Man vs Venom: Antivenom Created from Snakebite Survivor’s Blood Content Editor: Dr. Anamika May 23, 2025 at 3:33:17 PM Antivenom, snake bite 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. Previous Next

Decline in Youth Tobacco Use Highlights Public Health Progress Decline in Youth Tobacco Use Highlights Public Health Progress Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy November 15, 2024 CDC Tobacco, Public Health Interventions, Adolescents The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), conducted by the CDC and FDA, utilized a stratified, multi-stage cluster sampling design to evaluate tobacco use among middle and high school students across the United States. Students completed self-administered questionnaires to provide data on current tobacco product use, defined as use on at least one day in the past 30 days. The survey revealed that 10.1% of high school students and 5.4% of middle school students currently use tobacco products. E-cigarettes were the most commonly used product, reported by 7.8% of high school students and 2.8% of middle school students, followed by nicotine pouches and combustible cigarettes. The data also showed a notable decrease in e-cigarette use among high school students, dropping from 10.0% in 2023 to 7.8% in 2024, reflecting progress in reducing youth tobacco use. Interventions such as bans on flavored tobacco products, stricter age restrictions, awareness campaigns, and school-based education programs significantly contributed to this decline. However, disparities persist, with certain demographic groups showing higher usage rates. These findings underscore the effectiveness of current public health strategies but also highlight the ongoing need for evidence-based interventions to sustain and accelerate progress. Click here to read more

National conference on accelerating SDGs- An example of cooperative federalism Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy March 28, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM SDGs, Cooperative Federalism A 2-day national conference was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan in the 1st week of March. The conference, titled, “National Conference on Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals ”, was organized by NITI Aayog in collaboration with UNDP, UN, and the government of Rajasthan. The conference's objectives included: To motivate States and UTs to evaluate the localization of the S ustainable D evelopment G oals (SDGs) , Share insights on how to institutionalize the SDGs at the subnational level . Examine the national and subnational context for SDG financing Outlining a strategy for quickening the 2030 SDG agenda's progress. The conference also included technical sessions on the second day and covered various topics related to the SDGs. On the occasion of the conference, three knowledge portals were also launched: UNDP ‘SDG Knowledge Hub’ ‘Food and Nutrition Security Analysis Dashboard’ of the Government of Rajasthan ‘SDG -2 (Zero Hunger) Dashboard’ of the Government of Rajasthan The conference was a perfect example of cooperative federalism. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Australian Government’s step towards equity: Increasing the insurance coverage Content Editor: Dr. Swathi September 17, 2024 at 4:33:31 PM Insurance, Health, Universal health coverage Genetic testing is a method to identify genetic defects, which is a form of primary and secondary prevention. However, in Australia, individuals are hesitant to undergo these tests due to the subsequent discrimination they may face if the test results come back positive. The test results are to be mandatorily disclosed when applying for insurance and are often denied coverage based on the results. The Australian Government on Wednesday will announce a ban on this discrimination and eliminate the mandatory disclosure of genetic test results in insurance applications. This move aims to alleviate the fear of being denied coverage and encourage individuals to undergo genetic testing. Previous Next

Global Focus : UN Decade of Healthy Ageing Progress Report 2021-30 Global Focus : UN Decade of Healthy Ageing Progress Report 2021-30 Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami December 6, 2023 WHO Newsletter Global Health, Elderly Health, Ageing Report WHO and UN partners released the inaugural UN Decade of Healthy Ageing Progress Report 2021-30. The report featured a survey of 136 countries between late 2022 and early 2023 that over 20% improvements in various areas, including legislation against ageism and national programs for age-friendly communities. Despite progress, less than one-third of countries reported sufficient resources for the decade's four key areas, such as changing how people think, feel and act about age and ageing; ensuring communities foster the abilities of older people; delivering person-centred, integrated care and primary health services responsive to older people; and providing access to long-term care for older people in need. National multistakeholder forums on ageing and health saw limited growth, with low and middle-income countries facing challenges despite projecting an 80% elderly population by 2050. Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for increased political commitment, investment, trained healthcare workers, and involvement of older individuals in decisions with subsequent progress reports in 2026 and a final impact report in 2029.

New Biopesticide to Combat Malaria Content Editor: Dr Tanya Malaria, Insecticides Malaria , a parasitic disease which spreads from the bite of female Anopheles mosquito, claims about 600,000 deaths annually. The new biopesticide is the powdered form of the dead and dried cells of Chromobacterium species . It prevents transmission of malaria by inhibiting the mosquitoes’ ability to transmit the pathogen along with a cidal effect on the mosquito. Advantages over conventional insecticides: Less Toxicity More species-specific hence development of genetic resistance becomes significantly low Longer Shelf Life Easily compostable Effective in small concentrations Click here to read more. Previous Next

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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World Hearing Day (3rd March 2023) is here to remind us of the importance of preventing hearing loss and promoting ear care worldwide by integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare for universal health coverage. Public Health News Analysis World Hearing Day 2023 – Let’s know more about it Content Editor : Dr Ranjitha Ranganathan Updated on : March 3, 2023 World Hearing Day - 2023, WHO World Hearing Day (3rd March 2023) is here with the theme "Ear & hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality" to remind us of the importance of preventing hearing loss and promoting ear care worldwide by integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare for universal health coverage. Globally, one out of twenty people has hearing loss which needs management. A World Health Organization (WHO) survey in 2013 revealed that only 30 countries (out of 76 respondents) have data on hearing loss. World Hearing Day (WHD), is celebrated on March 3 every year as a global advocacy event for raising awareness. As part of promotion activities, the World Hearing Forum (WHF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Coalition for Global Hearing Health (CGHH) give WHF-CGHH Small Grants (up to 800 USD) for World Hearing Day 2023 . Every year WHO advocates and promotes countries to participate, under various themes. World Hearing Day Themes 2015 - Make listening safe 2016 - Act now, here is now! 2017 - Make a sound investment 2018 - Hear the future 2019 - Check your hearing 2020 - Hearing for life 2021 - Hearing care for all 2022 - To hear for life, listen with care 2023 - Ear & hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality The Key messages for World Hearing Day, 2023: I ntegrating ear and hearing care within primary care, as an essential component of universal health coverage. 60% of hearing problems can be identified and addressed at the primary care level. WHO offers promotional materials in various languages, awareness videos, an overview of planned events, and resource materials for WHD. WHO launched the " hearWHO" app- a mobile-based screening app for hearing loss, that can be used as a screening tool. The hear WHO app is based on validated digits-in-noise technology. The "hearWHO" app is available in play store for download IEC materials are available for promotion of World Hearing Day & also for Ear & Hearing Care Tips for Healthy Ears Tips for safe listening Tips for hearing aid users Flyer for Ear care Basic ear & Hearing care resources Care for discharging ears Flyer for checking hearing loss in adults Hearing & language milestones in children To download IEC materials - Click here Various resources and guidelines related to World Hearing Day World report on Hearing Importance of hearing across life course Challenges faced and solutions for ear and hearing care A manual for Ear and Hearing care, planning & monitoring of National Strategies Development and planning for Ear & Hearing care. Pre-planning phase, Planning phase, Monitoring and evaluation Preferred profile for hearing aid technology suitable for low-& middle-income countries Hearing health services in these countries Types of hearing aid available in these countries Integrated people-centred Ear & Hearing care Policy briefs with Vision - The H.E.A.R.I.N.G package for ear & hearing care interventions Target: Overall, 20% relative increase in effective coverage of ear & hearing care services by 2030. Safe-listening-devices-and-system-WHO-ITU-standard Effect of noise on hearing Recommendations on safe listening. Indicators for monitoring provision of services Health system indicators Service delivery indicators Health workforce indicators Medical products & health technology indicators Situation Analysis Tool National level situation analysis plan Handbook on how to implement msafe listening Safe listening devices and system Workplan development with promotion strategies of msafe listening programme Hearing screening- Implementation guidelines Hearing screening in New-borns & infants School based ear & hearing screening Hearing screening in older people World hearing day- Survey book Methodology to conduct a survey to find :- Prevalence of hearing loss in each area Overview of most common probable cause of hearing loss in the study area WHO Global Standard for safe listening venues & events Sound level limit Sound system design Personal hearing protection Quiet zones World Hearing Day report -2022 Country wise report of activities on World Hearing Day Download these resource materials - Click Here Conclusion:- Unaddressed hearing loss is the third largest cause of years lived with disability globally. Children, elderly people, people working in certain occupation are greatly affected. Appropriate screening, referral system and hearing care will help to curtail the problem. Health care professionals have to use efficiently the available resources by WHO to promote ear care at primary level, prevent hearing loss, and advocate for safe listening. Reference:- https://worldhearingday.org/ comments debug Comments Rated 0 out of 5 stars. No ratings yet Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

Paediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) develops a model to stratify pneumonia severity. Paediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) develops a model to stratify pneumonia severity. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 4, 2025 The Lancet International Health News, Community acquired pneumonia Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Relying solely on clinician judgment can lead to both unnecessary admissions and missed high-risk cases. To address this gap, the Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) developed two predictive models using data from 2,200 children (3 months–14 years) across 73 emergency departments in 14 countries. The clinical model , based on bedside signs and symptoms within 4 hours to 7 days of presentation, and an enhanced radiograph model , incorporating the number of lung regions affected on chest X-ray, both demonstrated “good to excellent” discrimination compared with unaided clinician assessment. Key predictors of progression to moderate or severe CAP included: Hypoxemia (SpO₂ 90–92%) : adjusted odds ratio (aOR) ≈ 3.24 Chest retractions : aOR ≈ 2.86 Abdominal pain , refusal to drink , tachycardia/tachypnea (> 95th percentile), and prior antibiotic use Conversely, runny nose or nasal congestion was protective (aOR 0.59), identifying low-risk children. Among 1,900 children with complete data, 53–58% had mild CAP, 36–41% moderate, and 5–6% severe. Lead author Dr. Todd Florin emphasized that early identification of children at risk enables prompt aggressive treatment and more efficient resource allocation. Next steps include external validation in diverse settings, integration into electronic health records or mobile apps, and implementation studies to assess impacts on admission rates, resource utilization, and patient outcomes. Once validated, these models could be incorporated into pediatric pneumonia guidelines, standardizing care and improving safety for children globally. Click here to read more.

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine safety: A multinational project Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine safety: A multinational project Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala March 2, 2024 Vaccine Journal COVID-19 Vaccine, Research findings, AEFI The study was conducted in Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Canada, New Zealand, France and Scotland. The AESI list was specified by the Safety Platform for Emergency vACcines (SPEAC), following the roll-out of COVID-19 Vaccines in 2020. The researchers estimated the Observed/Expected ratio of selected AESI retrospectively, across certain risk intervals. More than 99 million individuals participated in the study. The potential vaccine safety signals were prioritized for the following vaccines based on a higher OE ratio: ChAdOx1 vaccine for Guillain-Barre syndrome, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, pericarditis and myocarditis mRNA-1273 vaccine for Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, pericarditis and myocarditis BNT162b2 vaccine for pericarditis and myocarditis The present study provides stronger evidence of the previously identified rare side effects. Although the global generalizability of the results is higher, the result’s applicability to the Indian population is still questionable. Click here to read more.