Exclusive use of LPG gas: The health and economic benefits Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala September 13, 2024 at 4:24:32 AM Air Pollution, Health Economics, Study Findings Using the Air Pollution Burden of Disease Explorer tool the researchers at “Vital Strategies”, a global organization for Public Health, estimated changes in rates of morbidity and mortality following interventions aimed at reducing air pollution in houses where unclean fuel is being used. Baseline estimates were taken from the “2017 Global Burden of Disease and Comparative Risk Assessment” on data related to rates of illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, diabetes etc., and their relationship with PM 2.5. The study concluded that the introduction and consistent use of LPG in households previously reliant on unclean fuels could potentially prevent around 150,000 deaths annually, even if other sources of air pollution remain unchanged. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal contribute to half of the mortality and morbidity due to household air pollution. The state-wise analysis includes those families who i) are registered with Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) but donot use it exclusively; ii) those who are not beneficiaries of PMUY. Targeted subsidies for households with pregnant women were found to be cost-effective with a cost-benefit ratio of <1, indicating economic benefit in addition to the health benefits. This result was based on the analysis of four scenarios: Full subsidy provision for eight annual refills to all households Partial subsidy provision for eight annual refills to all households Full subsidy provision for households with pregnant women Targeted partial subsidy provision for households with pregnant women. The above study emphasises on the need to overcome the problems faced in implementing the PMUY owing to its health and economic benefits on exclusive use of LPG gas Click here to read more Previous Next

Report denies "SARS-COV-2 origin in Huanan Seafood Market" theory Report denies "SARS-COV-2 origin in Huanan Seafood Market" theory Content Editor: Dr. Siddharth Singh April 15, 2023 Nature Global Public Health, COVID-19 Origin, Nature A paper recently published in Nature , demystifies the origin of the Coronavirus in the Huanan seafood market, as was once postulated. In early 2020 in China, 923 samples were collected from the environment and 457 samples were collected from 18 species of animals, comprising unsold contents of refrigerators and freezers, swabs from stray animals, and the contents of a fish tank. The virus was detected only in the environmental samples and not in animal samples. The report has been submitted by a research body in China named the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) by George F. Gao et al. It should also be noted that a previous study by Micheal Worobey et al. from the University of Arizona, stands in contention with the current report. Read the article in Nature - Click Here

02. Cervical cancer jabs through schools for girls aged 9 to 14 years December 24, 2022 at 4:21:14 AM Vaccination The government will roll out vaccination against cervical cancer for girls aged between nine and 14 through schools. The decision was based on the National Technical Advisory Group for Immunisation (NTAGI) recommendation to introduce the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme. India is expected to roll-out the programme in mid 2023 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

Portal to report violations of the PECA and the COTPA act Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary August 1, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Respiratory Health, E-cigarettes, Laws and Regulations The Health Ministry has launched an online portal (www.violation-reporting.in ) to address the ongoing sale of e-cigarettes on e-commerce sites, despite their ban by the Union government in 2019. This portal aims to facilitate reporting of violations under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) , which grants the Union government control over the electronic cigarettes industry. The Act defines electronic cigarettes as devices that heat a substance, with or without nicotine and flavors, to produce an aerosol for inhalation . Concerns about e-cigarettes include their addictive nature due to nicotine content, potential harm to brain development, and the harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols. Previous Next

Railway Board emphasizes on Mental Health of RPF personnel Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 17, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Mental health , Health evaluation, Pre-placement Examination The Railway Board has taken prompt measures to rectify a tragic event in which a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable killed four persons on a moving train. To avoid such incidents in the future, a six-member high-level group was formed with a critical mandate: to recommend comprehensive mechanisms for examining the mental health of RPF personnel before they are entrusted with weapons . Their primary focus will be on the precaution that must be taken before issuing guns to RPF . The Railway Board has requested that the committee conduct a thorough evaluation of existing rules for both physical and mental health exams and submit a detailed report. The presumed psychotic diagnosis of the accused constable, Chetan Singh, was withheld from RPF authority, emphasizing the severity of the situation. By implementing the recommendations, the Board aims to strengthen the mental health evaluation process for RPF personnel, ensuring a safer and more secure environment. Previous Next

Study to determine the prevalence and risk factors of depressive episodes among tribals in India Study to determine the prevalence and risk factors of depressive episodes among tribals in India Content Editor: Dr. Tanya July 17, 2024 Indian Journal of Medical Research Mental Health, Tribal Health, Depression While a significant amount of research has been done concerning depression in the general population, there is an absolute dearth of understanding about the mental health status of the tribal societies of India. The key objectives of the study included: Assessment of prevalence of depression among the ST population Assessment of determinants of depressive symptoms among the ST population Secondary data from the LASI survey conducted between April 2017 and December 2018 was obtained, and 12,215 STs were segregated. The self-reported depressive symptoms were assessed using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which comprises 20 questions regarding depressive episodes and overall mental health. The results of the study were as follows : 25% of the ST population experienced depressive symptoms , ranging from 21 % among 45-49 year olds to 29% among STs over 70 years of age. Depressive episodes were more common among females . Depressive symptoms showed a negative association between education and no. of living children. Depressive symptoms showed a positive correlation with the presence of comorbidities. Click here to read more.

Revolutionizing diabetes care: smart insulin, your personal pancreas Revolutionizing diabetes care: smart insulin, your personal pancreas Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad September 6, 2023 The Indian Express Diabetes, Insulin, NCD Insulin administration techniques have advanced significantly over the years, moving from glass syringes with long needles to disposable syringes with finer needles to prefilled insulin pens. Dr. Arnold Kadish created the first artificial pancreas to constantly deliver insulin in the 1960s. Following these, the Biostator and Insulin Pump were created in the 1970s and 1990s, respectively. The battery-powered, modern insulin pump administers insulin through a tiny teflon or steel cannula placed just under the skin either at predetermined rates or at the press of a button, cutting down on the number of pricks from several times per day to just once every 2-3 days. Tubeless insulin pumps can change the insulin doses based on glucose information from a continuous glucose monitor. Better insulin modifications for various times of day and night, exercise, illness, menstruation, exams, and other everyday scenarios are a further benefit, which helps to decrease bouts of hypoglycemia and improve HbA1c status. However, high cost (2-5 lakhs), stigma among patients regarding wearing a device that constantly reminds them of their condition, problems with cannulas in thin patients or those who sweat a lot, and skin reactions from adhesive tapes, deter patients from switching to insulin pumps.

Delhi's sex ratio at birth declines 3rd consecutive year- An increase in prenatal sex testing? Delhi's sex ratio at birth declines 3rd consecutive year- An increase in prenatal sex testing? Content Editor: Dr. Shubham September 12, 2024 Directorate of Economics and Statistics Population, Demography, Sex Ratio, Infacticide, PCPNDT For the third year in a row, Delhi's birth rate has decreased: from 929 in 2022 to 922 females for every 1,000 males in 2023. While the death rate in Delhi climbed little from 6.07 to 6.16, the birth rate improved from 14.24 per thousand in 2022 to 14.66 in 2023. The sex ratio had improved significantly in the past, reaching 1004 females per 1000 males in 2008, but has been declining since 2020. This trend about the decline in the sex ratio has alarmed health experts, suggesting an increase in prenatal sex determination tests and calling for stricter enforcement of related laws. In the last three years, just 19 cases have been filed under the PCPNDT Act. Experts have also raised concern and the high number of deaths due to septicaemia, urging stricter health policies to be implemented. Together, the rates of maternal and infant mortality declined marginally in 2023, reaching 23.61 and 23.61 per 1,000 live births, respectively.

Samagra Shiksha scheme: To promote menstrual health Samagra Shiksha scheme: To promote menstrual health Content Editor: Dr. Shubham August 29, 2024 Social Trends Menstrual Health, Reproductive health, Adolescent health UNICEF India commended Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s efforts to promote menstrual health among adolescents in the state. Rs 57.18 crore has been transferred to the accounts of 19 lakh school-going girls in Madhya Pradesh as part of a cash transfer scheme. The money was set aside for girls' students to purchase sanitary napkins, under the "Samagra Shiksha" scheme. The program's goal is to encourage girls in Classes VII through XII to practice good hygiene and cleanliness. UNICEF India is working with the government and stakeholders to raise awareness about menstrual health and school hygiene. The objective of this effort is to enhance the menstrual health and hygiene of teenage girls in Madhya Pradesh.