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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WHO to label aspartame as potentially carcinogenic agent WHO to label aspartame as potentially carcinogenic agent Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal July 22, 2023 Indian Express Cancer, Nutrition, Food additives Aspartame is found in numerous low-sugar or sugar-free packaged foods, including diet Coke and soda. According to the WHO label, there is limited evidence connecting aspartame to cancer. According to JECFA, the Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives, an adult weighing 60 kilograms must consume more than 12 cans of diet soda to be at risk. According to a 2021 study published in the journal Environmental Health, aspartame induces malignant tumors in multiple organs of rodents. In addition, in May 2023, the WHO issued a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) that discourages their use. Prior to this, the WHO's IARC classified mobile phone use, red meat consumption, and working overnight as carcinogens. This has been criticized by several international bodies, which claim that aspartame is one of the cleanest artificial sweeteners, with over ninety food safety agencies worldwide declaring it to be safe.

Maternal diet and childhood obesity: Insights from a secondary analysis in Australia Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay April 13, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Nutrition, Maternal and child health Childhood obesity and overweight are pressing global concerns, with Australia witnessing a 24% prevalence among children recently. Fetal malnutrition is linked to later obesity risk, influenced by prenatal and postnatal environments. A secondary analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) dataset was conducted to identify modifiable risk factors, like maternal dietary habits during pregnancy. BMI z-score and weight status were outcome variables, while prenatal maternal dietary exclusion (PMDE) and supplement use were risk and moderator variables. No direct association was found between PMDE and the child's BMI z-score. PMDE of certain foods had varied effects on weight status, with fish and egg exclusion associated with higher odds of unhealthy weight. Prenatal dietary supplement use, especially folate and iron, moderated some associations, often increasing BMI z-scores and overweight/obesity risk. Dietary supplements alone didn't significantly impact childhood obesity risk, potentially depending on the mother’s overall diet. These findings stress the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and suggest possible adjustments to dietary recommendations for better child health outcomes. Click here to read more Previous Next

India Launches Groundbreaking Health Research Initiatives COntent Editor: Dr. Anamika November 20, 2024 at 2:56:13 AM Health research, innovation, ICMR The Union Health Minister launched five DHR-ICMR health research initiatives under the 100-day agenda, aimed at advancing India’s position in global health research. The "First in the World " Challenge is a high-risk, high-reward program to develop globally unique health technologies. ICMR is upgrading Viral Research & Diagnostic Labs (VRDLs) to Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Labs (IRDLs ) under PM-ABHIM, enhancing diagnostic capacity. The ICMR Data Repository offers a secure, centralized platform for quality data with high standards of privacy. The UNNATI Initiative aims to create India-specific growth standards for children. ICMR is advancing rare disease drug research, focusing on affordable therapies. Click here to read more Previous Next

UN General Assembly Focuses Towards Elimination Of Sexual Violence In Conflict UN General Assembly Focuses Towards Elimination Of Sexual Violence In Conflict Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad July 10, 2023 United Nations Observances International Day, Sexual Violence, War, Addressal of sexual assault Amid growing political and security challenges, sexual violence remains a tool of terrorism, torture, and war. Hate speech and sexual assault both online and offline, undermine women's and girls' participation in society and are a threat to democracy. "Conflict-related sexual violence " encompasses rape, sexual slavery, trafficking, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, forced sterilization, forced marriage, and any other type of sexual violence that is directly or indirectly related to a conflict. Estimates state that for every conflict-related rape that is reported but 10–20 go unreported due to survivors' fear and cultural stigma. In 2015, the UN General Assembly declared June 19 "The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict to honour victims and survivors" , raise awareness and pay respects to those who have sacrificed their lives to fight against sexual harassment. In 2016, the Security Council recognized sexual assault as a terrorist strategy and declared that the victims of trafficking or sexual assault by terrorist organizations should be entitled to official redressal as victims of terrorism.

Regional Disparities Challenge India’s Low Birthweight Progress Regional Disparities Challenge India’s Low Birthweight Progress Content Editor: Dr. Jahnvi Saboo July 8, 2025 BMJ Global Health Maternal and Neonatal Health Key Findings: Overall Decline: National low birthweight rates fell from 26% (1993) to 18% (2021), showing progress. Top Contributors: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal account for 47% of India’s low birthweight births (4.2 million/year) Progress in High-Burden States: Rajasthan (48% in 1993) and Chhattisgarh (42% in 1993), initially among the worst, showed the most significant declines. The current scenario (2021): Punjab & Delhi (22%) have the worst rates; Mizoram (4%) and Nagaland (5%) the best. Factors associated with low birthweight: Poverty and lack of maternal education - directly linked to poverty and lack of access to healthcare services. Critical Gaps in Data: Many births go unweighted, especially in poorer states, suggesting actual numbers may be higher. While tremendous progress has been made, improving healthcare access and instituting measures to improve quality of data are key to build upon gains from the last three decades.Click here to read more

New drug for treatment of leishmaniasis enters phase II trial Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Kelkar May 2, 2024 at 3:30:00 PM Kala-azar, WHO, International health news, New drug trial Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar , is the deadliest parasitic disease after malaria that affects millions of people globally, particularly in Eastern Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. A promising new oral drug to treat visceral leishmaniasis has entered Phase II clinical trials in Ethiopia . Another trial is ongoing in India to account for regional variations in patient response. The medication is called LXE408 and is developed through a partnership between the non-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) and Novartis. The drug is being tested as a potentially safer, more effective, and easier-to-access treatment option compared to current toxic intravenous medications that require hospitalization. If proven successful, LXE408 could help reduce the estimated 50,000-90,000 new visceral leishmaniasis cases reported annually. Hence this will help achieve WHO's 2030 target of eliminating the disease as a public health threat in East Africa and beyond. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2023 (7th March) Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2023 (7th March) Content Editor : Dr. Ranjitha R March 8, 2023 Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India Public health day, Health programmes Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi pariyojana (PMBJP) (2016) was launched with a vision to bring down the healthcare budget of every citizen of India by providing quality Generic medicines at affordable prices. Till 31st January 2023, 9082 PMBJP Kendras opened 32.94 Crore Janaushadhi ‘Suvidha’ Sanitary Napkins (Rs. 1 per pad) sold , 1759 generic medicines, and 280 surgical types of equipment added to the scheme. Since 2019, the 7th of march is celebrated as Jan Aushadhi Diwas every year . This year one week (1st to 7th March) celebration was planned . Doctors should be encouraged to prescribe generic medicines to help poor patients . Jan Aushadhi Sugam – Mobile app to locate Kendras and the price of medicines is available Previous name: Jan Aushadhi Scheme (2008), Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi yojana (2015) Under Ministry of Chemicals& Fertilizers, Department of Pharmaceuticals.

International Labour Organisation, African Union Development Agency, and WHO collaborate to protect African health workers Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal April 19, 2023 at 5:19:04 PM International Health, legislation Latent tuberculosis affects 54% of healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income nations, which is 25 times more than the overall population. Health professionals were at a 21-32 times greater risk of contracting the disease during the West African Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016 than the overall adult population. Health workers in Africa face high levels of workplace violence and harassment, highest in South Africa. Only eight of Africa's 55 nations have created policy instruments for Occupational Health and Safety of Health Workers as of yet. By strengthening political commitment and capacities to safeguard the health, safety, and wellbeing of health professionals in Africa, the combined AUDA-NEPAD/WHO/ILO project seeks to address these issues. Previous Next

Is wastewater testing a valuable tool for mpox outbreak tracking? Content Editor: Dr. Sivanthiga February 19, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Communicable diseases, mpox, Screening A study has been conducted to test whether wastewater testing is a valuable tool for mpox detection. The study was conducted as part of the National Wastewater Surveillance System in the US. People with mpox are assumed to shed the virus for up to 25 days after symptom onset. The sensitivity of wastewater testing for detecting individuals shedding the virus ranged from 32% to 77%. The Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value of the same were assessed to be 72.6%(61.8%-81.8%) and 80.3%(76.2%-84.0%) The study findings concluded that if the samples were positive for mpox either once a day or once a week, it was likely that there was at least one positive case nearby. Click here to read more Previous Next