Pey Jal Survekshan- an initiative to foster healthy competition among cities Pey Jal Survekshan- an initiative to foster healthy competition among cities Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy March 23, 2024 Press Information Bureau Environment, Water, Sewage, and Water Quality As a part of mission AMRUT 2.0, P ey J al S urvekshan (PSJ ) was launched to evaluate the achievements in providing the following services: Water supply - quantity, quality, and coverage Sewerage and septage management The extent of reusing and recycling of water Conservation of water bodies In September 2022, a survey was conducted to assess them, and over 5.21 lakh household replies were registered. The first edition of these PSJ awards will focus on the water-linked services in 485 AMRUT cities. A set of nine awards each was awarded to the cities and the states, respectively, for their exceptional performance. The AMRUT Mitra initiative was also launched, wherein the role of women in urban water management was emphasized. This will further help uplift women's socioeconomic status and empowerment. Click here to read more

Abdominal Obesity in India- An NFHS data analysis Abdominal Obesity in India- An NFHS data analysis Content Editor: Dr. Shubham November 26, 2024 LANCET Regional Health Southeast Asia Central Obesity, Research findings The prevalence of abdominal obesity in India is alarmingly high, with 40% of women and 12% of men affected. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) data reveals that 5-6 out of 10 women aged 30-49 years are abdominally obese. A secondary data analysis of NFHS-5 reveals that this condition is more prevalent among older age groups, urban residents, wealthier sections, and non-vegetarians. In Telangana, 35-50% of women are abdominally obese, highlighting a significant public health concern. Abdominal obesity is linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to promote physical activity and healthy dietary habits , especially in rural areas where economic transitions have reduced female workforce participation. Addressing these factors is crucial for mitigating the health risks associated with abdominal obesity and improving overall public health outcomes in India. Click here to read more

Policies on Decriminalization of Small Usage Drug Addicts in Punjab Policies on Decriminalization of Small Usage Drug Addicts in Punjab Content Editor: Sumana mukhopadhyay July 17, 2023 The Tribune India Substance abuse , deaddiction, Rehabilitation, Legislation The government has decided to focus on a new integrative and multidirectional regulation regarding decriminalising drug use and paying attention to the addicts for proper patient care to achieve CM Bhagwat Mann’s “Rangla Punjab” dream. Drug use is still condemned legally. The emphasis will be : to detect addicts using small amounts and enable deaddiction. putting them up for rehabilitation and skills development instead of punishment. strong penalties for smugglers and dealers . Discussions have happened between various ministries and departments to collaborate and plan for providing services.

COVID-19 surge sparks central review: Is the nation ready to tackle the rising wave? Content Editor: Dr Pradipta S December 25, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM COVID-19, Surveillance The rising cases of COVID-19 in some states prompted the Health Minister to chair a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in India. The health minister called on all states to enhance vigilance, maintain adequate supplies, and conduct regular mock drills. India witnessed a steep rise in COVID cases , from 115 to 614 in two weeks. Most cases ( 92.8%) remain mild, with no substantial increase in hospitalizations. Certain states like K erala, M aharashtra, J harkhand, and K arnataka show heightened daily positivity rates. A case of 𝐉𝐍.𝟏 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃𝟏𝟗 has been detected in Kerala and is under scrutiny, with no immediate concern. Urgent directives have been issued to all states to remain prepared against new and emerging strains of the COVID-19 virus. Emphasizing the need for collective efforts between the Centre and the states, he urged the states to ramp up testing and surveillance. Previous Next

The Code on Social Security, 2020 The Code on Social Security, 2020 Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti April 17, 2023 Press Information Bureau Social Security, Law and Justice, Labour and Employment "The Code on Social Security, 2020" has been formulated to extend social security benefits to organized and unorganized sectors (including domestic workers). The e-Shram portal launched on 26th August 2021 for the self-registration of workers initiated to maintain a National Database of Unorganized Workers to include gig and platform workers. Some of the existing social security benefits for organized sector workers are the: Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948; Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952; Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923; Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. The social security benefits for unorganized sector workers are the: Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008; Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana; Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Breaking barriers: India's journey towards gender equality Breaking barriers: India's journey towards gender equality Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary October 18, 2023 United Nations Gender Equality, Regulations and Laws The United Nations hailed India's progressive move as a pivotal step towards global gender equality. On September 21, 2023, India passed the Women’s Reservation Bill, ensuring a minimum of 33% female representation in state legislative assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Currently, women hold roughly 14% of Lok Sabha seats, below global and Central/Southern Asia averages. Chhattisgarh leads in women legislators at 18%, while Himachal Pradesh has just one and Mizoram none. The law, pending the next census, will be effective for 15 years and doesn't affect the Rajya Sabha, where women constitute 13%. Such quotas, implemented in 64 nations, from Belgium to Rwanda, have spurred empowerment and equitable resource allocation. In 2003, Rwanda became the World's top country with a 30 percent quota for women in elected positions and currently has 64 % women occupying parliament seats

Pernicious correlation between smoking and hypertension in Indian males over the age of fifteen. Content Editor: Dr. Prayag May 17, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Smoking, Hypertension, Noncommunicable diseases, Lifestyle modifications A study has been conducted based on secondary data analysis from the NFHS-5 which concludes that: (data related to only men was included and analyzed in this study) Compared to a normal male, individuals who smoke regularly have a higher chance of being diagnosed with hypertension . (OR = 1.2, p <0.001) Among those who quit, the male quitters had significantly lower odds of hypertension (OR = 0.9, p <0.001). Also, quitters had reduced odds of narrow pulse pressure but increased odds of wide pulse pressure (OR = 0.81 and 1.14, respectively) Excessive blood pressure was linked to factors including age, obesity, living in an urban area, money, and belonging to a tribe, however, habitual smoking was associated with low blood pressure . Middle-aged males and those with central obesity revealed unique relationships with abnormal pulse pressure. The study also found that different demographic populations have varying dietary and physical activity habits, which may have led to differences in the outcome. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Green healthcare innovation: Banana fiber-based wound dressing for sustainable healing Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay March 23, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Sustainable Treatment, Ecofriendly treatment, Wound dressing Researchers at India's I nstitute of A dvanced S tudy in S cience and T echnology (IASST ) have developed an eco-friendly wound dressing material using banana fibers from the country's surplus banana pseudo stems. The researchers mixed banana fibers with biopolymers like chitosan and guar gum to form a strong patch with antioxidants. Additionally, they also incorporated an extract from the Vitex negundo L. plant for drug release and antibacterial effects. The manufacturing process is economically friendly and non-toxic with locally available materials. This eco-friendly option has wide-ranging uses, potentially helping farmers and lessening environmental harm. The innovation's potential to revolutionize wound care and its recent publication was highlighted in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, underscoring its significance in biomedical research. Previous Next

Cut in Global Aid Undermines India’s War Against Tuberculosis. Cut in Global Aid Undermines India’s War Against Tuberculosis. Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti May 29, 2025 Global Health Now International Health News 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 T uberculosis I mplementation F ramework A greement, presents a significant obstacle to India's TB elimination objectives.

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. 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