Tamil Nadu’s model for TB program implementation Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala January 27, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Tuberculosis, SDG, Program Implementation India has a TB prevalence of 312/ lakh population as per the National TB Prevalence Survey 2019-2021 , while as per the global TB report, the prevalence is 196/ lakh population. To achieve the following targets, the TN government took a step forward and launched the walk-in-stop centers. The targets for elimination are as follows: 90% reduction in TB deaths. 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030 Walk-in Stop TB centers will be situated in each block. The Block Medical Officer will operationalize the center under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Medical and Health Services. The center will perform the following functions: Microscopy and/or NAAT, with results to be provided within 24 hours and 48 hours of testing, respectively. Transportation of samples to the walk-in center from all Primary Health Centers. Appropriate linkage with Community Health Centers for Chest X-rays. Treatment initiation within 24 hours of diagnosis. Screening for comorbidities. Screening and provision of TB Preventive therapy for close contacts. Ensure Registration, Direct Benefit transfers, etc. through the Nikshay Portal. Offer nutritional support through NGOs, CSR funds, etc. The state aims for the effective implementation of the above model towards TB elimination. Click here to read more Previous Next

Digital health classification: A categorization tool. Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma November 28, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Digital Health Intervention,WHO WHO released the second edition of the classification of digital interventions for advancing health goals. This will help aid the health, development, research, and technology sectors The publication is an update and describes how digital health interventions can be used to address personal and health system challenges Digital tools help to address the following: Health system gaps Timely access to information for health workers and individuals Supporting person-centered healthcare globally The updated classification serves to: Standardize documentation Articulate digital capabilities Support categorization for effective coordination in health As the health sector embraces digital advancements, the classification ensures up-to-date resources for stakeholders. This will help foster collaboration between health and technology experts to prioritize and implement responsive digital solutions. Previous Next

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

Partnership to enhance animal vaccine cold chain management in India Content Editor: Shayari Nag June 11, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM One Health, Animal Health, Vaccine Management The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve animal vaccine cold chain management in India. This partnership aims to: Enhance digitalization of vaccine cold chain management. Improve capacity building for animal healthcare workers. Develop a communication plan for the department's activities. The project will utilize UNDP's Animal Vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN) for real-time monitoring of vaccine stocks, temperature, etc. enabling better management of resources and addressing inequities in vaccine supply. The goal is to ensure vaccines are delivered in the right quantity, and quality, on time, and optimal temperature, ensuring increased immunization coverage and outreach This collaboration with a One Health approach will benefit both animals and humans by strengthening animal health and reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Outbreak of Sloth fever in Europe Content Editor: Dr. Manu August 28, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Sloth Fever, Outbreaks, Epidemics Spread by infected midges or some breeds of mosquito , the Oropouche virus, known as sloth fever/virus, was detected in Europe following outbreaks in South America. The common symptoms are fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, joint pains, and nausea/vomiting. More than 10,000 cases were seen in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru , and for the first time in Cuba, according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), including two fatalities in Brazil , who had no other known conditions. Six possible cases of mother-to-child transmission during childbirth were being investigated to understand infections during pregnancy, potential congenital disabilities, and risk of stillbirth due to the virus. 19 cases were reported for the first time in Europe with all affected having travelled to Brazil or Cuba. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said the risk for travelers was moderate , while the risk of spread was low as the vector wasn’t found in Europe, and person-to-person transmission hasn’t been seen yet. Previous Next

Triple threat of water-related crises is endangering the lives of 190 million children - UNICEF Triple threat of water-related crises is endangering the lives of 190 million children - UNICEF Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal March 23, 2023 UNICEF News Section Environment, Sanitation, Global health According to a recent UNICEF assessment, 190 million children in ten African countries are most at risk from the combination of three water-related threats : insufficient water , sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) ; related illnesses ; and climate dangers . The global analysis done by UNICEF identifies the greatest threats to children and the areas in which remedies are desperately required to avert needless deaths. Across these 10 countries, nearly one-third of children do not have access to at least basic water at home , and two-thirds do not have basic sanitation services. A quarter of children have no choice but to practice open defecation . Three-quarters of children cannot wash their hands because of a lack of water and soap at home.

India Ageing Report 2023: Challenges and government initiatives for elderly welfare India Ageing Report 2023: Challenges and government initiatives for elderly welfare Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet March 13, 2024 Press Information Bureau Geriatric Health, Elderly care, Social scheme The "India Ageing Report 2023" by UNFPA and IIPS sheds light on critical issues facing senior citizens in India. Challenges include digital adoption, mental health stigma, and increased caregiving burden due to the aging population. Despite efforts by corporations and NGOs, poverty, lack of social security, and health disparities persist. The Government addressed these issues through constitutional provisions, laws like the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act , policies such as the National Policy on Older Persons , and various schemes like Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana . Collaboration with NGOs, training centers, and private sector CSR initiatives will further strengthen elder care efforts.

New prophylactic treatment for contacts of meningitis New prophylactic treatment for contacts of meningitis Content Editor: Dr. Aneesh March 8, 2024 Centre for Infectious Disease Research & Policy Communicable diseases, CDC, Prophylaxis From 2019 to 2021, 29 cases of invasive meningococcal disease—caused by strains of bacteria resistant to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin —were reported in the US; These cases were spread out throughout the country, while some geographic regions showed clusters of the disease. One of the first-line medications that is advised for both treating patients and protecting their close contacts, who are more likely to contract the illness, is ciprofloxacin. There have not yet been any documented cases of prophylactic failure linked to ciprofloxacin resistance. However, the CDC states that there is little need to alter the antibiotic prophylaxis advice due to the significant risk of mortality associated with invasive meningococcal illness and the possibility of prophylactic failure . The CDC recommends other antibiotics be considered under the new guidelines if two or more cases of invasive meningococcal disease caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains are reported in a local catchment area over a rolling 12-month period, and if ciprofloxacin-resistant strains account for 20% or more of the cases of invasive meningococcal disease in that area . For prophylaxis, rifampin, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin are also suggested. According to the CDC, local health agencies can adopt guidelines flexibly. Click here to read more.

Bengaluru among five global cities recognized at the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit Bengaluru among five global cities recognized at the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 22, 2023 WHO News Section Global Health, NCDs, Partnership for Healthy Cities Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of 70 cities committed to preventing non-communicable diseases and injuries held its first-of-a-kind summit hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, World Health Organization, Vital Strategies, and Mayor Sadiq Khan of London. The summit proclaimed the various prevention strategies of local public health policy-making and implementation to prevent the risk factors of NCDs. Five cities received US$ 150,000 to advance their work in the partnership: Athens, Greece - for overdose prevention; Montevideo, Uruguay - for food policy; Mexico City - for road safety; Vancouver, Canada - for surveillance; Bengaluru, India- for tobacco control. The summit recognized the sustained efforts of the city to decrease smoking in public spaces and enforce the existing mandates.