The outbreak of Legionnaire's: Lenient regulations lead to multiple cases Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav November 6, 2024 at 5:00:00 PM Infectious diseases, Outbreak investigations, International health Twelve cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported among passengers on two cruise ships between November 2022 and June 2024. The regulations applied to private hot tubs are lenient, and when improperly maintained and run, they provide ideal conditions for Legionella development and transmission. Aerosols from private hot tubs can transfer diseases to public spaces. The researchers advise cruise ship water management personnel to inventory and assess private balcony hot tubs and modify public hot tub maintenance and operating protocols for private outdoor hot tubs. Previous Next

Nafithromycin : India’s first indigenous antibiotic Nafithromycin : India’s first indigenous antibiotic Content Editor: Dr. Swathi November 28, 2024 Press Information Bureau AMR, Innovation, Research The antibiotic has been developed by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC),” and is one of the first to be developed globally in its class in 30 years. The antibiotic will be available under the trade name, “Miqnaf”, and is aimed to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. The drug would be prescribed as a three-day regimen, and has been found to be 10 times more effective and safer than the current options. The antibiotic has been observed to cause minimal GI side effects, no significant drug interactions and has not been shown to be affected by food consumption. Currently, the approval from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization is awaited before its public use. This step underscores the role of innovation and collaboration in tackling public health concerns.

Dismissal of plea for late-term abortion Dismissal of plea for late-term abortion Content Editor: Dr.Pradipta.S February 5, 2024 Social Trends MTP act, Abortion On January 31, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of a 26-year-old widow seeking late-term pregnancy termination, emphasizing the need to prioritize the protection of the fetus's right to life. Termination was denied due to the gestation period exceeding the 24-week limit permitted by Rule 3(B) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Rules. The Court suggested adoption if she wished, on grounds of mental trauma following the birth of the newborn. Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale referred to the medical board's findings of no abnormalities in the fetus. AIIMS recommended extending the pregnancy by two to three weeks for maternal and fetal well-being. Seeking court permission, a medical board was formed to assess her health condition.

Trend analysis of underweight and obesity worldwide (1990-2022) Trend analysis of underweight and obesity worldwide (1990-2022) Content Editor: Dr. Immanual Joshua March 18, 2024 The Lancet Public Health Nutrition A study published in Lancet estimated the prevalence of underweight and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022. It reported that the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in 11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men, and it increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and 140 (70%) for men. The countries with the highest combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were Polynesia, Micronesia, and the Caribbean for both sexes. The study recommended that a healthy nutrition transition is needed to address the remaining burden of being underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesity.

Innovative techniques in detection of arsenic in Water Content Editor: Dr. Shubham May 6, 2024 at 4:20:25 PM Environmental Health, Arsenic toxicity Researchers at IIT-Madras developed a point-of-need diagnostic tool for testing underground water samples in rural areas. As explained, the tool can be used for up to 200 meters underwater in lakes and other water bodies as well. The fundamental element of the tool is a micro bottle optical resonator, a device as small as a grain of sand, fabricated using optical fiber, and whose surface is coated with a chemical sensitive to arsenic. The tool consists of an optical tip (probe), as small as a skinny ballpoint pen, with the tip attached to a spool of fiber that can extend around 200m when drawn out. This battery-operated device detects the reflected light, measuring the levels of arsenic in water. The pen will be immersible in water. Prof Ravinder K Jain, University of Mexico, explained how the notch in the laser spectrum will shift when the contaminant (arsenic) binds to the surface of the micro bottle resonator, and this shift will indicate the levels of arsenic in the water . This tool can sense even very low levels (below parts per billion levels) of arsenic within a few seconds after the probe is dipped to determine the safety of drinking water.. In 2017, around 240 million people across the country were found to have arsenic levels higher than normal, even today, levels are measured using electro-chemical sensors that are not very efficient at detecting further lower levels. Previous Next

Global call to action on desertification and drought Global call to action on desertification and drought Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet July 20, 2024 UN News Section Climate Change, Environment & Health, One health Desertification and drought are severe environmental challenges , with up to 40% of global land already degraded. Healthy land is crucial for food security, employment, and protection against natural disasters. However, unsustainable resource use and growing populations exacerbate land degradation, driving forced migration and displacing millions. Over one billion young people in developing countries, reliant on land for sustenance , face limited job prospects. Addressing these issues through eco-entrepreneurship and best practices can offer viable solutions. Desertification and Drought Day 2024 focuses on the future of land stewardship, urging global action to preserve this vital resource and ensure stability and prosperity for billions worldwide. The theme for this year, “United for land, our legacy, our future,” aims to combat this raising concern. Click here to read more.

Bivalent conjugate vaccine against paratyphoid A and typhoid Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 9, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Typhoid, Vaccinations, Infections To address the most common cause of enteric fever, a study was conducted to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a new bivalent paratyphoid A- typhoid conjugate vaccine (Sii- PTCV ). The study was a phase 1, double-blind study among 60 participants , who were randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group received a single intramuscular injection of Sii-PTCV, whereas the control group received a single intramuscular injection of Typbar TCV. The safety of the intervention was assessed at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. The immunogenicity was assessed at 1 month and 6 months using the following: Against typhoid: Anti-capsular polysaccharide antigen Vi (anti-Vi) IgG and IgA. Against paratyphoid A: Anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) IgG and functional antibody. The most common solicited side effects were pain and myalgia , which were comparable among the two groups. The study did not report any unsolicited adverse events. The two vaccines had comparable immunogenicity against typhoid, whereas Sii-PTCV showed 100% seroconversion for anti-LPS IgG at day 29. However, further trials are needed to strengthen the evidence. Click here to read more Previous Next

WHO Adds Spatial Repellents to Global Malaria Prevention Strategies WHO Adds Spatial Repellents to Global Malaria Prevention Strategies Content Editor :Dr. Sudeep September 20, 2025 World Health Organization Mosquito, vector control, WHO, spatial emanators Spatial emanators are expected to augment the existing vector control measures by offering another layer of protection against mosquitoes. They are expected to work in tandem with insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying and other existing methods. Spatial emanators have an extra advantage over ITN’s, as they protect the human host during daytime as well, when they are not sleeping under the net, thus protecting against day-time biters. WHO has also pre-qualified 2 NEW spatial emanator products - Mosquito Shield and Guardian (made by SC J & S). These new products release the active emanator - Transfluthrin, which has been shown to repel, disorient and kill malaria transmitters and remain effective for upto 12 months. Although these products are still new and research continues regarding their solo efficacy and their potency to eliminate insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. 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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UN agencies warns worsening of acute food insecurity in 18 'hotspots' across 22 countries Content Editor: Dr. Jasmin Nilima Panda June 6, 2023 at 7:00:00 PM Global Health, Food Insecurity, FAO, Sudan War An FAO report on food insecurity listed the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, and Syria as hotspots with very high concern . Countries on the highest alert are Sudan, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Mali, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. Some major drivers of worsening food insecurity include: Conflict in Sudan Economic shocks and stressors post COVID-19 and Ukraine war . : Stepping up support: In Sudan, WFP (World Food Programme) staff have begun providing food assistance since after the violence started six weeks ago. Since the beginning of operations, it has scaled up to provide emergency food and nutrition support to 13 of Sudan's 18 states and is expanding to reach out to 5.9 million people nationwide. Previous Next