Assessing TAK-003: A new frontier in Dengue prevention Assessing TAK-003: A new frontier in Dengue prevention Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy May 15, 2024 WHO News Section Vaccine, Infective disease, Dengue Dengue, a significant global health issue, has led to the development of TAK-003 (Qdenga) by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. This live attenuated tetravalent vaccine, utilizing a chimeric approach with serotype 2 as the backbone and elements from serotypes 1, 3, and 4, is designed to combat all four dengue virus strains. It will be available as either a reconstituted solution or a single-use vial or syringe. TAK-003 is administered in two 0.5 ml subcutaneous doses three months apart and is licensed for individuals aged 4 and older. Tested in the TIDES clinical trial across Asia and Latin America, the vaccine demonstrated 80.2% efficacy against dengue and 90% against hospitalization during the first 11 months post-vaccination. However, its efficacy against DENV-3 and DENV-4 was lower in those not previously exposed to the virus, leading to its recommendation in regions with high dengue transmission. TAK-003 is well-tolerated, with adverse effects comparable to placebo, and is contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women, the immunocompromised, and those allergic to its components. Endorsed for use in endemic regions by WHO for children aged 6-16 , it is also advised for travelers previously infected with dengue and individuals with specific comorbid conditions. Despite some efficacy challenges over time, TAK-003 remains a critical tool in reducing the global burden of dengue. Click here to read more.

Delhi Economic Survey-Key findings Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala March 5, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM State Survey, Delhi Economic Survey The key findings of the survey, related to health are: Multi- and Super- specialty hospitals- 38 Aam Admi Mohalla clinics- 520 Polyclinics- 30 Dispensaries(allopathic)- 174 Dispensaries (ayurvedic)- 55 Dispensaries (Unani)- 25 Dispensaries (homeopathic)- 117 Seed PUHC( Primary Urban Health Centres)- 60 School Health clinics- 46 The bed-to-population ratio remained the same as the previous year (much below WHO recommendations) The number of medical institutions has decreased from 3507 to 3423 in 2022-2023. The per-capita health expenditure has increased by 2.22 times during the last 6 years. A slight increase in institutional deliveries has been noticed to 94.02% in 2022. Full immunization coverage of 93% in 2022-2023. 37590 PLHIV are receiving treatment in 12 ART centers across Delhi. 21 drug samples out of 639 have been rejected by government analysts based on Quality standards. Click here to read more Previous Next

Americans still in two minds about vaccines: A survey report from Pew research center. Americans still in two minds about vaccines: A survey report from Pew research center. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary June 2, 2023 CIDRAP International Health News,, Vaccine hesitancy, Americans, MMR vaccine A survey conducted by Pew Research Center , which included over 10,000 US adults, revealed that 88% of respondents believe the benefits of childhood MMR vaccines outweigh the risks , consistent with previous years. However, parents of young children are more hesitant , and support for school vaccination requirements has significantly decreased. Around 70% believe healthy children should be mandatorily vaccinated before attending public schools , a decline from 82% in 2019. For COVID-19 vaccine uptake, just over a third of adults reported being enthusiastic and staying up-to-date with boosters. 21% remained unvaccinated, while 33% had completed the primary series but were not current with the booster dose. The survey also revealed that participants not vaccinated against COVID-19 expressed higher levels of concern about the necessity of childhood vaccines. Additionally, there was a correlation between COVID-19 vaccine uptake and flu shot uptake, with those up to date on COVID-19 boosters more likely to receive an annual flu shot.

Nigeria's landmark achievement: Introducing the new Meningitis Vaccine Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Kelkar April 24, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Meningitis, New Vaccine, WHO, International Health News Nigeria made history by being the first country to start using a new meningitis vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization called Men5CV. This vaccine protects against five types of meningitis with one injection , compared to the old vaccine, which only protects against one type. This rollout comes on the heels of a deadly meningitis outbreak in Nigeria, particularly in the northern states. The development and introduction of this vaccine were collaborative efforts involving the WHO, Gavi, PATH, and other organizations. This new vaccine has immense potential to significantly reduce meningitis cases and deaths, especially in Africa. The rollout is a major step toward the worldwide goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said , “This vaccine holds the potential to alter meningitis’s course, preventing outbreaks and saving lives. Nigeria’s rollout brings us closer to eliminating meningitis by 2030 .” Click here to read more. Previous Next

Study finds primary sources of PM 2.5 in Delhi Study finds primary sources of PM 2.5 in Delhi Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala May 6, 2024 Nature Communications Environmental Health, Air Pollution, Research Findings The Indo Gangetic Plain, covering representative areas: one rural and two urban areas in Delhi and one suburban area in Kanpur, was studied during the summer and winter months of 2018, using the PM2.5 filter sampling technique. The study found that PM 2.5 was uniformly distributed across all five areas, with regional variations corresponding to local sources of formation. Ammonium chloride, traffic exhaust, fossil fuel vapors, and residential heat-releasing organic aerosols were the major sources inside Delhi. Ammonium nitrate, sulfate, and organic aerosols were predominantly found outside Delhi. The primary sources of biofuel combustion releasing organic aerosols were cow dung, wood, and the burning of agricultural waste. The study emphasizes the need for effective combustion processes for fossil fuels and biomasses, as the oxidative potential of PM develops from the incomplete combustion of these sources

PM on Indian Science Congress PM on Indian Science Congress January 4, 2023 Times of India Science Congress, Research The 108th Indian Science Congress is being held in Nagpur from Jan 3-7, 2023. This year's theme is Science and Technology for scientific development and Women empowerment”. Addressing the Congress, Prime Minister appealed to focus on research : For vaccine development To strengthen Integrated Disease Surveillance For sustainable waste management by stressing upon “Circular economy”. He also added, India holds 40th position at the Global Innovation Index for the year 2022 among 132 countries, a jump from 81st position in 2015. Hence, urging scientists to make the country, the most advanced laboratory of modern science in the next 25 years.

Sanitation and Child Mortality in India: The Impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission Content Editor: Dr. Shayari September 28, 2024 at 6:09:21 PM Hygiene and Sanitation, Child Health India carries a significant burden of infant and child mortality, and improving sanitation is crucial to improving child survival. This study investigated the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), India's ambitious sanitation program, on infant and under-five mortality rates (IMR and U5MR) from 2011 to 2020. - The researchers used data from 35 Indian states and 640 districts, analyzing changes in IMR, U5MR, and toilet access over time. - They employed two-way fixed effects regression models to control for confounding factors and estimate the association between toilet construction and child mortality. - The study found a strong inverse association between increased toilet access and child mortality in India. - Districts with over 30% of households receiving toilets under SBM saw a 5.3 lower IMR and a 6.8 lower U5MR. - The study also used placebo, falsification, and robustness checks to support these findings. Improved sanitation programs, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), can significantly enhance population health, especially in developing countries. India's decrease in infant and child mortality rates after implementing SBM indicates that widespread access to toilets may have prevented between 60,000 and 70,000 infant deaths each year. Click here to read more Previous Next

BHISHM Cube: AIIMS Rishikesh's Mobile Hospital Ready in 12 Minutes for Disaster Response Content Editor: Dr. Anamika May 28, 2025 at 3:37:41 PM Disaster Response, Mobile Hospitals All India Institute of Medical Sciences ,Rishikesh recently conducted a mock drill of the BHISHM Cube—Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri —a mobile hospital unit under P roject A arogya M aitri by the Government of India. Designed for rapid disaster response , the modular unit can treat up to 200 casualties and integrates artificial intelligence, point-of-care testing (POCT ) and data analytics for real-time monitoring and management. During the drill, the BHISHM Cube was successfully deployed within twelve minutes, demonstrating its preparedness to provide efficient medical care during emergencies. Rapid mobile hospitals could have a great impact in disaster relief across India and developing nations. Previous Next

Revised schedule M for Good Manufacturing Practices Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Tanu January 24, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Schedule M, Good Manufacturing Practices GMP was first incorporated in Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 , in the year 1988 for pharmaceutical products and the last amendment was done in June 2005. The revised Schedule M was notified on December 28, 2023, to ensure GMP is adhered to, and the requirements of premises, plant, and equipment for pharmaceutical products. The changes in the revised Schedule M include: Introduction of a pharmaceutical quality system. Quality risk management. Product quality review. Qualification and validation of equipment. Computerized storage system for all drug products. To market a finished product by companies only after getting “satisfactory results” on tests of the ingredients. To retain sufficient quantities of the samples of intermediate and final products to allow repeated testing or verification of a batch. https://rajswasthya.nic.in/Drug/ScheduleM Previous Next

India's efforts in ensuring Women’s Dignity and Safety India's efforts in ensuring Women’s Dignity and Safety Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath January 3, 2025 Press Information Bureau, Government of India (Release ID: 2085610) Swachh Bharat Mission, Menstrual Hygiene Management, Sakhi Niwas Sanitation and Safety : Emphasizing the importance of sanitation for women's dignity and safety, addressing open defecation and the high cost of sanitary napkins. Swachh Bharat Mission : Through a saturation approach, access to safe sanitation through the construction of 11.64 crore household toilets, access to tap water connections for 15.13 crore rural households, and provision of clean cooking gas connections to over 10.3 crore women Community and Public Toilets : Construction of these facilities aids marginalized groups, including women, by reducing health risks and exposure to unsafe public spaces. Swachh Vidyalaya Mission : Ensuring functional toilets for girls in schools, with 97.48% of government schools having separate girls' toilets. Menstrual Hygiene Management : Making sanitary napkins tax-exempt and affordable, promoting menstrual hygiene, and increasing girls' enrollment in educational institutions. Working Women Hostels : Commitment to providing safe and affordable hostel facilities with clean toilets for working women through the "Sakhi Niwas" component of Mission Shakti.