Polio outbreak in Burundi, Africa after 30 years. Polio outbreak in Burundi, Africa after 30 years. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 18, 2023 UN News Global Health, GPEI, Polio, Outbreak, Surveillance Burundi has reported a confirmed case of polio in an unvaccinated child with two other contacts. Five samples of wastewater confirm circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 . The outbreak was detected early due to effective environmental surveillance . Health authorities have begun an outbreak investigation with aid from WHO and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The presence of cVDPV cases points towards low immunization coverage . The Burundi government plans to implement a Polio vaccination campaign soon.

India's fight against drug demand India's fight against drug demand Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay April 10, 2024 Press Information Bureau Deaddiction, Substance abuse The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, leads efforts to reduce drug demand through the N ational A ction P lan for D rug D emand R eduction (NAPDDR ), providing financial aid to states, NGOs, and hospitals. NAPDDR supports various initiatives, including: Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs), Community-based Peer-led Intervention (CPLI) programs, Outreach and Drop-In Centers (ODICs), Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs), District De-Addiction Centers (DDACs). Activities include- Geo-tagging facilities for easy access, A toll-free helpline (14446) for counseling and referral purposes , and The development of Navchetna modules for education . The N asha M ukt B harat A bhiyaan (NMBA ), launched in 2020, aims to raise awareness across all districts, targeting educational institutions, vulnerable populations, and service providers. Achievements include sensitizing over 10.73 crore people, involving 3.29 lakh educational institutions, and training over 8,000 Master Volunteers (MVs). Partnerships with spiritual/social service organizations further support NMBA's goals, with recent initiatives enhancing its impact. Outreach efforts, including social media campaigns, a mobile application, and a national online pledge, have successfully relayed the message. Click here to read more

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan - expanding through spiritual routes. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan - expanding through spiritual routes. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay December 22, 2023 Press Information Bureau Substance use, Community participation Substance use disorder negatively impacts society, affecting overall well-being. The N ational A ction P lan for D rug D emand R eduction (NAPDDR ), is a broad scheme that aids financially, with training and capacity building helping the states/UTs and various NGOs in managing- drug demand, dependency, and rehabilitation in the community using various small programs and interventions. The N asha M ukt B harat A bhiyan (NMBA ), a nationwide initiative, aims to raise awareness about substance abuse , among youth in educational institutions and communities. The NMBA collaborates with religious/spiritual organizations , such as ISKCON , to spread its message. The MoU signing ceremony between the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and ISKON took place at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on November 23, 2023. ISKCON Chairman, Shri Sundar Gopal Das, talked role of a supportive environment in preventing substance use. The collaboration aims to illuminate lives, prevent addiction, and contribute to building a holistically strong society.

Diabetes rising in Jammu: Largest ICMR survey highlights urgent action Diabetes rising in Jammu: Largest ICMR survey highlights urgent action Content Editor: Dr. Dheenadhayalan V November 16, 2024 Press Information Bureau Non Communicable Diseases, Diabetes Mellitus The ICMR-India Diabetes "INDIAB " survey, the largest diabetes study in the world, has released Jammu's diabetes data , which were revealed by renowned diabetologist and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. According to the data, the prevalence of diabetes in Jammu is 18.9%, greater than the national average in urban regions (26.5%) than in rural ones (14.5%). Also he emphasized youth health as crucial to creating a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) and called for coordinated action to counteract the rise in diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In order to prevent and control NCDs, he underlined the government's objective of building 1.5 lakh health and wellness centers across the country. Targeted health interventions are the goal of the project, which is being carried out by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in partnership with ICMR. Furthermore, the high prevalence of hypertension (27.1%) and prediabetes (10.8%) in Jammu highlights the need for proactive healthcare policies and community awareness efforts. Click here to read more

WHO's urgent call: Safeguarding health, easing suffering in Gaza Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy October 31, 2023 at 1:00:00 PM Global health, WHO, Humanittarian aid, Israel-gaza conflict WHO has requested Israel to revoke the order for the mass evacuation of Gaza, as doing so could have disastrous health implications. According to information provided to WHO by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, patients who require life support or who are seriously injured cannot be evacuated while conflicts continue, putting the lives of the vulnerable in jeopardy. WHO is also working to immediately create a humanitarian corridor so that supplies can be safely transported to Gaza's medical institutions. This could possibly be through Rafah, which is just 20 minutes from the WHO logistics hub, which is stocked with enough supplies for 300,00 patients with a variety of wounds and diseases. After meeting with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros on October 9, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed to expedite the transportation of medical supplies and other humanitarian aid from WHO to Gaza through the Rafah crossing. Previous Next

₹2,232 crores fine levied by NGT to the Delhi government as per the “Polluter Pays Principle” February 20, 2023 at 6:54:50 PM National Green Tribunal, CPCB , Wate Management NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asked the Delhi government to pay the fine of ₹2,232 crore government for damage caused to the environment due to improper solid and liquid waste management. The compensation pattern in respect of other States (at the rate of ₹2 crores per million liters per day of untreated sewage and ₹300 per tonne of untreated legacy waste), compensation of ₹2,232 crores is liable to be levied on Delhi govt as per NGT order. Currently, National Green Tribunal across the country works on the “Polluter Pays Principle” as it is mentioned in its governing law: National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. “Polluter Pays Principle” means that the absolute liability for harm to the environment extends not only to compensate the victims of pollution but also to the cost of restoring the environmental degradation. To know more about CPCB, Waste Management Guidelines - Click here Previous Next

Alert for Salt intake : A direct Cardiovascular risk Multiplier Alert for Salt intake : A direct Cardiovascular risk Multiplier Content Editor: Dr. Nivetha S July 18, 2023 Indian Express Hypertention, Non communicable diseases, Cardiovascular risk, stroke The recommended salt intake is < 5 gms per day. But Indians take >10 gms per day & exact salt intake is under reported when compared with 24hr Urinary Sodium excretion . Increased salt intake causes more water retention exerting extra Pressure for Heart and Kidney perfusion. The subsequent failures in Glomerular filtration Rate and Na+ excretion cause Hypertension. And the later is responsible for 57% of stroke deaths and 24% of all cardiac deaths. In addition to that, salt decreases the Nitrous oxide production at vessel endothelium affecting the arterial elasticity and stiffness adversely. Decreasing salt intake of 1.75gm in daily intake would contribute to reduction of 4.2/2.1 mmHg (SBP/DBP). By 2020, International Society of Hypertension Practice Guidelines recommended population based efforts to reduce salt intake at cooking , on table and also to avoid High salt containing foods like pickles, pappads , Namkeen chips, Chutney etc. Also, Weight Reduction of 5.1Kg can drastically bring down SBP of 4.3mmHg and DBP of 3.6mmHg DBP. Possible Prevention measures includes measuring BP every 5 years, dietary corrections ( WHO plan globally to reduce salt intake by 2025 ), Abstinence from Alcohol and cigarette and Weight control.

Status of tuberculosis preventive treatment in SEAR Countries Status of tuberculosis preventive treatment in SEAR Countries Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy July 22, 2024 Public Health in Practice Tuberculosis, Infectious diseases, Prevention A workshop in Chennai, India, involving SEAR countries' TB program managers and experts, highlighted key challenges in implementing TPT (TB Preventive Treatment) . The data on TPT guidelines, target groups, diagnostic tests, regimens, adherence mechanisms, and information systems were collected via a questionnaire and presented during the workshop using e-posters. Participants identified several challenges, including: Poor demand and acceptance among beneficiaries Low provider confidence Difficulties in ruling out active TB Supply chain issues Inadequate support systems The workshop emphasized the need for robust community mobilization, provider capacity building, and improved diagnostic access. Strategies such as the use of chest radiography, better supply chain management, and strong advocacy plans were recommended to enhance TPT delivery. Research priorities included developing comprehensive intervention strategies, improving access to diagnostics, and integrating TPT into real-time TB management systems. The workshop concluded that effective implementation requires collaboration among stakeholders, sustained training, and addressing logistical challenges to maximize the benefits of TB preventive therapy. Click here to read more.

Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Act, 2024 Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Act, 2024 Content Editor: Dr Tanya Tanu February 17, 2024 The Water Amendment Act Water pollution, Pollution control Changes in the Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Act passed on 12th February 2024 include: Decriminalizing certain violations of the Act deemed ‘minor’, replacing most of the penalties of imprisonment with fines ranging from ₹10,000 to 15 lacs. In case of an unfair fine, a provision for appeal has been provided in the bill. Empowering the Centre to frame rules to select the chairpersons of State pollution control boards. The text of the Act notes that the amended bill will establish a balance between the severity of the offense and the gravity of the punishment given. However, there were a few points of concern with the new amendment. These include: Absence of deterrent to violating environmental laws due to decriminalization. Limited role of state government in safeguarding the environment. Click here to read more.

Poshan bhi Padhai bhi- a new initiative to strengthen Early childhood care and education Poshan bhi Padhai bhi- a new initiative to strengthen Early childhood care and education Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy May 15, 2023 Press Information Bureau Public health laws, Maternal and child health With recommendations from the National education policy (NEP) , the ministry has initiated “Poshan bhi padhai bhi” (PBPB) a novel early childhood care and education (ECCE) program, ensuring that India has the largest comprehensive network of high-quality preschools in the world. With the PBPB initiative, NEP stated that all 13.9 lakh Anganwadis across the country will be upgraded with quality infrastructure and trained teachers . It also stipulates that every child will receive two hours of quality preschool lessons every day. PBPB will promote a holistic approach emphasizing the interlinking of child health nutrition and early education . Using the mother tongue as the medium of instruction, community participation will be encouraged in boosting the foundations of our nation’s future generations.