Marburg Virus outbreak in Africa - High Case Fatality Marburg Virus outbreak in Africa - High Case Fatality Content Editor: Dr. Siddharth Singh April 6, 2023 The Hindu, Delhi Global Health, Outbreak Marburg Virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, the first ever outbreak of the disease in the countries. WHO estimated "very high" risk of spread of disease . The countries are responding to the outbreak through contact tracing and restricting movements. Marburg Virus, first identified in 1967 in Germany during outbreaks in Germany and Serbia. It causes severe and fatal viral hemorrhagic fevers. It is closely related to Ebola and is rated as "High Risk" pathogen by the WHO. It spreads to humans through contact with fruits bats and further human to human transmission through direct contact with bodily fluids of patients or contaminated surface , similar to Ebola. There has been previous outbreaks of the Virus. Notably, 1975, 2021, 2022, and 2023 within African countries being most affected and often with high fatalities. There is no approved vaccines, antiviral or monoclonal antibodies for the Virus. Case detection through contact tracing, molecular diagnosis, and quarantine is central to managing the spread of disease. With recent outbreaks in different parts of the world, the concept of "One Health" is increasingly taking center stage.

Is geographical location a key factor in self-reported health? Content Editor: Shayari Nag May 17, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Self-reported health, Geographic disparities in health, Social Determinants of Health Individuals were directly asked to assess their health (SRH) in the study, which found a national average of 3.25% reporting ill health, or an estimated 44.4 million people in India experiencing health issues at any given time. The study found a few factors that influenced health, which include the following: Age : A U-shaped curve emerged with young and older populations reporting higher illness rates. Income : Higher income only correlated with better health in 40% of cases, suggesting it's a limited factor. Its impact likely stems from influencing nutrition, housing quality, and access to healthcare. Geographic location : Emerged as the most significant factor , highlighting significant geographical variations in ill-health rates, and pinpointing regions needing further investigation This finding challenges the traditional assumption that higher income always leads to better health in India. It highlights the importance of location-specific factors and suggests a need for further epidemiological studies in these "hotspots" of ill health. A large-scale study in India reveals that while age and income play a role, geographic location is surprisingly the biggest factor affecting self-reported health (SRH) . A few regions stood out as having greater ill-health compared to others, which include: Uttarakhand West Haryana East Uttar Pradesh Bengal Assam Telangana Andhra Pradesh Kerala Click here to read more. Previous Next

High court's judgement on organ donation rules Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala February 8, 2024 at 5:15:00 PM Organ and Tissue Donation In a court ruling, the Delhi High Court directed the Union of India to frame detailed guidelines on what constitutes "exceptional medical ground" in the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014, clause 5(3)(g) . In view of a petition, the Court has decided on 30th January 2024 that the above guidelines shall be framed within 2 months . The petition was about a 17 years 4-month-old girl who was medically fit to donate a part of her liver to her father, a chronic patient of NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) requiring a liver transplant for survival Previous Next

To LEAVE or to LIVE is the question among state and local public health staffs Content Editor : Dr. Monk March 9, 2023 at 12:34:34 PM Public Health / Social Security The study, published today in Health Affairs, compared intent to leave or retire in 2017 with actual separations through 2021 among state and local public health staff at agencies that participated in the PH WINS survey in both years. The study found that 46% of state and local employees left their organizations during that time. The number rose to 74% among employees under age 35 and 77% among employees with less than five years of experience. This rate of departure has a great societal impact through the loss of critical public health experience and institutional knowledge during a health crisis. If the trend continues, nearly 130,000 staff will have left their jobs by 2025. We’re losing early-career professionals at the same time that senior leaders are leaving in droves. These two trends are colliding in a perfect storm that leaves us extremely vulnerable to the next public health threat. Stopgap measures : 1. Offer accessible and affordable supervisory training, 2. Create a mentorship program 3. Reduce the burden of student debt Previous Next

Can yogurt help in glycemic control in prediabetics? Can yogurt help in glycemic control in prediabetics? Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Gupta May 4, 2024 Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Prevention, NCD, Research Findings A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design conducted at Tokyo, Japan, between May and December 2022 used probiotic yogurt containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 to test for metabolic parameters in Prediabetics. Its mechanism of action is considered to be anti-inflammatory with high interleukin (IL)-10 inducing activity in immune cells by suppressing chronic inflammation in the intestine and visceral adipose tissue and improving insulin resistance, glucose, and lipid metabolism. The participants were aged between 20 and 64 years and had prediabetes. The participants were instructed to eat the 112-gram test yogurt daily for 12 weeks and continue their regular diet, lifestyle habits, and exercise. The current study confirmed that the levels of HbA1c and glycoalbumin decreased significantly in both groups. In the OLL2712 group, in comparison with the placebo, the HbA1c returned to baseline levels after intake was stopped. The changes in other metabolic parameters, like body weight, tended to increase slightly during the study period, with body mass index increasing significantly. The total cholesterol level values did not change. Serum IL-6 levels decreased significantly, but serum IL-10 levels increased. Also, during the post-observation period (16th and 20th weeks), IL-10 levels decreased significantly in both groups in comparison with those at week 0. The study concluded that the ingestion of yogurt containing OLL2712 can prevent glycemic control deterioration and maintain HbA1c levels within the normal range in adults with prediabetes in cases of long-term intake, as its effect declines with time. Click here to read more.

NMC Appoints Part-Time Members Under the NMC Act, 2019 NMC Appoints Part-Time Members Under the NMC Act, 2019 Conteng Editor: Dr. Anamika August 25, 2025 Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare NMC Act 2019, National Medical Commission Under the provisions of the NMC Act, 2019, part-time appointments have been made for a two-year duration. Ten nominees from State/UT Governments—formerly part of the Medical Advisory Council—represent states and UTs such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Selections from State Medical Council nominations included nine individuals, representing states such as West Bengal, Karnataka, and Nagaland. Representatives from Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Haryana, and Punjab were appointed to the autonomous boards. A nominee from Jammu & Kashmir joins the Search Committee. Media witnessed the draw for fairness. For further reading, click here

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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Transforming Mental Health: Initiatives and Progress in India Transforming Mental Health: Initiatives and Progress in India Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 25, 2023 Press Bureau Information Mental Health Under NMHP -Outpatient services, assessment, counseling/ psycho-social interventions and support for people with severe mental disorders, and other services are available through the DMHP at the CHC and PHC levels. The tertiary care component of the NMHP has sanctioned 25 COEs to boost the admission of students in PG departments and has helped 19 government medical colleges strengthen 47 postgraduate departments in mental health specializations. Efforts are being taken to make resources available in vulnerable areas by providing training to healthcare personnel Additionally, mental health treatments have been included in the Comprehensive Primary Health Care package under the Ayushman Bharat - HWC Scheme. The government has begun a "National Tele Mental Health Program" to expand access to excellent mental health counseling from October 2022. 42 Tele MANAS Cells have been established by Aug 2023 and are providing tele-mental health services having received almost 1,94,000 calls.

Launch of the "pre-clinical network facility" in India: The first of its kind in Asia Content Editor: Dr. Shubham July 30, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Research, Technology, Vaccines, Innovation The Union Minister inaugurated Asia’s first “Pre-clinical Network Facility” related to health research at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology in Faridabad. Alongside this, the Ge-HuMic was also launched. It stands for “Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection Facility” and will serve as a repository for supplying microbial cultures to institutes. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) selected BRIC-THSTI (Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute) as a pre-clinical network laboratory, making it the first in Asia and the 9th globally. This facility will support vaccine development and translational research and foster collaborations between academic institutions, hospitals, and industry. This experimental animal facility can house up to 75,000 mice, including immune-compromised mice, and other species, including rats, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. It is among the biggest ‘small animal’ facilities in the nation. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the institute’s achievements, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and research in India. Click here to read more. Previous Next

An SDG score of 60.3 placed India at 121st position out of 163 countries. About 23 States and Union Territories have prepared a vision document based on SDGs as indicated in a NITI Aayog report. Global movement on localization of SDGs led to the release of India's first Voluntary Local Review (VLR) by Bhopal. Public Health News Analysis Localizing SDGs in India: Bhopal’s exemplary lead Image Credits: Dr. Thamizhmaran Author: Dr. Monk Updated on : August 1, 2023 Sustainable Development Goals, Voluntary Local Review, Voluntary National Review, SDG Localisation, Urban Planning, Equitable As per Agenda 2030, Cities are the most important stakeholders. Without the participation of local urban stakeholders, at least 65% of the 169 targets could not possibly be achieved. The VLR in Bhopal is the result of the combined efforts and participation of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, UN-Habitat, and the beneficence of over 23 original stakeholders. Background In 2015, 193 member-states of the United Nations embraced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , which consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets as a plan of action for 'people', 'planet', and 'prosperity' . Since 2018, this information has been collected through Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The SDSN Survey was conducted in February 2022 . The SDG Report is a global assessment of countries’ progress towards achieving SDGs . An SDG score of 60.3 placed India at 121st position out of 163 countries . Global movement on localization of SDGs led to the release of Voluntary Local Review (VLR) by Bhopal . The resolution specifies mechanisms for the monitoring, review, and reporting of progress as a measure of responsibility towards the people. Accordingly, the member states shall submit a Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the UN's High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) . VLRs is an urban planning tool in order to drive and report the original perpetration of SDGs at the sub-national and metropolitan levels . India’s Progress in Achieving SDGs 2030 Agenda India has made significant strides towards the adoption, localization, and attainment of the SDGs. India's Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) has published National Indicator Framework (NIF) to review and monitor SDGs. The Comptroller and Audit General (CAG) of India is responsible for auditing the preparedness to achieve SDGs. NITI Aayog has mapped each goal to existent Central Sector Schemes, Ministries, and other initiatives of the government. At the state level, the Office of the Chief Secretary of State provides guidance and oversees the implementation. At the district level, Panchayati Raj institutions in rural areas and urban local bodies play a significant role. About 23 States and Union Territories have prepared a vision document based on SDGs as indicated in a NITI Aayog report. While a majority of them have started the process of localizing the SDGs, it has taken a while to attain the status of India's first Voluntary Local Review at the city level. As per Agenda 2030, Cities are the most important stakeholders. Without the participation of local urban stakeholders, at least 65% of the 169 targets could not possibly be achieved. What is Voluntary Local Review? A VLR is a tool to demonstrate how ‘local’ conduct is leading the way in equitable and sustainable transformation for people and erecting a coalition of partners towards this bid. While it is desirable to align the city's VLR to the state-level action plan and the country's VNR, the process requires a fair amount of plasticity for the cities to reveal their state within a framework of their choice. VLR does not have to be total in quantifying each of the 286 indicators under India's NIF, which restate the global targets under the 17 SDGs into local indicators at the public position. Cities may select specific SDGs for a detailed review as per their goals and logistical convenience . While doing so, they may adapt and further localize the public pointers under the applicable SDGs to reflect the megacity-level realities. Universally, cities have chosen to align their reviews with the SDGs that the HLPF is reviewing in detail in its ongoing cycle. How to make a Bhopal bridge over the SDGs chasm? The VLR in Bhopal is the result of the combined efforts and participation of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, UN-Habitat, and the beneficence of over 23 original stakeholders . It has counterplotted 56 experimental systems to the SDGs across the three pillars, of 'people'(SDGs 1,3,4,5), 'planet'(SDGs 6,13,15), and 'prosperity'(SDGs 7,8,11) . The in-depth quantitative assessment of city-level pointers under SDG 11(Sustainable cities and communities) records Bhopal's astral performance in solid waste operation practices, public transportation, and open spaces per capita . Nevertheless, the analysis also points to areas where the metropolitans need to work much harder in the coming times to close the distance from the goals: acceptable sanctum, high levels of air pollution, city planning capacity, and even the distribution and accessibility of open spaces . To fast-track progress towards all SDGs while guaranteeing ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas’, India must have a combined focus to address issues at every stage, right from planning to collaboration, monitoring, and capacity structure at the state and lower situations. Roadblocks Despite the fact that Agenda 2030 has been in place in India for eight years, 14 states/UTs have yet to develop and produce an SDG vision or roadmap , according to NITI Aayog's report- "The Indian Model of SDG Localization." While most of the States/ UTs have counterplotted SDG targets to schemes, there are 20 states/ UTs remaining which have still not linked SDGs to budget allocation . Institutional mechanisms are needed to insure the overall perpetration and collaboration of SDGs are also missing in some states . Therefore, progress in planning and coordinated perpetration of SDGs at the state position is fairly slow. Conclusion It is a remarkable occasion for Indian metropolitans to tell their stories in their own vocabulary, using a frame of their choice to forefront their work on a global platform. We expect that more Indian metropolitans will follow Bhopal's lead, to show civic inventions and collaborations arising from India on the global chart. With just a decade left for all countries around the globe to realize the goals, critical action needs to be called for before it becomes too late. Schemes & strategies should be modified in alignment with the larger SDGs while keeping in mind the local & indigenous challenges specific to India. Way Ahead India has made a paradigm shift to a “whole- of- society” approach with the Government of India engaging sub-national and local governments, civil society associations, local communities, people in vulnerable situations, and the private sector. Sashakt Bharat- Sabal Bharat (Empowered and Resilient India) Swachh Bharat- Swasth Bharat (Clean and Healthy India) Samagra Bharat- Saksham Bharat (Inclusive and Entrepreneurial India) Satat Bharat – Sanatan Bharat (Sustainable India) Sampanna Bharat- Samriddh Bharat (Prosperous and Vibrant India) References 1. India sustainable development knowledge platform United Nations . Available at: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/memberstates/india (Accessed: 27 July 2023). 2. K.V.S. Choudary, P.A.& P.S. (2023) Tracking SDG progress the bhopal way , Tracking SDG progress the Bhopal way - The Hindu . Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/tracking-sdg-progress-the-bhopal-way/article66871463.ece (Accessed: 27 July 2023). 3. Sustainable development goals: India needs an urgent push to achieve the sdgs (2022) Times of India Blog . Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/sustainable-development-goals-india-needs-an-urgent-push-to-achieve-the-sdgs/ (Accessed: 27 July 2023). 4. SDG India index | NITI Aayog . Available at: https://niti.gov.in/sdg-india-index (Accessed: 27 July 2023). 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