.png)
Follow Us!
Public Health Chronicle
Latest public health news and updates of the world
Public Health News Snippets 8 - 13th July, 2024
"Catch the Rain" campaign: To improve water security
The National Water Mission (NWM), Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR), and Ministry of Jal Shakti organized a workshop-cum-orientation program in New Delhi for officials of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain—2024 campaign.
The campaign aims to improve water security through rainwater harvesting and conservation efforts across India.
The 2024 campaign focuses on 151 districts and has the theme "Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti," highlighting the importance of women's participation.
The workshop focused on collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the public for successful campaign execution.
The various strategies discussed included:
Encouraging rainwater harvesting structures in urban and rural areas.
Desilting water bodies and maintaining existing rainwater harvesting systems.
Creating a District Waterbody Atlas to improve water management.
Sharing best practices for spring ecosystem preservation and rainwater
The campaign underscores the government's commitment to ensuring water security for all by adopting a proactive and participatory approach, leveraging technology, and highlighting the importance of traditional water conservation practices.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Shayari Nag
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
July 12, 2024
Water Conservation, Rainwater Harvesting, Public health
Association between social connection and mental health issues: Research findings
A study was conducted in the US to examine the association between loneliness and lack of social and emotional support, which are indicators of social disconnection, and mental health measures such as stress, mental distress and depression.
It assessed the prevalence of these factors by demographic profiles such as sexual orientation and gender identity, using data from 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System( BRFSS).
Weighted prevalence estimates for loneliness, lack of social and emotional support with 95% confidence interval were calculated , stratified by demographic variables.
Overall prevalence estimates were 32.1% for loneliness and 24.1% for lack of social and emotional support.
The adjusted prevalence ratios for stress, frequent mental distress (FMD), and history of depression (depression) among adults who reported loneliness were 3.61, 3.05, and 2.38 times as high, respectively, as were those among adults who did not.
It offers evidence of the need for access to mental health and social services and addresses mental health outcomes related to loneliness and lack of social and emotional support.
Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Source :
Published on :
July 12, 2024
Mental health, Loneliness, Noncommunicable diseases
Innovative HIV testing: Outcomes of the together "TakeMeHome" mail distribution program
The Together TakeMeHome (TTMH) program, launched by the CDC in March 2023, aimed to improve access to HIV testing by directly providing HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) to consumers through the mail.
In its inaugural year, the TTMH program distributed 443,813 tests to 219,360 individuals.
With significant outreach through LGBTQ+ dating apps, the program specifically targeted populations that HIV affects disproportionately, such as young people, cisgender men, and people who identify as Hispanic or Black.
Of the individuals who participated in follow-up surveys, 88.3% reported using the HIVST themselves, and 27.1% shared it with others.
Furthermore, 11.7% sought additional preventive services, and 1.9% reported new positive HIVST results.
These findings suggest that distributing HIVSTs by mail can effectively increase HIV testing and connect individuals to preventive and care services.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Source :
Published on :
July 12, 2024
HIV, Research findings, Innovation
Addressing disparities and barriers in opioid use disorder treatment: An overview
A report highlighting the disparities and barries to treatment of opoid use disorder in 2022, was recently published.
In 2022, only 25% of U.S. adults needing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment received recommended medications, while 30% received treatment without them.
Disparities exist, with higher percentages of white adults receiving any OUD treatment compared to Black or Hispanic adults.
Men and adults aged 35–49 were more likely to receive medications than women and other age groups.
To improve public health outcomes, there is a need for increased communication about the effectiveness of OUD medications and for healthcare providers to offer evidence-based treatments, including medications.
Barriers to medication access include clinician preferences, regulatory issues, and lack of availability in pharmacies.
This report underscores the underuse of OUD medications and the demographic disparities in treatment, highlighting the need to address these challenges.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Source :
Published on :
July 12, 2024
CDC weekly report, , Opioid use disorder, International Health News
WHO report: Status of multi-country outbreak of Mpox
The recent WHO Mpox External Situation Report provides an overview of the global Mpox outbreak status.
The report indicates that there have been 97,745 confirmed cases and 203 deaths across 116 countries worldwide, with South Africa experiencing a severe outbreak with a high case fatality rate.
In May 2024 alone, there were 646 new cases and 15 deaths, primarily in the African, European, and American regions.
However, the report acknowledges that underreporting, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), remains a significant challenge.
The data shows that the majority of cases (96.4%) are male, predominantly within the 18-44 age group, with sexual contact being the primary mode of transmission.
Common symptoms include a rash and fever, and the report highlights a notable 51.9% co-infection rate with HIV.
In response, the WHO recommends targeted vaccination for high-risk groups and emphasizes the ongoing need for robust public health interventions and accurate reporting to manage the outbreak effectively.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay
WHO News Section
Source :
Published on :
July 12, 2024
WHO report, Mpox, International health, Outbreak
Increasing rate of sexually transmitted infections in England: A 5% increase since 2023
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) analysis has shown that gonorrhea and syphilis diagnoses have increased by 7.5% and 9.4%, respectively, from the STI diagnosis and sexual health screens across England.
When it comes to chlamydia, diagnoses were stable between 2022 and 2023, but there was a decrease in tests carried out in the later year.
The increased popularity of dating apps might be one reason as it enables people to find sexual partners more easily than previous generations.
This trend is not just limited to the UK only, but it is a global phenomenon.
According to the analysis, a few STIs should have been eliminated, but due to a lack of funding and policies, they have not.
One such example is congenital syphilis; even after effective tests and treatment regimens, lack of routine screening leads to the continuation of mother-to-child transmission, which leads to devastating consequences.
There is an urgent need to tackle this challenge to prevent such trends in the future.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Source :
Published on :
July 11, 2024
Sexual Health, Sexually transmitted diseases, Public health
Mobile veterinary clinics bring livestock care to farmers' doorsteps in Yadgir
Introduced in August 2020 by then-Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, the Pashu Sanjivni scheme provides a mobile veterinary service accessible via toll-free number 1962, ensuring prompt emergency treatment for livestock.
In the Yadgir district, the initiative has proven highly effective, deploying eight dedicated vehicles.
Each vehicle is staffed by a doctor, veterinary inspector, and D-group employee and delivers immediate care to livestock.
The service operates seamlessly by forwarding call details from the 1962 Emergency Response Centre to the nearest mobile veterinary clinic.
This efficient coordination ensures that the clinic promptly visits the animal owner's location for on-the-spot treatment, enhancing the scheme's convenience.
The service is managed by a private agency and supervised by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department and staffed by a dedicated veterinary team.
However, it excludes surgical care for the animals.
Dr. Raju Deshmukh, Deputy Director of the department, highlighted the scheme's benefits for farmers and urged them to utilize the helpline for their livestock's health needs.
Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif
Social trends
Source :
Published on :
July 11, 2024
Mobile veterinary clinic, One health, Emergency veterinary care
The hidden health risks of "acceptable" air quality
The objectives of the study were as follows:
To investigate the association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and daily mortality in multiple Indian cities
To estimate the mortality attributable to PM 2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines for safe exposure(24 h ambient PM 2·5 standards of 15 μg/m3 not to be exceeded more than three to four times per year) and even exceeding India's own less stringent ambient air quality standards for 24 h ambient exposure (i.e., 60 μg/m3).
For the study, data was collected from daily all-cause mortality records maintained by the death registries of ten municipal corporations in India.
These areas represent the five climate-zone classifications needed to perform time-series analysis.
The following interpretations have been made:
1. Short-term PM 2.5 exposure is associated with a high risk of death in India, even at levels below the Indian standard.
2. Associations were stronger for locally generated pollutants, supporting a causal link through causal modeling methods compared to conventional time-series analysis.The study underscores the urgent need for improved air quality management in India by providing critical evidence that short-term exposure to locally generated PM 2.5 significantly increases daily mortality rates, even at levels below current national standards.
Thus, it highlights the profound impact of air pollution on public health.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi
The Lancet Planetary Health Journal
Source :
Published on :
July 11, 2024
Air quality, air pollution, Health risks
Get stronger, live longer: The unexpected benefits of lifting weights
A new BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine study investigated how one year of supervised high-intensity weight training impacts muscle function and size in older adults over three years.
It compared this to moderate-intensity training and a control group.
Randomized controlled trials were conducted on 451 adults at the retirement age (64-75 age bracket) at a University Hospital in Denmark.
The results were assessed at the Baseline, post-1-year intervention, two years, and four years post-study start.
The results depicted that heavy resistance training for one year in healthy adults of age may have a long-lasting beneficial impact on muscles by preserving muscle function.
Overall, this study underscores the potential of heavy resistance training to preserve muscle function and prevent functional decline in older adults, highlighting an effective strategy for promoting healthy aging and reducing healthcare costs
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi
BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine Journal
Source :
Published on :
July 11, 2024
Weight training, Old age, Physical Activity
Heat action plans: The necessity to update them
Heat Action Plans (HAPs) from nine cities (such as Delhi, Ahmedabad) and five districts (like Ferozepur, Vellore) were analysed.
The analysis discovered that current heat response plans require more financial and legal support and do not clearly evaluate the effects of heat on the local people.
More targeted plans are needed to address local problems, such as mapping people that are at risk.
According to iForest's analysis (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology), the report recommends:
Updating the definitions of heat waves,
Reporting them as disasters under the Disaster Management Act,
Taking high nighttime temperatures and relative humidity into consideration.
India is predicted to experience more heat waves, which highlights the significance of comprehensive HAPs in preserving lives and livelihoods.
Content Editor: Dr. Shubham
Social Trends
Source :
Published on :
July 11, 2024
Climate Change, Heat waves, Disaster management
National webinar to raise awareness for criminal laws
A national webinar was held to raise awareness and understanding of the three recently enacted criminal laws.
Two webinars have been conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Rural Development.
The webinar included the following:
Opening address highlighting the key provisions of the laws
In-depth insights into the positive impacts of these laws on women and children
The event saw participation from around 50 lakh stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
This event aims to help individuals understand these laws, focusing on parts related to women and child protection, security, and safety.
Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
July 10, 2024
Criminal laws, Awareness, Women and child development
"One Week One Theme": Campaign to showcase innovation
The “One Week One Theme” campaign, inaugurated by the Union Minister, will be conducted from June to December 2024.
This platform aims to showcase activities related to technology packages and innovative and indigenous products.
This was launched following the success of the previous “one week, one lab” campaign.
The eight themes include:
Energy and devices
Chemicals
Aerospace
Civil infrastructure
Nutrition and biotech
Healthcare
Mining
Environment
One of the critical advances includes installing a pilot project to study “Conversion of pathogenic biomedical waste to value-added soil additives.”
Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
July 10, 2024
Technology, Innovation, Public health
Are the health systems equipped with resources to tackle the growing burden of fungal infections?
In the past few decades, there has been an increase in new and re-emergent fungal diseases, which are known to primarily affect animals.
The “one health” approach is the best way to combat such novel diseases.
A review emphasizing the importance of integrating this approach to control the growing global fungal infections.
The review highlights that the current health systems have been geared against viral infections due to COVID-19; however, the systems need to be more robust in handling the growing fungal infections.
Fungal infections lead to over 2 million deaths annually, but this census is often concealed by listing the deaths under the underlying disease.
A few essential fungal infections that have wreaked havoc include:
Human outbreaks of Sporothrix brasiliensis
Fungal keratitis related to agricultural activities
Sporotrichosis related to unprotected horticultural activities
Some of the recommendations provided by the review are as follows:
Routine use of simple and inexpensive diagnostic tests will reduce unnecessary anti-bacterial therapy.
Restriction of the use of azole fungicides in agriculture to reduce the emergence of resistance
Cautious development of newer azoles for the treatment of these infections.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy
Indian Journal of Medical Research
Source :
Published on :
July 10, 2024
Fungal Infections, One Health, Infectious diseases
Long COVID: The impact on the daily functioning
Long COVID is one of the many terms used to describe the persistent symptoms and the new or worsening health effects following the acute infection with SARS-COVID.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a report on the diagnosis, symptoms, and effects of long COVID-19 on individuals' daily functioning.
The report aims to provide a single definition for long COVID, which will help streamline its management guidelines.
The report made the essential discovery that a positive COVID test is not mandatory to be diagnosed with long-term COVID and reported that more than 200 symptoms are associated with long-term COVID-19.
Some of the findings of the report are as follows:
Females are two times more likely to be affected than males.
Patients of COVID-19 who required hospitalization were two to three times more likely to be affected.
Some of the most common effects include chronic fatigue and post-exertional malaise, which are often difficult to assess clinically but can impair an individual's functioning and interfere with schooling or work.
The report found similarities between COVID-19 and other long-term diseases and concluded that further research is needed to understand the disease better.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Source :
Published on :
July 10, 2024
COVID-19, Long covid, Research findings
Statistics Day 2024: Advancing India's development through data-driven policies
On June 29, 2024, India celebrated Statistics Day, honoring Professor P.C. Mahalanobis's contributions to statistics and economic planning.
The theme was "Use of Data for Decision-Making."
Secretary MoSPI highlighted recent initiatives to reduce survey data time lags, such as implementing Computer-Aided Personal Interviews (CAPI), introducing new surveys, and engaging users.
The event also featured technical sessions and presentations on global data usage practices.
MoSPI released the SDGs-National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024, and two related handbooks.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the eSankhyiki portal, enhancing data accessibility and management.
This portal includes two modules:
· The Data Catalogue, offering major datasets and
· The Macro Indicators provide time series data with advanced visualization features.
These initiatives aim to support evidence-based decision-making, aligning with the event's theme.
Click here to read more
Content Editor: Dr. Sumana
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
July 10, 2024
Technology, Innovation, Statistics
Promoting health equity: Initiative for thalassemia treatment
Thalassemia is a rare inherited blood disorder requiring lifelong blood transfusions and other medical interventions.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) or Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is the only curative option for Thalassemia Major.
Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY), a CSR project by GoI, funded by Coal India Ltd., supports the curative treatment of Thalassemia.
The scheme, initiated in 2017, is now extended until 2026.
TBSY provides financial assistance up to Rs. 10 lakh per case for eligible underprivileged patients.
The National Health Mission, Odisha, has recently urged medical institutions to raise awareness and publicize the scheme.
Eligible thalassemia patients with matched donors can apply through the State NHM, 11 empanelled hospitals, or the Thalasemic India Society.
A list of 11 empanelled hospitals that meet the eligibility criteria is under the Orrisa scheme.
Content Editor: Dr. Sumana
National Health Mission, Odisha
Source :
Published on :
July 9, 2024
Thalassemia, Genetic disorders, Transplantation
“Aditi”: Narayana health unveils affordable surgical insurance
Addressing the unmet needs in India's healthcare, where 70 million surgeries are required but only 20 million are performed due to financial barriers, Dr. Devi Shetty, chairman of Narayana Health, launched the health insurance product 'Aditi' on July 1.
The basic plan, with a premium of Rs 10,000 per year, covers a family of four where the eldest is 45 years old, offering Rs 5 lakh in treatment and Rs 1 crore in surgeries.
The premium will vary based on the patient’s age and/or comorbidities.
Unlike traditional insurance, the “Aditi" plan will initially cover elective procedures only within their hospital chain but can be used anywhere for emergencies.
The focus is on providing managed care with minimal administrative hurdles, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience within the Narayana Health network.
Dr. Shetty emphasized that no one will be denied coverage, regardless of their medical conditions.
Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif
Social trends
Source :
Published on :
July 9, 2024
Health insurance, Universal health coverage, Unmet needs
Combating India's hospital-acquired infections-driven AMR: A policy perspective
The study noted that currently, India faces a severe antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden, particularly in healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs).
HAI rates and carbapenem resistance in Indian hospitals far exceed those in the US.
Parallely, factors contributing to AMR in Indian HAIs are poorly understood.
Recent studies show that hospital environments are major sources of resistant pathogens.
Critical gaps identified were a lack of nationwide HAI data and limited research on India-specific interventions.
The study recommends the following measures to tackle this:
1. Creating international partnerships to fund research training programs
2. Creating an interdisciplinary hospital epidemiology research program
However, the biggest challenge to addressing AMR includes balancing the urgent need for action with the time required for research and training.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Prachi
Indian Journal of Medical Research
Source :
Published on :
July 9, 2024
Antimicrobial resistance
Enhancing folate levels: The impact of fortified salt on women's health in rural India
A nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted in four rural villages in southern India from July to November 2022.
Nonpregnant, nonlactating women aged 18-45 years were enrolled and participants consumed the study salt (folate-fortified iodized) exclusively, and serum folate concentrations were measured at baseline and post-intervention.
The results of the study are as follows:
Serum folate levels increased significantly post-intervention (median: 14.6 nmol/L to 54.4 nmol/L, P < .001).
Over 90% of participants experienced higher folate levels.
Study salt remained stable for eight months, maintaining iodine and folate content.
The study showed a 3.7-fold increase in serum folate with 300 µg folic acid daily from fortified iodized salt.
Folic acid fortification of iodized salt can prevent spina bifida and anencephaly by improving folate levels.
Some of the strengths of this study were that it was conducted in remote villages that had minimal external influences and that there was a high adherence and participant retention.
Few of the limitations of the study included a small sample size and a lack of control group.
Also, the study tested a single dose formulation of folic acid without exploring other various concentrations.
The authors concluded that folic acid–fortified iodised salt presents a viable strategy for enhancing folate levels and preventing neural tube defects in high-risk populations.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Anamika
JAMA Network
Source :
Published on :
July 9, 2024
Fortified salt, Maternal nutrition, Women’s health, Nutrition
How did the pandemic affect children’s health?
As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, a nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25th, 2020.
There was a diversion of resources from maternal and child health programs to services essential for actions to contain the pandemic.
A study published in The Communication’s Medicine examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s health and nutrition.
It analyzed the data collected in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and compared anthropometric outcomes of under-five children surveyed during pre- and post-COVID.
The study found the following results:
Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 and 2021 had a 1.2% (0.5-1.9) higher rate of both underweight and wasting compared to matched pre-COVID children.
Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 alone showed 4.6% (3.4-5.9) higher underweight rates, 2.4% higher wasting rates, and 1.6% (0.2-2.9) higher stunting rates compared to matched post-COVID children.
The gap was smaller for children from the post-COVID period (2020 and 2021) compared to those immediately after the lockdown was lifted in 2020, indicating a recovery.
The subgroup analysis showed that children of rural areas and families belonging to lower wealth quintiles were more likely to be underweight compared to matched pre-Covid children of 2020 and 2021 together.
No difference was observed in the anthropometric outcomes between children from higher wealth quintiles and urban children.
As it was a secondary analysis of NFHS-5 data, the effect of the delta variant of COVID-19 could not be measured.
Further studies are required to explore the impact of the pandemic on the anthropometric outcomes of children in diverse and vulnerable groups, such as the urban poor and migrants.
The study provides evidence that the anthropometric outcomes of individuals were affected during the sensitive life stage of infancy and childhood.
This highlights the necessity of developing a more robust food and health resilience system in India.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala
Communications Medicine Journal
Source :
Published on :
July 9, 2024
Child Health, Pandemic, Anthropometry, Research Findings
Dengue cases on the rise at the National capital and Kerala
The Health Minister of Delhi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, met with officials to discuss plans for preparedness for Dengue.
From 1 January to 29 June, Delhi reported 246 cases this year, almost double the number reported last year for the same period.
The officials attribute the rise to improved reporting in effect of the gazette notification 2021 that made notification of Dengue cases compulsory by all hospitals in Delhi.
A heavy downpour towards the end of June, followed by water logging due to inappropriate drainage, led to the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, resulting in Dengue cases.
As per serotyping, the current strain in circulation is DenV 2.
The numbers highlight the importance of environmental modification as an essential step in preventing outbreaks of Dengue fever.
The State Surveillance Unit, Directorate of Health Services of Kerala, reported 8654 confirmed cases and 23379 suspected dengue cases from 1 January to 6 July, alongside 22 deaths due to Dengue fever.
Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala
Social trends
Source :
Published on :
July 8, 2024
Vector Borne Diseases, Dengue, IDSP
Newer initiatives under Atal Innovation Mission
In a recent move in collaboration with the Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK), AIM has launched two pioneering initiatives in building sustainability.
One of these includes the AIM-ICDK Water Challenge 4.0, which includes:
Aims at addressing critical water-related challenges through innovative solutions.
The challenge aims at actively engaging young talents from leading universities, globally.
It comprises 5 S’s: Skills, Scale, Scope, Sustainability, and Speed
The challenge invites entries under two categories:
Students under 35 years of age
Young Entrepreneurs under 35 years of age
The 2nd initiative includes a coffe table book series titled, "Innovations for You," spotlighting the endeavours of sixty SDG Entrepreneurs of India.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Tanya
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
July 8, 2024
Atal Innovation Mission, Sustainable Development
Matri Van: Towards making India a green economy
The National Mission for Green India is one of the eight missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
This green initiative shall help in the following ways:
Achieving a Green Economy
Adopting a sustainable lifestyle to fight the challenges of climate change
Foster organic relationships between man and nature
Adopting the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Initiative
Current Initiatives towards building a Green Economy by the Govt. of India include:
Wildlife Preservation Initiatives such as the Cheetah relocation, Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Lion, and the Big Cat Alliance
Intensive Afforestation drives such as MISHTI (Mission Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income) and the “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” Initiative, which advocates planting a tree in honor of your mother and motherland, make tree plantation drives an even more sacred process.
International Solar Alliance
The way forward for this initiative includes:
Demarcation of areas in Nagar Vans for plantation
Identification and distribution of seeds of Indigenous plant species area-wise across states and UTs.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Tanya
Social Trends
Source :
Published on :
July 8, 2024
Environment, Climate Change
Zika virus spreads in Maharashtra : Two pregnant woman infected as cases surge to 8
Zika, like dengue and chikungunya, is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes.
It typically causes mild symptoms lasting 2–7 days, such as rash, fever, and joint pain.
The association of the virus with microcephaly in babies born to infected pregnant women is a cause of significant concern.
In Maharashtra, a second pregnant woman has been diagnosed with Zika, bringing the state's total to eight cases in the past ten days.
Officials report both women are currently asymptomatic and in good health.
Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer at Pune Municipal Corporation, underscores ongoing efforts to control Zika through surveillance and vector control measures.
Testing is available at NIV Pune, NCDC Delhi, and ICMR labs, but experts warn of potential underreporting due to limited Zika virus diagnostic facilities in the country.
They stress the importance of genomic sequencing alongside routine case detection.
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) are continuously undergoing surveillance.
Health camps are being established during the Palkhi pilgrimage to monitor symptoms and prevent potential outbreaks.
Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif
Social Trends
Source :
Published on :
July 8, 2024
DIsease outbreak, Zika virus, Aedes mosquito
Challenges and innovations in India's vector-borne disease control: A comprehensive review
A review article published in BMJ highlights several challenges in India's vector-borne disease (VBD) control program, including insecticide resistance and changes in vector behaviour like outdoor biting.
Insecticide resistance compromises current control measures, while altered biting and resting patterns reduce the effectiveness of traditional methods. Climate change also affects vector distribution and disease transmission.
Current strategies in India use biological control agents, chemical insecticides, and environmental management to combat VBDs, but they face issues like resistance, limited resources, and behavioural changes in vectors.
Similar challenges are seen globally, emphasising the need for innovative tools and international collaboration.
Potential novel tools mentioned include:
Insecticide-treated nets with synergists,
Neonicotinoids for indoor spraying,
New larvicide formulations like Bacillus sphaericus,
Attractive toxic sugar baits, and
Endectocides like ivermectin.
Other promising approaches are insecticidal paints, spatial repellents, insecticide-treated wearables, and genetic modification technologies such as Sterile Insect Technique and Wolbachia transfection.
These innovations aim to enhance vector control and address the emerging challenges effectively and enhance the effectiveness of global VBD control efforts.
Click here to read more
Content Editor: Dr. Sumana
British Medical Journal
Source :
Published on :
July 8, 2024
Vector control, Infectious diseases, Research findings
Reducing opioid dependence with yoga: Clinical insights
International Yoga Day highlights yoga's potential to reduce opioid dependence, offering a low-cost, low-risk adjunct therapy.
Dr. Hemant Bhargav from NIMHANS developed a yoga module, supported by the Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM) program, aimed at reducing opioid use and withdrawal symptoms.
Mechanism and Benefits: Yoga increases brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid and oxytocin, aiding withdrawal management, relapse prevention, and enhancing self-regulation and prefrontal activation.
Preliminary studies, including a 9-month follow-up, showed yoga's feasibility.
A randomized controlled trial with 60 subjects revealed that yoga practitioners had 2.68 times higher chances of negative urine screening for opioids than an exercise group.
The study results were as follows:
The yoga group experienced significant reductions in pain, craving, anxiety, depression and improvements in sleep quality and overall life quality.
Yoga reduced craving-related brain activity in regions linked to stress and salience, indicating its potential to mitigate opioid dependence.
Yoga proved to be an effective supplementary tool to enhance abstinence, reduce opioid use severity, and improve the well-being of these patients.
Content Editor: Dr. Sumana
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
July 6, 2024
Yoga, Substance abuse, Opioid dependence, Lifestyle modifications
Climate change and biodiversity loss: The global health emergency
Over 200 health journals have recognized climate change and biodiversity loss as an indivisible global health emergency.
Currently, efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss are largely fragmented, with separate discussions and actions at upcoming COPs on climate and biodiversity.
With planetary health, the world has recognized that everything is made up of one overall interdependent system.
Disruptions in ecosystems threaten food and water security, increase poverty, and exacerbate social inequalities, leading to mass migration and conflict on top of risks of environmental damage leading to various diseases..
Despite international commitments made at previous COPs, many pledges remain unfulfilled, pushing ecosystems closer to irreversible tipping points.
The urgency of these challenges necessitates immediate action.
The World Health Organization is urged to declare the combined climate and biodiversity crises a global health emergency, given their severity, global reach, and the imperative for coordinated international responses.
Addressing this emergency demands integrated approaches that align climate and biodiversity agendas with broader societal changes.
Health professionals must play a pivotal role as advocates for comprehensive action, while political leaders must recognize the dual threat to health and the potential benefits of holistic crisis management.
Content Editor: Dr Anamika
Indian Journal Of Medical Research
Source :
Published on :
July 6, 2024
Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Environment
Deviations in prescriptions: An Indian tertiary care perspective
A cross-sectional study was conducted across 13 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Rational Use of Medicines Centres.
Outpatient prescriptions were assessed for completeness and adherence to standard treatment guidelines (STGs).
The study examines the prevalence of deviations from treatment guidelines in prescriptions across Indian tertiary care hospitals and explores their potential consequences.
Irrational prescribing practices can negatively impact patient safety and increase economic burden.
Unacceptable deviations were classified as those with potential for drug interactions, lack of response, increased cost, preventable adverse drug reactions, or antimicrobial resistance.
The results of the study are as follows:
Of the 4838 prescriptions analyzed, 9.8% had unacceptable deviations.
Community medicine outpatient departments had the highest percentage of unacceptable deviations (24.66%), followed by ENT (13.22%) and Pediatrics (10.79%).
The most common diagnoses associated with these deviations were upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and hypertension.
Pantoprazole was the drug most frequently prescribed inappropriately, followed by the combination of rabeprazole + domperidone and oral enzyme preparations.
The most common potential consequences of the observed deviations were increased cost (63%) and a higher probability of adverse drug reactions (53%).
While overall adherence to STGs was observed (55%), the unacceptable deviation rate highlights a need for targeted interventions.
Physician recommendations include implementing online training on rational prescribing, issuing administrative orders for STG adherence, and providing prescriber feedback.
Content Editor: Shayari
Indian Journal of Medical Research
Source :
Published on :
July 6, 2024
Rational Drug Prescription, Patient Safety
India's journey to low sodium: Can salt substitutes make a difference?
Salt is culturally and historically significant in India, but excessive consumption contributes significantly to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
A literature review examined existing research and data on salt consumption in India.
This study analyzed dietary surveys, clinical trials, and intervention studies evaluating the effectiveness of LSS in reducing blood pressure and CVD risks.
The study found that Indians consume an average of 8-11g of salt daily, double the WHO-recommended daily salt intake, primarily through home cooking.
The review of LSS studies indicated its effectiveness in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with the potential to decrease cardiovascular events and mortality significantly.
Widespread adoption of LSS, supported by public awareness campaigns and inclusion in public distribution systems, could significantly reduce sodium intake in India.
Further research is needed to understand its impact on individuals with advanced kidney disease and its implication on implementation strategies.
Content Editor: Shayari
Indian Journal of Medical Research
Source :
Published on :
July 6, 2024
Sodium Intake, Nutrition, Non Communicable Diseases
WHO's antimicrobial resistance diagnostic initiative: To strengthen diagnostic capacity
The WHO created the AMR diagnostic initiative to assist World Health Assembly member states in fulfilling their 2023 commitments to improve diagnostic capacity.
The lack of clinical microbiologists and lab technicians, the high cost of supplies and equipment, and inadequate infrastructure make it difficult to provide essential bacteriology and mycology laboratory services.
The policy brief lays out four "building blocks" for the initiative.
These include
A strategic and operational framework to set standards and provide implementation guidance
Standardized assessment tools for monitoring and reporting bacteriology and mycology laboratory services capacity at national and global levels
A global AMR laboratory network includes laboratories designated by the WHO for bacteriology and mycology.
Susceptibility testing at national, supranational, and specialized levels; and research and innovation in AMR diagnostics.
Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
Source :
Published on :
July 6, 2024
Antimicrobial Resistance, Global health, Public health
Plan for the forthcoming respiratory virus season: Guidelines for vaccinations
Those six months of age and older are urged to obtain the vaccines.
Individuals receiving solid organ transplants between 18 and 64 can now select off-label for an adjuvanted or high-dose flu vaccine.
In addition, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) overwhelmingly decided to suggest Merck's novel 21-valent (21-strain) pneumococcal vaccine as a choice for persons 65 years of age and older who have not had a vaccination or whose immunization history is unknown.
Additionally, the committee advised a single dose of the vaccine for patients with specific underlying medical disorders ages 19 to 64.
This recommendation applied to individuals who had not gotten a dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccination and those who began their series with PCV13 but had not obtained all necessary doses of PPSV23.
Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Source :
Published on :
July 5, 2024
COVID-19, Influenza, Pneumonia, Vaccination
CARB-X grants $1 Million to develop a portable test for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea
CARB-X has given Prompt Diagnostics LLC a $1 million grant to create a portable, quick diagnostic test for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea.
The company will use the grant to develop its cartridge-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platform further, which is portable and capable of detecting multiple targets of pathogenic bacteria and identifying mutations that confer antibiotic resistance.
In low- and middle-income nations, where access to secondary healthcare facilities is restricted, and gonorrhea and the burden of resistance are more prevalent, the inexpensive test may be very helpful.
The urgency of combating drug-resistant bacterial infections worldwide cannot be overstated.
Fast, high-tech diagnostics are a crucial tool in this battle, as they can identify infections at the earliest stage and guide medical professionals toward the most effective treatment.
Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
Source :
Published on :
July 5, 2024
Antibiotic Resistance, International Health, Diagnostic test
Revised guidelines for international travel with regards to COVID-19
As the global COVID-19 cases show declining rates, the Govt. of India has revised the guidelines for International Travel.
The revised guidelines on International Travel state:
All travelers should preferably be completely immunized against COVID-19.
In-flight announcements regarding preventive measures against COVID-19 should be made.
Passengers presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should be isolated and follow standard protocols such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
They should be provided facility-based care in isolation upon arrival.
Social distancing should be followed during deboarding the flights.
Adequate thermal screening should be done of all passengers.
Self-monitoring of health post-arrival.
Individuals are urged to report to a healthcare facility immediately if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
Content Editor: Dr. Tanya
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Source :
Published on :
July 5, 2024
International Travel, COVID-19, Guidelines
Heightened precautions urged following H9N2 flu case
WHO and IHR (International Health Regulation) notified of a human avian influenza A(H9N2) case in a West Bengal child on 22 May 2024.
The country confirmed its second case of bird flu, prompting experts to urge heightened precautions to prevent the virus from spreading to humans.
Experts emphasize the need for robust surveillance and preventive measures to effectively manage zoonotic diseases like bird flu.
Individuals with comorbidity, children, the elderly, and those handling poultry, especially in hatcheries, are at higher risk of infection.
The following are WHO recommendations:
Avoiding unprotected contact with live poultry and contaminated environments.
Implementation of infection prevention and control measures
Monitor and screen healthcare workers for symptoms.
No travel or trade restrictions are recommended.
Content Editor: Dr. Sumana
WHO News Section
Source :
Published on :
July 5, 2024
Zoonotic diseases, Influenza, Outbreak
Air pollution: The deadly and growing risk factor
The State of Global Air (SoGA) report, in partnership with the UN Children’s Fund(UNICEF), warned that air pollution is the second leading global risk factor for premature death.
Pollutants like outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) come from burning fossil fuels and biomass in sectors like transportation, residential homes, and wildfires and cause more than 90% of global air pollution deaths, according to the report of SoGA.
It also contributes to greenhouse gases that warm the planet, so regions with high NO2 levels experience high ozone levels, resulting in greater health effects.
The report also revealed young children’s exposure has resulted in 1 in 5 global deaths, asthma, pneumonia, and inequities more than it does in developed countries.
It also claimed that, due to better awareness, the death rates of children under 5 have decreased by 53% since 2000 because of increased access to clean energy for cooking purposes.
Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar
UN News section
Source :
Published on :
July 5, 2024
Air pollution, Global health, Noncommunicable diseases
The national action plan on antimicrobial resistance in India: Way forward
Globally, 1.27 million deaths occur due to AMR, while 4.75 million deaths occur as a result of diseases caused by resistant pathogens.
In India, 30% of neonatal deaths occur due to bacterial sepsis arising as a result of AMR.
A recently published review discussed the various activities, strengths, and challenges India needs to address to curb AMR.
Industrial effluents, sewage, and municipal waste released into the environment without appropriate treatment become reservoirs of resistant pathogens.
The activities undertaken in India to safeguard the environment to curb AMR include:
Raising awareness regarding AMR
Evidence-based Surveillance
Appropriate Infection Control Measures
Rational use of antimicrobials
Sustained global, national, and regional efforts to combat AMR
The author concludes that the way forward for India to address AMR is as follows:
The advocacy of One Health facilitates multisectoral coordination and drives efforts to tackle AMR.
Law enforcement should help reduce the inflow of AMR-causing factors into the environment.
Promoting evidence-based research to understand, monitor, and tackle the factors promoting AMR.
Click here to read more.
Content Editor: Dr. Tanya
Indian Journal of Medical Research
Source :
Published on :
July 4, 2024
Antimicrobial Resistance, One Health, Research findings