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Public Health Chronicle
Latest public health news and updates of the world
Public Health News Snippets 26-31st May 2025
Update: Southeast Asia Faces a Surge in COVID-19 Linked to JN.1 Subvariant
COVID-19 cases rose in several Southeast Asian countries in April-May, driven by JN.1 subvariants (LF.7, NB.1.8), probably due to periodic waves and waning immunity. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Singapore:
Between April 27 and May 3, fresh COVID-19 cases surged to 14,200, up from 11,100 in the preceding week.
This marks the first time the nation’s government has released data on COVID-19 case numbers - an action usually undertaken only in concerning situations.
Thailand:
Reports a significant spike. Gatherings held for the Songkran festival may have contributed to enhanced transmission.
Almost 70% of cases are associated with the JN.1 sub variants, followed by the previously dominant XEC variant accounts
49,065 new COVID-19 cases were reported between May 11-17. This number rose to almost 65,000 new cases between May 18 and 24.
According to experts, the peak is yet to come.
Hong Kong and Mainland China
Also experienced an uptick in cases around mid-April and early May.
According to surveillance data from May 3-10, Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection noted that COVID-19 positivity rates in respiratory samples hit a one-year high.
On May 23, the authority reported early signs of slow down in transmission, but urged citizens to continue to stay vigilant.
The China CDC also reported that test positivity rates more than doubled in these 5 weeks. China experienced a similar trend last summer.
Taiwan:
Cases surged by 88% during the week of May 11-17 compared to the prior week.
The Taiwanese CDC predicts the cases to peak around mid-late June at about 55,000-60,000, which is half of what the country witnessed at the same time last year.
India:
No significant rise so far.
Also witnessing a gradual increase. As of May 27, the country had 1010 active cases.
Kerala accounts for a majority of cases followed by Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi.
Authorities are reviewing preparedness measures and are deploying additional resources to ensure the health systems’ ability to respond to the ongoing outbreak.
Variants responsible for this outbreak:
LF.7 and NB.1.8. Both have evolved from JN.1—the variant used in developing the current COVID-19 vaccine formulation
The XEC variant was previously dominant in the Southeast Asia region but is now being replaced by JN.1 descendants which are more transmissible.
These variants are unlikely to be more lethal. Hospitalizations and deaths remain in line with expected rates for the current case numbers.
Causes of rise in case numbers:
Periodic waves of increase in case numbers, as is observed with most endemic respiratory diseases.
Waning population immunity.
Response across the region:
Increased international, national and subnational surveillance.
Efforts to increase immunization coverage.
Test kits, Vaccine supplies and capacities of healthcare facilities are being enhanced.
Notably, the Thai government has made provisions that allow its COVID-19 infected citizens to get free online consultations via three partner applications.
Content Editor: Dr. Jahnvi Saboo
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 29, 2025
COVID-19, Infectious disease outbreaks, Global Healt
Cut in Global Aid Undermines India’s War Against Tuberculosis.
India faces the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden globally, representing 26% of cases, with at least 2.8 million new cases and 325,000 deaths each year.
Despite Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda's claim that India will eradicate TB by the end of this year, many public health experts remain doubtful.
Recent cuts in funding from the United States have significantly affected India's TB elimination efforts. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was a major contributor, providing over $140 million to the TB Mukt Bharat program and supporting initiatives like the "TB Buddy" system, which aided 5.1 million patients in four states (Karnataka, Telangana, Assam, and Bihar) with high TB rates.
These programs were vital, especially for vulnerable groups, including around 360,000 children under five with latent TB infections, 5%–10% of whom are at risk of developing active TB.
The halt of USAID's $400 million annual funding for global TB efforts, including the sudden end of 42 grants under the Tuberculosis Implementation Framework Agreement, presents a significant obstacle to India's TB elimination objectives.
Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti
Global Health Now
Source :
Published on :
May 29, 2025
International Health News
A Landmark Shift in Public Health as World Health Assembly Adopts First-Ever Global Pandemic Treaty.
The first pandemic agreement was adopted on May 20, 2025, following a vote by member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO), with 124 in favor, none opposed, and 11 abstaining. The Intergovernmental Negotiation Body was set up in December 2021 to create the draft agreement.
The agreement establishes key principles for enhanced international collaboration during pandemics. It aims to reinforce the global health infrastructure to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to future health emergencies.
A major focus is on equitable and timely access to essential medical tools such as diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments. The treaty addresses disparities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where wealthier nations had an excess supply of vaccines while many faced shortages.
The agreement tackles key issues such as intellectual property and pathogen sharing, establishing a benefit-sharing system and promoting stronger pandemic preparedness through the One Health approach.
It seeks to build globally distributed research and development and manufacturing capacity, ensuring fair access to health tools, unlike during COVID-19, when production was limited to a few countries.
National sovereignty is preserved as the WHO has no authority to override domestic laws or impose specific pandemic measures.
Content Editor: Dr. Harshita
World Health Organisation News
Source :
Published on :
May 28, 2025
Pandemic preparedness, Treaty, WHO, Health system strengthening
US FDA approves “Teal Wand,” A Self-Sampling Kit for Cervical Cancer Screening at Home
In May 2024, a self-sampling kit named Teal Wand for cervical cancer screening was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The kit enables women to collect cervical samples at home, which can be sent to a lab for testing.
The kit has a 96% accuracy rate, which is comparable to a clinical test. It promises multiple advantages over conventional Pap smear and liquid-based cytology.
Less painful
Self-sampling can improve screening coverage
Convenient, comfortable, and easy to use
The device, which is a tube encasing a cytobrush with a piston, can be inserted via the vagina to the cervix to collect a sample. The kit also contains an instruction manual and a biohazard bag for keeping the sample.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that 70% of women undergo cervical cancer screening at least twice in their lifetime, but data shows two out of three women have never been screened at all.
In LMICs like India, self-sampling kits might prove useful with strategic planning and generating awareness, especially among rural women. A similar kit by the name of Cervicheck (Pragmatech Healthcare Solutions) has been piloted in India, which showed similar accuracy.
Content Editor: Dr. Harshita
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 28, 2025
Cancer, screening tool, FDA
CBSE Directs Schools to Set Up "Sugar Boards" to Combat Rising Diabetes in Children
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has instructed its affiliated schools to set up “sugar boards” aimed at monitoring and reducing sugar consumption among students.
This initiative comes in response to growing concerns of increased incidence of Type 2 diabetes in children, a condition once largely seen in adults. CBSE has linked this trend to the widespread availability of sugary snacks, beverages, and processed foods in schools, which also contribute to rise in obesity, dental issues, and declining academic performance.
The sugar boards will feature important information such as recommended daily sugar intake, sugar level in commonly used foods, health risks associated with high sugar consumption, and suggest healthier food alternatives.
Additionally, schools have also been directed to organize awareness seminars and workshops, and to submit a brief report along with photographs by July 15.
This initiative aligns with recommendation from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to foster healthier food environments within schools.
Content Editor: Dr. Asma Aftab
Central Board of Secondary Education
Source :
Published on :
May 28, 2025
NCD, Childhood Diabetes, Nutrition
AIIMS Raipur Pioneers the First Swap Kidney Transplant: A Milestone in Organ Transplantation in Chhattisgarh
Salient Features:
Swap transplants, also known as Kidney-Paired Transplants (KPT), is a procedure that involves two renal failure patients with willing but medically incompatible donors to exchange or swap their donors with each other, allowing both the patients to receive compatible kidneys.
NOTTO has advocated for nationwide implementation of this technique to expand the donor pool and has also called for a uniform "One Nation One Swap Transplant Programme" for facilitation of transplants across India.
Currently, AIIMS Raipur has completed 54 successful kidney transplantation with 95% graft survival and 97% patient survival rates.
The institute was also the first in the state to conduct the Pediatric Kidney Transplantation as well as the Deceased Donor Organ Donation.
Content Editor: Dr. Jasmin
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Source :
Published on :
May 28, 2025
Organ Transplantation
BHISHM Cube: AIIMS Rishikesh's Mobile Hospital Ready in 12 Minutes for Disaster Response
All India Institute of Medical Sciences ,Rishikesh recently conducted a mock drill of the BHISHM Cube—Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri—a mobile hospital unit under Project Aarogya Maitri by the Government of India.
Designed for rapid disaster response, the modular unit can treat up to 200 casualties and integrates artificial intelligence, point-of-care testing (POCT) and data analytics for real-time monitoring and management.
During the drill, the BHISHM Cube was successfully deployed within twelve minutes, demonstrating its preparedness to provide efficient medical care during emergencies.
Rapid mobile hospitals could have a great impact in disaster relief across India and developing nations.
Content Editor: Dr. Anamika
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 28, 2025
Disaster Response, Mobile Hospitals
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) Marks World Thalassemia Day with Nationwide Awareness Campaigns
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities observed World Thalassemia Day across India on 8 May with the theme, “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients.”
Thalassemia, an inherited disorder causing chronic anaemia, was the focus of educational and support initiatives.
The National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities, Kolkata, organized sessions on the disease’s causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Swami Vivekanand National Institute, Cuttack, conducted lectures on early detection and care.
Composite Regional Centres nationwide hosted activities—Jaipur discussed government schemes; Davanagere offered genetic counselling; Nagpur held a webinar; and Rajnandgaon organized a blood donation camp with the Red Cross.
Content Editor: Dr. Anamika
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 24, 2025
Thalassemia awareness, Community support
India Leads Traditional Medicine Integration on Global Stage
At the Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) in Geneva, India strongly advocated for the global advancement of evidence-based traditional medicine.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH emphasized its vital contribution to Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 3: ‘Good Health and Well-being’, and SDG 17: ‘Partnerships for the Goals’.
Key Takeaways
The GFTM, initiated by India, serves as a key platform for member states to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems.
India showcased its initiatives and commitment through national missions, research, insurance coverage, and the application of modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), genomics, and bioinformatics, in traditional practices.
A high-level GFTM event is scheduled for May 23, 2025, at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva, during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), to further promote this integration and advocacy.
Content Editor: Dr. Shayari
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 24, 2025
AYUSH, Traditional Medicine
National Push for Enhanced Healthcare Resilience Against Fire & Disasters
Union Health Minister Mr. JP Nadda inaugurated the 2nd National Workshop on ‘Health Sector Disaster Preparedness and Response’ and ‘Fire Safety in Healthcare Facilities’.
He emphasised the urgent need for improved capacity building and awareness across all levels of the healthcare delivery system.
Key Takeaways:
All healthcare personnel, in both public and private sectors, require robust and comprehensive training for disaster response.
Mr. Nadda highlighted the necessity of regular fire safety audits to prevent incidents.
He warned that insensitivity towards preparedness can lead to carelessness and devastating "sparks of disaster.”
An iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) e-learning course on ‘Fire Safety in Healthcare Facilities’ was launched on the iGOT Karmayogi platform (igotkarmayogi.gov.in), which is the dedicated portal for online training for government employees.
The workshop aims to develop actionable strategies for more resilient healthcare services nationwide.
Content Editor: Dr. Shayari
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 24, 2025
Fire Safety and Disaster Preparedness
UNICEF’s Innocenti Report Card 19 on child wellbeing
There are three dimensions with two components each:
Mental wellbeing:
Life satisfaction
Adolescent suicide
Physical health:
Child mortality
Overweight
Skills:
Academic proficiency
Social skills
Report:
Child mortality has decreased in most of the countries.
Social skills are stable relatively.
A mixed trend of adolescent suicide rate.
Remaining three indicators—life satisfaction, overweight and academic skills show a declining trend in most of the countries.
The top three countries are Netherlands, Denmark and France. The bottom eight countries show declining trend in atleast two of the three dimensions. Japan is the only country where the life satisfaction of children has increased from 2018 to 2022. The rates of overweight and obesity improved only in Italy and Portugal.
Way Forward: Prioritising policies and interventions which focus on the child’s overall development through:
Specialist services, parenting programmes, and social and emotional learning at schools to improve the mental well-being of children.
Promotion of healthier food ecosystems and physical activity and policies on environmental protection to bring improvement in overall physical health.
Special focus on learning and enabling environments for skill development.
Measures to mitigate future shocks.
Placing decisions of children’s wellbeing in their own hands to better understand them and to find solutions.
Holistic approach on all the dimensions of a child’s life.
Content Editor: Dr. Smruthi
UNICEF press release
Source :
Published on :
May 24, 2025
Child’s health, Reports, International health
A Multi-Country Survey on Anti-Microbial Resistance to Understand General Physicians’ Practices in Antibiotic Use.
A cross-sectional survey of 9249 general physicians (GPs) from nine low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)was conducted by researchers from Global Medical Affairs, to study their antibiotic prescribing practices and attitudes towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Findings of the study: Of the participants, 62% agreed to the fact that AMR is a concerning issue in their country, and 63% said prescribing antibiotics in primary care leads to AMR.
Challenges perceived :
Around 38% of the GPs found it challenging in prescribing antibiotics to children.
Ninety-five percent of the GPs said that choosing antibiotics for pregnant women and patients with comorbidities is challenging.
Difficulty in correlating the data on antibiotic susceptibility with antibiotic choices.
Little information is available on the availability of drugs.
Unavailability of appropriate antibiotics.
Lack of regular training.
Factors leading to the usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics:
Practioners belief that they are more effective than narrow-spectrum antibiotics in treating infections.
Pressure from patients to prescribe antibiotics.
The tendency to self-medicate.
Non-compliance with the prescribed treatment.
Ninety percent of GPs agreed that they need regular training on antibiotic prescription
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Smruthi
CIDRAP, Global public health journal
Source :
Published on :
May 24, 2025
Antimicrobial resistance, Primary health care ,Research findings
First Personalised CRISPR-based Successful gene-editing Therapy in an Infant
The first successful gene-editing therapy promises an optimistic future for children diagnosed with genetic disorders. CRISPR, short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a gene-editing technology that helps scientists to modify DNA selectively.
KJ Muldoon, the name of the first infant to receive such a therapy, was diagnosed with CPS-1 deficiency after experiencing lethargy and difficulty in breathing.
Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase - 1 (CPS-1) deficiency is a urea cycle disorder that leads to high ammonia levels in the body due to a lack of the CPS-1 enzyme that converts ammonia to urea. Complications include multiple organ damage due to accumulation of ammonia, such as liver damage requiring a transplant, irreversible brain injury, and death, with mortality as high as 50%. The children usually do not survive long enough to receive the transplant.
CRISPR-based scissors can precisely scan through the genetic code and pinpoint the exact error and correct it. Animal testing was conducted prior to the human experiment, for which researchers took FDA approval.
Baby Muldoon received 3 doses of infusion in February, March, and April, which led to a decrease in doses of medicine and ammonia levels, helping baby Muldoon gain weight. The infant suffered two viral infections, vomiting and diarrhea post-infusion, but without causing a shoot-up in his ammonia levels. There were no serious side effects reported.
Parents were relieved as medicine doses were halved with an increase in proteins in his diet, leading to weight gain. These therapies hold great promise for future generations, offering hope to parents of affected children through the potential of gene therapy, but more research is needed to know if they can be widely applied.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Harshita
Nature Journal
Source :
Published on :
May 23, 2025
Gene-editing therapy, genetic disorder
Consumption of antioxidant nutrients, fruits and vegetables linked to mitigation of impact of air pollution caused acute respiratory infections and anemia
A recent study conducted by researchers in India and the USA, used geocoded data from the National Family Health Survey - 4 (NFHS-4) and the 68th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) to assess the mitigatory impacts, if any, of micronutrients and fruits and vegetable consumption on Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) and anemia caused by PM2.5 pollution.
Data collected from the two surveys using geocoded data about the status of ARIs and anemia in children along with the amount of micronutrients consumed by the children and fruits and vegetables eaten by them, was used to retrospectively analyse the protective effect of this diet.
Individual level confounders like sex of the child, mother's education level etc. and household level confounders like socioeconomic status, type of cooking fuel, household size etc. were adjusted for.
The data showed that for children between 6 - 59 months, 208,782 had valid ARI information while 197,289 had valid Hb estimation status. Out of these, the prevalence of ARIs and anemia was 2.8% and 57.6%, respectively.
The results showed that consumption of selenium, vitamin D and vitamin C showed a significant reduction in the effect of PM2.5 on ARI prevalence whereas all six micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin B12) showed a protective effect for anemia caused by increased PM2.5 exposure.
Meanwhile, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables also showed a potential protective effect as the primary source of these nutrients in the diet.
Thus, the researchers proposed that the study shows the health benefits of a healthy diet and can influence policy makers to focus on promoting a healthy, balanced diet rich in diverse fruits and vegetables.
Content Editor: Dr. Manu
Frontiers in Public Health Journal
Source :
Published on :
May 23, 2025
Nutrition, Respiratory Infections, Air Pollution, Anemia
World Health Statistics 2025 shows Stalled Progress and Increasing Risks
The World Health Statistics 2025 report highlights the profound setbacks that COVID-19 inflicted on global health. Between 2019 and 2021, life expectancy plunged by 1.8 years, the steepest drop in decades, while healthy life expectancy fell by six weeks due to rising mental health disorders, reversing earlier progress against noncommunicable diseases. Progress toward Triple Billion targets remains mixed.
By 2024, 1.4 billion more people achieved healthier lives through reduced tobacco use, cleaner air, and improved water/sanitation (WASH).
431 million people accessed universal health coverage without facing financial hardship, while 637 million achieved enhanced protection against health emergencies.
Maternal and under-5 mortality reductions have stagnated, risking 700,000 additional maternal and 8 million child deaths by 2030. A projected shortfall of 11.1 million health workers, concentrated in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, undermines essential healthcare recovery.
Noncommunicable diseases dominate premature deaths under age 70. While strides in HIV, TB, and neglected tropical diseases continue, resurgent malaria, declining childhood immunization, and antimicrobial resistance threaten gains. Funding gaps risk reversing progress.
WHO urges immediate and ongoing funding, strengthened health information systems through its SCORE initiative, and international cooperation to revive progress, avert new emergencies, and meet the 2030 health targets.
Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay
World Health Organisation
Source :
Published on :
May 23, 2025
International Health News, Covid 19, World health statistics
Interim Assessment ahead of World Health Assembly: WHO Achievements 2024
The WHO Results Report 2024, released prior to the 78th World Health Assembly (May 19–27, 2025), evaluates midterm progress under the 2024–2025 budget and Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019–2025). Despite funding challenges, WHO advances its “Triple Billion” targets across 150+ countries.
Universal Health Coverage: 431 million more people access affordable care, aided by stronger health workforces, broader HIV therapy, and contraceptive access. Immunization gaps and out-of-pocket costs remain hurdles.
Health Emergency Protection: Enhanced readiness and monitoring systems, coupled with fairer distribution of health tools and updates to International Health Regulations, benefit 637 million more people. However, H5N1 responses and future pandemics face funding risks; a pandemic accord draft will be debated.
Healthier Populations: WHO surpassed targets, with 1.4 billion more people healthier due to reduced tobacco use, cleaner air/fuels, and better WASH services. Rising obesity and alcohol misuse challenge gains.
Key milestones: eliminating neglected tropical diseases in 7 nations, expanding mental health access to 70 million, vaccinating 500,000 Gaza children against polio, and distributing 259,000 mpox tests in Africa. Digital health tools now serve 2 billion with e-records. Over $1.7 billion pledged by 71 donors supports future efforts. The report highlights WHO’s commitment to efficient, accountable, evidence-based impact.
Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay
World Health Organisation
Source :
Published on :
May 23, 2025
International Health News, WHO report, World Health Assembly
Man vs Venom: Antivenom Created from Snakebite Survivor’s Blood
Scientists at Centivax, led by Dr. Jacob Glanville, developed a broad-spectrum antivenom using antibodies from Timothy Friede, who self-injected venom from 16 deadly snakes over 18 years.
Combining two of Friede’s antibodies with varespladib, a toxin-inhibiting drug, the cocktail fully protected mice against 13 of 19 WHO-listed venomous snakes and partially against six others.
The antibodies target conserved toxin sites, enabling broad neutralization.
Plans include testing in dogs and developing antivenoms for vipers. This approach could replace species-specific treatments, simplify stockpiling, and address antivenom shortages, especially in rural areas.
Content Editor: Dr. Anamika
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 23, 2025
Antivenom, snake bite
Union Health Minister Reviews Nationwide Emergency Health Preparedness
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda chaired a high-level meeting to review emergency health preparedness. Reviewed readiness of ambulances, medical supplies, Intensive Care Units, High Dependency Units, and hospital beds.
Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri Cubes, manufactured by HLL Lifecare Limited under Project Aarogya Maitri, were included.
Each Cube costs about 1.5 crore rupees and has been gifted to Ukraine and used during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Hospitals instructed to stock essential medicines, oxygen, blood, trauma kits. National institutes mobilised teams and training and mock drills were launched. A 24×7 control room is monitoring nationwide efforts.
Content Editor: Dr. Anamika
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 22, 2025
Emergency Health, Disaster Preparedness
India deploys indigenous portable hospitals to border areas in view of Operation Sindoor
As a part of the health preparedness efforts under Operation Sindoor, indigenously designed portable hospitals, the BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes were delivered to key areas at the India-Pakistan Border.
This undertaking is a part of the Aarogya Maitri initiative to provide humanitarian relief through support and medical aid to other countries during disaster situations. The project has deployed these cubes during the Maha Kumbh where they treated a patient with cardiac arrest and were even provided to Ukraine on a pro-bono basis during the Russia Ukraine conflict.
Under the BHISHM program, portable hospitals contained within 72 portable cubes, with each cube containing various medical equipment like surgical instruments, transfusion equipment etc. were made that contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagged equipment that can be rapidly deployed in different areas and set up within 12 minutes to cater to mass casualty events.
These portable hospitals have the ability to function as operation theatres and even collect blood from local donors to cater to transfusion needs in an emergency situation.
A team from HLL Lifecare Limited delivered these cubes to Jammu, Rishikesh, Bhatinda, Kolkata and Shillong and even trained local healthcare staff to use these facilities.
Content Editor: Dr. Manu
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 22, 2025
Medical Technology, Humanitarian and Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness
From Outbreaks to Endemic - How Aedes albopictus is bringing Dengue and Chikungunya to Europe
A recent Time-to-event analysis on the establishment of Aedes albopictus and Dengue and Chikungunya found that these tropical diseases may soon become endemic in the European region.
Key drivers: Rising temperatures, increased trade and travel, urbanization.
Outbreaks in this region occur due to importing of cases followed by autochthonous aedes-borne transmission. Case numbers have increased exponentially - 304 cases of Dengue occurred in 2024 alone, compared to a total of 275 cases in the previous 15 years.
A majority of cases have occurred in urban, southern parts of Europe, during the summer. These trends highlight the need for stricter vector control, enhanced entomological and disease surveillance, early case detection systems etc.
Content Editor: Dr. Jahnvi
The Lancet Planetary Health Journal
Source :
Published on :
May 22, 2025
Infectious disease outbreaks, Vector-borne disease, Global Health, Dengue, Chikungunya
Social Injustice and Health: A Global Call for Urgent Action
A recent global report by the World Health Organization (WHO), as reported by CIDRAP (May 9, 2025), has highlighted the severe impact of social injustice on public health, stating that it is responsible for widespread mortality.
The report reveals significant disparities in life expectancy, with individuals in the poorest countries living 33 years less than those in wealthier nations. Furthermore, children in low-income countries face a mortality rate 13 times higher before the age of five compared to their counterparts in more affluent regions.
Although there has been a global decline in under-five and maternal mortality since 2000, these disparities persist. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequities by creating unequal access to healthcare and increasing sovereign debt.
The report emphasizes that social determinants, such as living and working conditions, are the primary drivers of these preventable health disparities and presents 14 key global recommendations for reform.
The report highlights four key areas of focus:
Tackling economic inequality by investing in social infrastructure and universal public services,
Addressing structural discrimination,
Navigating the challenges and opportunities of climate change and digital transformation to systematically advance health equity, and
Establishing governance frameworks to enhance the coherence and impact of actions.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti
CIDRAP
Source :
Published on :
May 22, 2025
International Health news
Nigeria’s fight against malaria faces a funding crisis
At Alegongo Primary Health Centre in Ibadan, Nigeria free rapid malaria tests, artemisinin-based treatments, and insecticide-treated nets have helped control the disease for local families.
However, Nigeria still represented 26% of global malaria cases (over 260 million) and more than 30% of malaria-related deaths (nearly 600,000) in 2023. Through the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact program, malaria deaths dropped by 13% between 2017 and 2023.
Initiatives supported by USAID such as the President’s Malaria Initiative and Johns Hopkins’ Centre for Communication Programme ensured the distribution of millions of nets and medications until March 2025, when sudden US funding cuts disrupted shipments and stopped essential surveys on net ownership, diagnostic use, and infection rates.
Now, clinics are at risk of running out of rapid test kits, ACTs, and injectable artesunate as trained workers lose their jobs and logistical support disappears.
Experts caution that without new funding, prevention and monitoring systems could collapse by the end of summer, undoing years of progress. Researchers recommend investing in local net manufacturing and community-driven disease tracking to create long-term resilience independent of foreign aid.
Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay
Global health now
Source :
Published on :
May 22, 2025
International Health News, Malaria
New Antibiotic Molecule Shows Promise Against Drug-resistant Bacteria
Researchers at McMaster’s University in Hamilton, Canada discovered a new antibiotic molecule, called lariocidin, which was isolated from soil samples collected from the university’s backyard and cultured for a year.
The molecule was isolated from Paenibacillus spp. bacteria and belongs to a class of peptides called lasso peptides due to their knot-like shape.
The molecule targeted the A-site in the 30s ribosomal subunit, which led to an interruption of the translation process and miscoding within the pathogenic bacteria.
The molecule showed broad spectrum action against gram positive, gram negative and mycobacterial specimens even with species shown to be resistant to other antibiotics. This was attributed to the unique shape of the peptides and the new binding site which was not used by other antibiotics.
Further, no cytotoxicity was noticed towards eukaryotic cells in in-vivo experiments, thus showing signs of not being toxic to humans.
Animal experiments showed promising action towards a wide spectrum of bacteria and raised hopes of a new, powerful antibiotic. Researchers will now try to work on synthesising a functional antibiotic from the molecule.
Content Editor: Dr Manu
Nature Journal
Source :
Published on :
May 19, 2025
Antimicrobial Resistance, Antibiotics, Medical Research
Regulatory Update: India Bans Tapentadol-Carisoprodol Combination Export and Manufacturing
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has revoked manufacturing and export permissions for tapentadol (opioid painkiller) and carisoprodol (muscle relaxant) combinations.
While both drugs are individually approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), their combination has never been authorised in India.
A BBC report highlighted their high abuse potential and widespread misuse in West Africa.
Though not listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, their unregulated export has fueled an opioid crisis.
To curb illegal supply and protect public health, India has banned their production and export, reinforcing stricter pharmaceutical regulations and preventing further misuse.
Content Editor: Dr M Kasif
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 19, 2025
Export Ban, Drug Abuse, Combination drugs, Opioids
Mysterious Illness Sparks Public Health Crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Health workers in the DRC have reported a mysterious illness that has killed over 50 people in five weeks. The outbreak, linked to children who ate a bat, has spread across Équateur province.
By March 4, around 1,300 cases and 50 deaths were recorded in Bomate and Boloko villages. Symptoms like fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding have led to deaths within 48 hours.
The WHO ruled out Ebola and Marburg but is investigating malaria, food poisoning, typhoid, meningitis, and viral fevers.
Limited health infrastructure hampers containment measures. With no confirmed links between clusters, urgent action is needed to prevent further spread.
Content Editor: Dr M Kasif
The Guardian
Source :
Published on :
May 19, 2025
One health, Outbreak Investigation, Disease Surveillance
United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) detects H7N9 avian influenza outbreak in poultry
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the detection of an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H7N9 strain of avian influenza (HPAI) among broiler chicken breeder flock in a farm in Mississippi.
This is the first such outbreak of HPAI since 2017, as opposed to outbreaks in recent years of the H7 strain of Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI). It is a fully North American (AM) virus of wild bird origin and indicates a spillover from wild birds.
The flock was experiencing high mortality for which samples were tested at the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed as HPAI at APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
As a part of the response plan, federal and state partners will test nearby flocks, while the USDA will report this to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) and international trading partners.
The US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) advised that there is a low risk of infectivity with this strain and to properly handle and cook the meat and eggs from poultry before consumption.
Content Editor: Dr Manu
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture
Source :
Published on :
May 19, 2025
Surveillance, Zoonotic Infections, Avian Influenza
Ethical Concern Arises as Toronto Gynaecologist Investigated for Improper Sterilisation Practices
The Toronto Public Health Services sent a letter to patients of a gynaecologist, Dr. Esther Park’s Clinic in view of a breach of proper surgical tool sterilisation procedures which could lead to a risk of blood borne infections.
Patients who underwent endocervical polyp excision, endometrial biopsy and/or an intrauterine device removal/insertion were requested to reach out to a registered medical provider for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS testing.
The improper cleaning of surgical tools and failure to properly sterilise instruments could lead to a low risk of infection. Thus, patients were advised to get tested on a precautionary basis
Dr. Park has been under investigation previously by the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Ontario in relation to the ‘care of a patient’ and her licence has been restricted since December 2024.
Her clinic’s answering machine states that she will not be accepting new patients and is retiring. The clinic is scheduled to close in April 2025.
Content Editor: Dr Manu
Toronto Public Health Services
Source :
Published on :
May 19, 2025
Sterilisation, Blood Borne Infections, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Medical Ethics
Tobacco Control in India: Progress, Challenges and Future Directions
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey, India 2016-17 highlights reduced secondhand smoke exposure, improved air quality, and less cigarette waste, benefiting vulnerable groups. However, experts stress that reducing public smoking alone is insufficient without stronger enforcement and awareness.
Despite legal measures, the Report on Tobacco Control in India 2022 reveals inconsistent enforcement, with cigarette shops displaying smoking triggers and QR-code complaints indicating frequent violations. Weak enforcement sustains tobacco use and poses long-term health risks.
Experts warn that smoking, combined with genetics, diet and history of tobacco use, greatly increases cancer risk. Modern cigarettes may contain new carcinogens, worsening health despite reduced smoking rates.
Stronger enforcement, continuous awareness and stricter regulations are crucial to making India's smoking ban truly effective in protecting health and the environment.
Content Editor: Dr M Kasif
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
May 19, 2025
Tobacco control, Air pollution, Secondhand smoke
Chinese scientists identify a new coronavirus strain in bats, similar to Covid-19
A study conducted by the Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China detected a strain of coronavirus named HKU5-CoV lineage 2 in bats.
It belongs to the same group as the MERS-related coronavirus species of virus responsible for the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak.
The new virus detected was found to bind with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors with a HKU5-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and human ACE2 complex visualised by electron microscopy.
This was a better adaptation as expressed by lineage 1 of the HKU5-CoV virus.
Though the potential human spillover potential needs to be examined, the study underlines a strong mechanism for human infections and underlines the potential zoonotic risk for the organism.
Content Editor: Dr Manu
The Cell Journal
Source :
Published on :
March 18, 2025
Coronavirus, Pandemic, Virology, Surveillance
ICMR unveils findings on cancer incidence in India post-GLOBOCAN 2022 report
A comprehensive-retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently released its findings on the cancer incidence rates in India based on the 2022 report by the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN).
Following are the salient findings -
India lies third in the Southeast Asian region in terms of cancer incidence and third in absolute numbers incidence globally after the USA and China with the numbers to increase in the coming years as India undergoes a demographic shift with an increase in the middle-aged and geriatric population.
The middle-aged and geriatric age groups account for the highest burden of cancer incidence and mortality with the minimum being in children and reproductive age cohorts.
Meanwhile, cancer-related mortalities are expected to rise quicker in women than in men (1.2%-4.4% vs 1.2%-2.4% annual per cent change)
The highest burden among women was caused by breast cancer (13.8%), followed by oral (10.3%) and cervical cancer (9.2%). Meanwhile, among men, oral cancer (13%) had the highest burden, followed by respiratory (11.6%) and esophageal cancer (6.7%).
In light of these findings, the authors advise building a strong framework to support screening, diagnosis and treatment of this rising burden of cancers in the coming years that threatens to overwhelm the healthcare sector.
Content Editor: Dr Manu
The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia
Source :
Published on :
March 18, 2025
Cancer, Mortality Rate, GLOBOCAN report, ICMR
WHO designates a Collaborating Centre on artificial intelligence (AI)
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of healthcare, including research, diagnosis, drug discovery, outbreak preparedness, clinical applications, and electronic health records.
Committed to harnessing AI for innovation, equity, and ethical integrity, WHO has strengthened its collaboration with the Digital Ethics Centre at the Delft University of Technology by designating it as a “Collaborating Centre on AI for Health Governance.”
This Centre will support the WHO in developing guidelines and policies to promote the responsible and ethical use of AI in healthcare.
Additionally, it will contribute to AI research in the health sector and provide expert insights to WHO. To facilitate the effective implementation of AI-related guidelines at the national level, the Digital Ethics Centre and its partners have established the “Responsible and Ethical AI for Healthcare Lab.”
Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala
WHO news release
Source :
Published on :
March 12, 2025
Artificial Intelligence, WHO, Ethics
Second Ebola Death in Uganda Sparks Concerns over Surveillance and Containment
A 4-year-old boy became the second Ebola fatality in Uganda, which is raising concerns regarding the containment of the outbreak. The boy passed away on February 25, 2025, in Kampala, after he was hospitalized, WHO reports.
The first Ebola casualty was a male nurse who visited several facilities for treatment before passing away on January 30, 2025. Ugandan health authorities had been optimistic that the outbreak was subsiding following eight patients' recovery, but the new fatality undermines such optimism.
Contact tracing continues to be crucial, particularly since no vaccines are approved for the Sudan strain of Ebola. More than 20,000 passengers are screened each day for Ebola at border crossings in Uganda, with WHO giving $3 million in assistance.
Funding worries are raised because the U.S. government cancelled 60% of USAID contracts, affecting local public health initiatives. USAID contract funding of $27 million for Ebola surveillance was canceled, leaving 85 full-time workers affected.
Uganda has previously experienced Ebola outbreaks, once in the year 2000 when an outbreak resulted in hundreds of deaths and again in 2022 that resulted in 55 deaths. Ebola is transmitted through body fluids and is thought to be caused by contact with infected animals or the consumption of raw meat. Other East African nations, Tanzania and Rwanda, have recently experienced outbreaks of similar hemorrhagic fevers such as Marburg.
Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi
PHC Editorial Bureau
Source :
Published on :
March 11, 2025
Ebola, International health, Re-emerging diseases
Strengthening Food Safety: National Consultation on Pesticide Residue Monitoring
Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated the National Stakeholder Consultation on Pesticide Residues and emphasized the need for stricter monitoring and sustainable agricultural practices. The consultation, organized by FSSAI, focused on pesticide risks, regulatory challenges, and food safety.
Discussions highlighted sustainable alternatives, such as bio-pesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Officials stressed the importance of robust surveillance and regulatory enforcement.
They also emphasized the need to harmonize India’s Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) with global standards. Enhancing farmer education and implementing digital traceability solutions were key priorities.
It also focused on aligning with global food safety standards and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Content Editor: Dr. Anamika
Press Information Bureau, India
Source :
Published on :
March 11, 2025
Food safety, monitoring, sustainable agriculture
India’s Multi-Pronged Push for Cancer Care
India is intensifying its fight against cancer with a focus on prevention, affordable treatment, and innovation.
With over 14 lakh new cases reported in 2023, the government has rolled out robust policies, budget allocations, and global partnerships to strengthen oncology infrastructure and ensure equitable access to care.Key Highlights
Budget Boost: ₹99,858.56 crore allocated for health, including 200 Day Care Cancer Centres and customs duty exemptions on 36 lifesaving drugs.
Infrastructure Expansion: 19 State Cancer Institutes, 20 Tertiary Care Centres, and 770 District NCD (Non Communicable Disease) Clinics established under NP-NCD (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases) for early detection of oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
Financial Aid: Ayushman Bharat covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgeries, while HMCPF provides up to ₹15 lakh for BPL patients.
Innovation: Launch of NexCAR19, India’s first indigenous CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T) cell therapy, and the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative to eliminate cervical cancer.
Awareness: National campaigns like Eat Right India and Fit India promote healthy lifestyles, while Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs drive grassroots awareness.
India’s cancer care framework integrates policy, finance, and innovation, yet challenges in rural access and early detection persist. Sustained efforts aim to build an inclusive, cancer-free future.
Content Editor: Dr. Shayari
Press Information Bureau, India
Source :
Published on :
March 11, 2025
Non-Communicable Disease, Cancer Care
Bihar Sets Benchmark with Innovative Initiatives Under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Bihar is driving transformative change under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, implementing groundbreaking initiatives to promote gender equality and empower girls. These efforts are now being recognized as "Best Practices."
Key Initiatives:
Kishanganj – Sports for Empowerment: Over 500 girls participated in a multi-sport event featuring Kabaddi, Badminton, and Athletics. Led by the District Magistrate and local officials, the initiative emphasized academic and athletic excellence, while awareness drives highlighted government schemes for girls.
Araria – Tackling School Dropouts: Adolescent groups under the Mahadalit Vikas Mission launched a door-to-door campaign, successfully re-enrolling 21 girls in school. This model, now expanded district-wide, aims to bridge gender gaps in education.
Nawada – Skill Development for Marginalized Girls: A pilot program under the Bihar Skill Development Mission enabled five Mahadalit girls to enroll in Emergency Medical Technician training—a first in their communities. Parental counseling and exposure visits played a key role in encouraging participation.
By addressing systemic barriers and fostering community-driven solutions, Bihar’s BBBP initiatives are setting a statewide blueprint for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Content Editor: Dr. Shayari
Press Information Bureau, India
Source :
Published on :
March 11, 2025
Women Empowerment
Karnataka to allow terminally ill patients the right to die with dignity
On 30th January 2025, Karnataka became the second state in India, after Kerala, to implement the Supreme Court’s order to allow terminally ill patients the right to die with dignity by withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment. This will help those with no hope of recovery or those who are in a persistent vegetative state and where the patient no longer benefits from life-sustaining treatment.
Background- On January 24, 2023, the Supreme Court, in its judgment, said the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution encompassed the right to die with dignity.
The salient points of this order are as follows -
A patient can make an advanced directive or living will stating the kind of treatment they wish to receive and avoid. They can also nominate two people to make decisions on their behalf if they are incapacitated.
Of such patients, those patients who are terminally ill and undergoing prolonged medical treatment with no hope of recovery and no decision-making capacity can have their life-supporting treatment withheld or withdrawn after the following conditions are fulfilled -
The decision has to be certified by two medical boards (primary and secondary) formed at the treating hospital:
The first board will comprise three registered medical practitioners (RMPs), which can be a neurologist, neurosurgeon, surgeon, and anesthetist or intensivist approved by an appropriate authority.
The second board will comprise an RMP nominated by the District Health Officer -They will take the decision after obtaining consent from the patient’s next of kin or the person(s) mentioned in the advanced directive.
Two copies of the decision will be sent to the Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JFMC), who will then send a copy to the Registrar of the High Court for the record.
Content Editor: Dr Manu
Karnataka Government, Health Department Circular
Source :
Published on :
March 7, 2025
Euthanasia, Living Will, Right to Life and Personal Liberty, Right to Dignity