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

Breathless whispers: Northern China faces a surge in kids' respiratory woes Breathless whispers: Northern China faces a surge in kids' respiratory woes Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma December 21, 2023 World Health Organization Respiratory tract infections, COVID-19 restrictions, WHO The WHO monitoring Chinese surveillance data since mid-October 2023, notes a rise in respiratory illnesses in northern China's children , attributed by the National Health Commission to lifted COVID-19 restrictions, cold season, and the presence of multiple pathogens. WHO , utilizing the I nternational H ealth R egulations, formally requested China to provide detailed epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data on the escalating respiratory cases. During a teleconference, Chinese health authorities disclosed a rise in pediatric respiratory cases since May , involving Mycoplasma pneumoniae, RSV, adenovirus, and influenza. Chinese officials clarified that no unusual or novel pathogens or clinical presentations were detected , attributing the increase to multiple known pathogens. Since mid-October, China has intensified surveillance, tracking trends in Influenza, ILI, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, Pneumonia, and SARI. In China, WHO recommends minimizing respiratory illness risk by adhering to measures like receiving recommended vaccines, distancing from the sick, undergoing testing and seeking medical attention, wearing masks, and consistently practising handwashing.

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