Innovative technology for accurate HIV detection unveiled by JNCASR Innovative technology for accurate HIV detection unveiled by JNCASR Content Editor: Dr Sumana November 27, 2024 PIB HIV Diagnosis, genetics Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR ) developed the GQ-RCP diagnostic platform for detecting HIV with high precision. It targets the unique G-Quadruplex (GQ ) DNA structure in the HIV genome, reducing false positives common in existing diagnostic methods. It uses benzobisthiazole-based fluorescent probes (TGS64) for selective and reliable detection via reverse transcription and amplification of a 176-nucleotide sequence. Featuring a pH-mediated single-step DNA transition into GQ conformation, enabling efficient recognition. This new method offers significant advantages over conventional diagnostics by mitigating non-specific amplification issues. Originally designed for pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the platform is adaptable for diagnosing various DNA/RNA pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Click here to read more.

Interim analysis of the EYE strategy Interim analysis of the EYE strategy Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy November 29, 2023 WHO News Section Vaccination, Global health, Yellow fever, International health Under the guidance of WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi evaluation offices, the Euro Health Group conducted an independent mid-term evaluation of the EYE Strategy. This evaluation was conducted in order to assess the strategy's current state of development. The evaluation also aimed to identify the most effective path forward for safeguarding nearly 1 billion people in Africa and the Americas from yellow fever by 2026. The evaluation covered the EYE strategy from 2017 to 2021. Data from the EYE Strategy shows that since 2017, 226 million more Africans have received a single-dose vaccination that offers lifetime protection against yellow fever. The EYE partners reiterate that they are dedicated to stepping up their efforts in order to: Assist countries in putting the strategy into practice Prevent all further yellow fever outbreaks worldwide by 2026 The Vaccine Alliance assured that it will keep collaborating with nations and partners to support: Routine immunization Close immunization gaps Enhance preparedness for responding to outbreaks

Declaration of famine in Sudan’s North Darfur Zamzam camp Content Editor: Dr. Manu August 28, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM UNICEF, Famine, Disaster, Food insecurity Following 15 months of war in Sudan, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s Famine Review Committee (IPC FRC) was established in the Zamzam camp in the northern Darfur region of Sudan, leaving a population of 7,55,000 vulnerable to food scarcity . An area is attributed to IPC Phase 5 Famine Classification when: It has at least one in five households facing an extreme deficiency of food, No less than 30 percent of children in the area are suffering from acute malnutrition Two for every 10,000 people are dying each day due entirely to starvation or to the interaction of malnutrition and disease. The lack of humanitarian access due to the war is the main reason behind the famine. UNICEF and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) call for a ceasefire to allow relief services access to the areas Click here to read more. Previous Next

RURAL HEALTH STATISTICS 2020-21 January 25, 2023 at 5:24:40 AM Rural Health, National Health Mission Each Community Health Centre (CHC) serves a population of 80000 - 120000. Under the National Health Mission, a CHC requires to be manned by 4 medical specialists: surgeon, physician, obstetrician/gynaecologist, paediatrician; along with paramedical staff. As per the RURAL HEALTH STATISTICS 2020-21 report, there is a shortfall of 83.2% surgeons, 81.6% paediatricians, 79.1% physicians and 74.2% obstetricians and gynaecologists. Overall, there is a shortfall of 79.9% specialists at the CHCs as compared to the requirement for existing CHCs with 67.8% of the sanctioned posts remaining vacant. The shortfall (which excludes the existing surplus in some of the States) in the posts of Health Worker (Female) / Auxillary Nurse Midwife is 2.9% of the total requirement as per the norm of one HW(F) / ANM per Sub Centre and PHC (Primary Health Centre). 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

NGT and UPPCB row over Ganga Water Quality Concerns at Maha Kumbh 2025 NGT and UPPCB row over Ganga Water Quality Concerns at Maha Kumbh 2025 Content Editor: PHC Editor February 27, 2025 National Green Tribunal Ganga water quality, NGT report, Maha Kumbh, CPCB, faecal coliform A recent National Green Tribunal report from Uttar Pradesh has raised alarm bells over the Ganga’s water quality ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Findings reveal that the river water fails to meet the safety standards established by the C entral P ollution C ontrol B oard, with exceptionally high levels of faecal coliform bacteria detected. While some parameters remain within acceptable limits, the elevated bacterial contamination poses significant health risks for devotees and participants. The report urges authorities to adopt stringent remedial measures and continuous monitoring to ensure safe water conditions during the mega event. Experts emphasize the need for immediate pollution control interventions to restore the river’s ecological balance and protect public health.

Older clade of Avian Influenza (H5N1) wreaks havoc in Cambodia Older clade of Avian Influenza (H5N1) wreaks havoc in Cambodia Content Editor : Dr. Prachi Goswami December 7, 2023 WHO - Disease Outbreak News Infectious Disease, H5N1, Avian Influenza The Cambodian Health Ministry Reported two cases of avian influenza in Kampot Province in late November, from the same village (but most likely no human-to-human transmission). The first case, a 21-year old woman died while the second case, a 4-year old girl is being treated at the hospital. Genetic sequencing suggested that the older Asian clade - 2.3.2.1c, which has been circulating in the country’s poultry 2013-14 for over a decade is similar the present one spreading globally in wild birds and poultry and it's highly pathogenic. The ministry launched an investigation to look for more cases, distribute oseltamivir to people at risk.

Teleophthalmology: The environmental and economic impact Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel April 17, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Teleophthalmology, Telemedicine, Carbon Emissions, Research findings A study conducted by the LV Prasad Eye Institute at Hyderabad, Telangana assessed the economic and environmental impact of teleophthalmology services provided by them at their primary (rural) and tertiary (urban) eyecare networks . The findings from the study were as follows - The environmental impact was assessed by the “carbon emissions saved” by various potential transport methods utilized by the patients. The economic impact was calculated by the “potential direct (travel expenses) and indirect (wages lost, food expenses) costs saved” by the patient . Among 173 patients seen at the primary setup, 2.89 kg of CO2 emissions and 80 km of travel were saved per person, while INR 19970 and INR 29100 were saved in direct and indirect costs, respectively. For 151 patients seen at the urban setup, 176.6 kg of CO2 emissions and 1666 km of travel per person were saved, while INR 758870 and INR 347800 were saved in direct and indirect costs, respectively. Thus, the authors called for greater emphasis on telemedicine as an economically and environmentally viable mode of treatment. Click here to read more Previous Next

Vaccination of Pregnant women help reduce infant transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination of Pregnant women help reduce infant transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Content Editor: Dr. Rajat Sharma April 18, 2023 American Academy of Paediatrics COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 The incidence rate of positive SARS-Cov-2 test in infants born to mothers infected with SARS-Cov-2 during omicron predominance was 5 times higher than the preceding period. The same period coincide with increase in hospitalisation of infants. The study highlights the importance of preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission through vaccination of pregnant and postpartum mothers.

World Environment Day focuses on Mission LiFE Content Editor: Dr Nivetha S May 12, 2023 at 5:29:28 PM Environmental day, Climate change World Environment Day 2023 – Mission LiFE This year, on account of World Environment Day on June 5, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will be celebrating the same highlighting the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) across the country. The initiatives include: Swachhata Actions by the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in collaboration with the National Zoological Park. Mask Making activities, conducted by RMNH , Mysore -NMNH-MOEFCC along with a green pledge. Awareness talks on Water pollution, Save water, the Significance of Marine Ecosystems, and Climate by RGRMNH . The Director , of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) gave an awareness talk on themes like ‘Save water’ and ‘Say no to plastics’ . ‘Signature campaign’ and ‘Green Pledge’ by NCSCM as a part of a world bank workshop where international delegates shared their experiences on coastal management and sustainable agricultural practices and emphasized the need to live in harmony with nature. Previous Next