys, Water Pollution, Fluorosis
Innovative Mango-flavored Tablet Shows Promise in Combating Intestinal Worm Infections
A randomized trial published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases revealed that a mango-flavored tablet combining ivermectin and albendazole is more effective against soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, especially Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), than albendazole alone.
The study, involving 1,001 children in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique, showed cure rates of 97.2% for a three-dose regimen (FDCx3) and 82.9% for a single dose (FDCx1), compared to 35.9% for albendazole alone. The treatment was safe, with mild gastrointestinal side effects resolving within 48 hours, and was well-accepted by children for its taste, smell, and texture.
The fixed-dose combination (FDC) also holds promise for treating Strongyloides stercoralis, which is resistant to albendazole but responsive to ivermectin. Researchers believe this FDC could enhance STH control efforts, supporting mass de-worming programs and individual treatments, potentially redefining global elimination goals. Further studies are planned to evaluate its broader implementation in endemic regions
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay
Lancet
Source :
Published on :
January 28, 2025
Randomised Control Trial, Infectious Disease, New Drug, International Health News
Marburg Virus Outbreak Suspected in Tanzania: WHO Issues Regional Alert
The WHO has reported a suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region, which experienced a similar outbreak in 2023.
As of January 11, nine suspected cases, including eight deaths, have been identified. With healthcare workers among those affected, it underscores the risk of transmission in medical settings.
Patients displayed symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, and bloody vomiting.
Samples from two cases are under testing, with results pending. Kagera, near Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, is a transit hub, raising concerns about cross-border spread.
The WHO rates the risk to Tanzania and the region as high due to the virus’s lethality and unknown origin but considers global risk low. No approved vaccines or treatments exist, complicating containment efforts.
Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)
Source :
Published on :
January 27, 2025
Marburg virus, International Health News, Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
WHO Reports New Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera Region
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera region, which had previously experienced an outbreak in 2023.
On January 10, the WHO was informed of six suspected cases, five of them fatal, showing symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), including headache, fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, and vomiting with blood.
By January 11, the number of suspected cases had risen to nine, with eight fatalities. Health workers are among the suspected cases, highlighting the risk of transmission in healthcare settings.
Although there is no approved treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus, an investigational vaccine was used in Rwanda's 2023 outbreak to protect health workers.
Due to its high fatality rate, infections among health workers and the virus’s unclear source, the WHO has assessed the risk to Tanzania as high.
Kagera’s location as a transit hub with significant cross-border movement adds to the regional risk.
However, the global risk remains low, as Kagera is not near major international airports.
Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)
Source :
Published on :
January 18, 2025
Outbreak, Viral Haemorrhagic Fever
From Heatwaves to Waistlines: The Climate-Obesity Relationship
Climate change is emerging to be a contributor to obesity, which is also driven by a complex mix of genetic, behavioral, and social factors.
Rising temperatures impact behavior, leading to reduced physical activity and changes in diet, especially in developing countries.
Research studies found that a 1°C increase in temperature was linked to a 4% rise in children's BMI and a 2% increase in women's BMI. The studies showed a U-shaped relationship between temperature and BMI meaning higher rates of obesity at both high and low temperatures.
Extreme heat also has long-term consequences, causing people to stay indoors and rely on more calorie-dense, processed foods due to higher agricultural prices and lower crop yields. The nutritional content of crops are also affected as climate change causes decrease in protein levels in staples like rice and wheat.
Rising temperatures further affect obesity by decreasing energy expenditure through adaptive thermogenesis, a process that helps regulate body temperature.
To combat these effects, experts emphasize solutions like increased physical education in schools and climate-resilient agricultural practices to improve nutrition and prevent obesity.
Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad
John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Source :
Published on :
January 18, 2025
Climate Change, Obesity
From Poverty Reduction to TB Control: The Success of Brazil’s Bolsa Família Program
A landmark study conducted by Jesus GS, Pinto PFPS, Silva AF et al. involving 54.5 million low-income Brazilians demonstrated that conditional cash transfer programs like Brazil’s Bolsa Família Program (BFP) can help achieve global tuberculosis (TB) targets.
Implemented in 2004, the BFP provides financial support to poor families on the condition that they meet specific health and education requirements.
The study analyzed TB incidence, mortality, and case fatality rates between 2004 and 2015, comparing BFP beneficiaries (23.9 million) with non-beneficiaries (30.6 million).
Results showed a significant reduction in TB cases and deaths among beneficiaries, with a more than 50% decrease in extremely poor individuals and 60% among indigenous populations.
The improved access to food, reducing food insecurity and malnutrition—a key TB risk factor—was identified as a major reason for these outcomes.
The study underscores the role of social protection programs in reducing TB burden, highlighting their potential to support global health goals, including the END-TB strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad
Barcelona Institute for Global Health ISGlobal
Source :
Published on :
January 18, 2025
Cash Transfer, Tuberculosis
Next chapter in Atmanirbhar Bharat: Indigenous Paracetamol production
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the indegenously produced medication "Paracetamol" by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
In line with the goal of "Self-Reliant India," this invention by CSIR, which is affiliated to the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, intends to make India self-reliant in the production of paracetamol by lowering reliance on imported chemicals.
Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a company based in Karnataka, will use this innovation to manufacture reasonably priced paracetamol domestically.
Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
January 18, 2025
Drug Production
India’s Surveillance Systems on Alert Amid Global Respiratory Illness Trends
To address the growing number of respiratory disease cases in China, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) convened a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting. The World Health Organisation (WHO), Disaster Management Cell, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) were among the organisations that sent experts to take part in the meeting.
Following conclusions were drawn after the meeting:
The surge in respiratory illnesses in China is linked to common seasonal pathogens like the Influenza virus, RSV, and HMPV, which are already circulating globally, including in India.
India has a robust surveillance system in place for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), which is not showing any concerning trends.
As a precaution, the ICMR will increase HMPV testing.
According to data from recent preparedness drills, India is prepared to deal with an increase in respiratory infections, and its health systems are alert to new threats.
Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
January 18, 2025
Respiratory Illness, Surveillance
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Takes Off in Odisha, Strengthening Healthcare for Millions
On 13th January 2025, Odisha took a step towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ by becoming the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority (NHA)
AB PM-JAY will converge with Odisha’s existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), offering a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members.
It will cover around 1.03 crore families (4.5 crore people) and provide access to nearly 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties.
The scheme also benefits people aged 70 and above through the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
The scheme will provide cashless treatment in over 29,000 empaneled hospitals, significantly benefiting Odisha’s tribal, underprivileged, and migrant populations.
The impact of the program since its inception includes
8.19 crore hospital admissions,
₹1.13 lakh crore spent on healthcare for marginalized communities,
In remote and conflict-prone areas, such as Bastar and Bijapur, hospital admissions have increased,
In Madhya Pradesh, there was a 30-fold rise in hospital admissions,
Additionally, access to cancer treatment has increased by 33%, improving early diagnosis and health-seeking behavior, especially among women.
Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
January 18, 2025
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, Health Insurance
Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation of Food Products: GAO Recommendations to FDA
The Food and Drug Association (FDA) oversees nearly 80% of the United States’ food supply, including vegetables, fruits, processed and packaged foods, and seafood.
Millions of Americans annually suffer from foodborne illnesses, highlighting the importance of food-related inspections. As per the Government Accountability Office, the FDA has failed to meet the mandated inspection targets for domestic and foreign food facilities since 2018.
Average annual domestic inspections by the FDA (2018-2023): 8,353; however, high-risk facilities were not inspected as mandated due to COVID-19 disruptions.
Foreign inspections: Only 9% of the FDA's annual target of 19,200 foreign inspections were met in 2019, with an average of just 917 inspections per year.
As of July 2024, the FDA had only 432 investigators, which is about 90% of its capacity, hampering inspection efforts.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended
The US Congress should direct the FDA to determine and communicate realistic annual foreign inspection targets.
The FDA should improve procedures to minimize incomplete inspections and establish a performance management process for food safety.
Content Editor: Dr Tanya
USGAO
Source :
Published on :
January 17, 2025
Food Handling, Food Packaging, FDA
Assessment of Uptake and Disparities in RSV Prevention Measures Among Infants: Insights from a US-based study
In 2023, two new interventions to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) became available in the United States:
RSVpreF vaccine for pregnant individuals to be administered at 32-36 weeks gestation - RSVpreF, which protects infants through maternal vaccination, demonstrated an efficacy of 82% against severe RSV disease in the first few months of life.
Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody for infants under 8 months - Nirsevimab was approved in the US for use in infants and showed high efficacy in clinical trials, with an 81% reduction in RSV-related hospitalizations.
A study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente Northern California to assess the effect on uptake of RSVpreF and nirsevimab of various sociodemographic factors associated.
Objective: To estimate the uptake of protective measures against RSV amongst mothers and infants born in at KPNC.
Methods: Data from electronic medical records of infants born at KPNC to mothers aged 15 years to 49 years October 17, 2023 and March 31, 2024 was reviewed.
Results: The results revealed that out of 17,251 infants, 77.5% received protection through either RSVpreF or Nirsevimab. 33.9% were exposed solely to RSVpreF, while 40.9% received only nirsevimab. A small percentage (2.7%) received both interventions. Notably, younger mothers were less likely to have received RSVpreF but more likely to have their infants receive nirsevimab.
Conclusion: Nearly 80% of infants born during the RSV season received protection against the virus, with disparities in vaccination rates among different demographic groups.
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Content Editor: Dr Tanya
JAMA Network
Source :
Published on :
January 17, 2025
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Communicable Diseases, Vaccines
Re-evaluating Water Fluoridation: Cognitive Impact and Safety Concerns
Water fluoridation, long considered a public health success for preventing tooth decay, is now debated due to its possible link to lower I.Q. scores in children.
A recent JAMA Pediatrics study reviewed 74 studies from 10 countries, revealing an inverse relationship between fluoride exposure and cognitive abilities.
Although fluoride levels in U.S. drinking water are typically low, nearly three million Americans consume water exceeding 1.5 parts per million.
Critics question the necessity of water fluoridation, suggesting that topical fluoride from toothpaste and dental treatments may be sufficient.
Former NIEHS director Linda Birnbaum highlights concerns about fluoride’s potential neurotoxicity and advises limiting exposure for pregnant women and infants. Advocates for further investigation urge an unbiased evaluation of fluoride’s safety and efficacy, warning that failure to address these concerns could erode public trust in health policies. A reassessment of fluoride’s role in public health remains critical.
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Content Editor: Dr Chinmay
JAMA Pediatrics
Source :
Published on :
January 16, 2025
Water Fluoridation, Public health measures
Urgent Call to Address Cryptosporidiosis: A Neglected Threat to Child Health
Cryptosporidiosis is a severe public health issue, causing acute diarrhea, malnutrition, developmental delays, and high child mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Asia. Responsible for 7.5 million cases and 200,000 child deaths annually, the disease primarily affects children under five.
Existing treatment, nitazoxanide, is largely ineffective for malnourished or immunocompromised patients, leaving a critical need for better solutions.
The Cryptosporidiosis Therapeutics Advocacy Group (CTAG) is pushing for its inclusion in the WHO’s list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which would drive global awareness, funding, and collaboration.
Such recognition could enhance global awareness, increase funding, and foster collaboration, thereby catalyzing research efforts, expediting the development of treatments and vaccines, and encouraging pharmaceutical companies to invest through incentives like FDA priority review vouchers.
Promising new treatments are currently in clinical trials, offering hope for effective solutions. Global action is essential to reduce cryptosporidiosis’s devastating impact on vulnerable populations, especially young children in low-income regions.
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Content Editor: Dr Chinmay
Global Health Now (Johns Hopkins School of Public Health)
Source :
Published on :
January 16, 2025
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), Cryptosporidiosis, International Health News
National AYUSH Mission's Impact Highlighted in New Film Series
The Ministry of AYUSH launched the film series "AYUSH for All: Holistic Health Care through National AYUSH Mission," showcasing the significant impact of the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) in delivering affordable and holistic healthcare, particularly to rural and underserved communities.
NAM Achievements
Establishment of 167 integrated AYUSH Hospitals and upgradation of 416 hospitals and 5036 dispensaries.
Integrated provision of AYUSH services in 2322 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 715 Community Health Centres (CHCs), and 314 District Hospitals (DHs).
Supply of essential medicines to 996 hospitals and 12,405 dispensaries every year.
Establishment of 3883 Yoga Wellness Centres, 1055 AYUSH Grams, and 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
The Mission is working towards decreasing healthcare costs, expanding access to traditional healthcare, and promoting hollistic care across the nation.
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Content Editor: Dr Shayari
Press Information Bureau of India
Source :
Published on :
January 11, 2025
National AYUSH Mission
Health Ministry Cracks Down on Fake Drug Network in Kolkata
The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) (East Zone) and Drugs Control Directorate, West Bengal authorities, conducted a raid in Kolkata, resulting in a significant seizure of counterfeit drugs.
Spurious anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and other drugs valued at approximately ₹6.60 crore were confiscated from 'M/s Care and Cure For You' in Kolkata.
The drugs were falsely labeled as being imported from countries such as Ireland, Turkey, the USA, and Bangladesh but lacked proper import documentation, confirming their counterfeit nature. The wholesale firm's proprietor was arrested and placed in 14-day judicial custody to aid further investigation.
Samples of the seized drugs have been sent for quality testing, and authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the illegal drug network.
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Content Editor: Dr Shayari
Press Information Bureau of India
Source :
Published on :
January 11, 2025
Drug Quality, Counterfeit Drug Prevention
NAMASTE scheme in focus: 9th meeting reviews implementation of Manual Scavengers Act, 2013
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar chaired 9th Central Monitoring Committee meeting to review Supreme Court orders on manual scavenging
Only 257 districts have uploaded manual scavenging-free certificates; Minister urged immediate compliance from remaining districts
States/UTs directed to establish mandatory committees and commissions under MS Act, 2013
Government launched NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme to ensure safety of sewer workers, aiming for zero fatalities and mechanized cleaning last year.
Meeting attended by National Commission for Safai Karamcharies officials and representatives from states, UTs, and central ministries
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Content Editor: Dr Prachi
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
January 10, 2025
Sanitation