Expansion of the CGHS wellness centers Content Editor: Dr Sathya Prashaath January 27, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Universal health coverage, Health scheme The Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, dedicated three CGHS Wellness Centers in Alaknanda, Rohini Sector -16, Vasant Vihar to the nation, serving 44 lakh beneficiaries across 80 cities. Central Government Health Scheme is a health scheme for serving retired central government employees and their families. The inauguration of a robotic unit at the National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases was also done to provide better surgical care to patients suffering from tuberculosis. The Health Ministry also revised the package rates of CGHS packages in the empaneled private hospitals. This will, therefore, enable the beneficiaries to access quality healthcare services at affordable rates. The National Health Authority platform is deployed for this purpose, similar to the one applied for Ayushman Bharat. Jan Aushadhi medicines will also be provided in these Wellness Centres, not just for the CGHS beneficiaries, but for all the public. Previous Next

Climate change threatens our amphibious friends Climate change threatens our amphibious friends Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E October 19, 2023 The Hindu One Health, Environment Health, Climate Change The study titled ‘Ongoing declines for the world’s amphibians in the face of emerging threats ’ was published in the journal Nature. It has been found that climate change is emerging as one of the biggest threats to amphibians. The study is based on the second global amphibian assessment. The study evaluated the risk of extinction of more than 8,000 amphibian species. The study also evaluated 2,286 species for the first time. Two out of five amphibians are facing extinction threats due to climate change. The analysis finds that between 2004 and 2022, a few serious risks have increased the number of amphibians that are in danger of going extinct. Of these, climate change was the primary threat for 39% of these species.

Alarmingly high prevalence of TB among healthcare workers in India Alarmingly high prevalence of TB among healthcare workers in India Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala September 12, 2024 Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease Tuberculosis, Systematic review and Meta-analysis, Research findings Owing to limited data on Tuberculosis(TB) in Healthcare workers, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the data from cross-sectional studies on Healthcare workers with tuberculosis. 10 studies met the inclusion criteria of which four were conducted in the northern part, four in southern India, while two in Maharashtra. The results of the study are: - The pooled prevalence of TB was found to be 2391.62 (1415.58, 3601.34) cases per 100,000 healthcare workers. - There was significant heterogeneity among the studies. - Doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians had a prevalence of 2006.18, 2726.83 and 6468.31 per 100,000 individuals, respectively. There was wide variation in the total sample size of each profession. - Frequent contact with patients with tuberculosis increases the occupational risk of acquiring infection. - Inadequate infection control measures, improper use of personal protective equipment, poor nutrition and work stress has been attributed as causes of increased susceptibility to infection. The study recommends mandatory training and programs of healthcare workers on TB prevention practices. Click here to read more

Mediterranean diet and risk of mortality among women: Findings from a cohort study Mediterranean diet and risk of mortality among women: Findings from a cohort study Content Editor: Dr. Shubham June 14, 2024 The Journal of the American Medical Association Diet, Mortality, Cohort Study, Nutrition The Mediterranean diet consists of: 1. Nutritional Elements: fruits, nuts, whole grains, legumes, salmon, nuts, and vegetables (but not potatoes). 2. Fats :healthy fats, such as olive oil, are preferred as the proportion of monounsaturated is higher than saturated fatty acids. 3. Meat Intake : contains less red and processed meat than the median (80g/day). The Mediterranean diet is frequently cited as a beneficial eating style that can enhance the results of cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic health. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet affects mortality rates among women, according to a 25-year-long cohort study, conducted in the US among 25315 women as part of the Women’s Health Study. The key findings include: A 23% lower risk of death from all causes is linked to a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The decreased risk is largely explained by biomarkers associated with inflammation, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, body mass index, and small molecule metabolites. The study examines various mediators that could account for this correlation, taking into account elements such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic well-being. These findings demonstrate the Mediterranean diet's potential health advantages in lowering women's mortality risk . The study highlights how crucial it is to take dietary trends into account when evaluating long-term health effects. Click here to read more.

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. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

500% increase in organ donation in Delhi during the first quater of 2023 500% increase in organ donation in Delhi during the first quater of 2023 Content Editor: Dr. Siddharth Singh April 6, 2023 Times of India Organ Donation, NOTTO National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), reported that there is an increase in organ donation by 500% in the first three months of 2023. There were only 2 donations in 2022 from Jan to March, which has risen to 12 this year. NOTTO officials said that 40 lives have been saved because of the decisions of families of 12 brain-dead patients, as a result of efforts of Transplant coordinators at respective hospitals who successfully counseled families in their difficult times.

U.S. to Withdraw From WHO Over Alleged Bias and Funding Disparities Content Editor: Dr Mohammed Kasif February 4, 2025 at 4:33:44 PM Global health, Health funding, Pandemic response, World Health Organisation President Donald Trump declared that the United States would exit from the World Health Organization (WHO ) within 12 months of January 20, 2025, citing concerns over its political influence and financial structure. Trump accused the WHO of acting under the “inappropriate political influence” of certain member states, particularly China. He claimed the organization mishandled global health crises, including COVID-19, by failing to act independently. The U.S., contributing 18% of WHO’s $6.8 billion budget, was its largest financial backer. Trump has criticized the unequal financial burden on the United States of America. This decision mirrors Trump’s attempt in 2020 to withdraw, citing similar concerns. The WHO denies allegations of bias and continues pressing China for data pertaining to the origin of COVID-19. The U.S. exit raises concerns about future global health funding and cooperation. Previous Next

International commitments against cervical cancer Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma March 23, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Cervical Cancer, HPV Vaccine, International Health News Cervical cancer is a major concern for women, particularly in low and middle-income countries. To combat this, the World Health Organization recommends administering the HPV vaccine in a single shot, which can help prevent cervical cancer. Many countries have pledged to work together to eradicate cervical cancer , with 37 countries adjusting their vaccine plans to support this goal. While some countries, such as Indonesia, are sticking to their existing plans, others like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Nigeria are promising to provide the HPV vaccine quickly to girls aged 9-14. Ethiopia aims to achieve a 95% vaccination rate, while Nigeria is targeting 80% through schools and outreach activities. In 2022, vaccine distribution, supply, and COVID-19-related issues resulted in only 20% of girls receiving the HPV vaccine, and few women in low and middle-income countries underwent cervical cancer screening. The majority of cervical cancer deaths occur in these countries, underscoring the need for urgent global action. Both Colombia and Spain have made the elimination of cervical cancer a priority, with Colombia hosting the first-ever Global Forum for Cervical Cancer Elimination. The Spanish government is committed to fighting this disease and promoting gender equality. Spain's feminist foreign policy aims to address health challenges such as cervical cancer, emphasizing the importance of political will and collective efforts in fighting this disease. Previous Next

Clear vision, safe workplace: A collaboration by ILO and IAPB Content Editor: Akhila Nandan September 25, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Ergonomics The International Labour Organisation in collaboration with the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness on 5th September highlighted the imperativeness of healthy vision for safety and productivity at workplaces. Ocular injuries at workplace accounts for about 1 % of non fatal industrial injuries annually, and at least 30 % of unemployment are due to poor eye vision, the report says. Hence the need for co-ordinated initiatives to achieve the goals under Occupational safety and health programs has been emphasised, which includes: Prevent exposure to hazards. Protect the existing eye health of employees. Risk assessment of workers’ naturally occurring sight loss. Previous Next

Who let the dogs out? Who let the dogs out? Content Editor: Monk May 11, 2023 WHO Public Health , Rabies, Anti-Rabies vaccine Rabies is caused by a Ribonucleic Acid(RNA) virus that is present in the saliva of a rabid animal. It is transmitted following a bite of a rabid animal that leads to deposition of the saliva and the virus in the wound. India accounts for more than one-third of the world’s rabies deaths. Each year, as many as 20,000 people die due to the vaccine-preventable fatality. India has a population of 30 million stray dogs which cause 96% of rabies in humans. It's not like India produces lesser number of doses than required — against an annual demand of 48 million ARV doses, the country produces 50 million. However, 30% of those vaccines — 15 million — are exported, leaving India with a shortfall of 13 million. The shortage has led to surge in demand and doubling of price in summer months, when dogs are in heat period and aggressive for mating. Government hospitals have resorted to local purchase of ARV, which has seen a uptick in OOPE for the patients(Approx. Rs.2000.) Efficient planning & stocking; Stray dogs sterilization drive; Inter-ministerial co-ordination; PPPs; Reporting the sight of rabid animal to authorities.