Healthcare workers of the nation stand together: The need for workplace safety Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala August 14, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Workplace safety, Violence, Humanity Workplace safety is an often discussed issue in Public Health. When it comes to healthcare professionals, it mostly concerns protection from biological, chemical and radiological agents. The inhumane and shocking circumstances around the death of a second-year postgraduate student inside a Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, forces us to redefine what constitutes workplace safety not just for doctors but also every other health care professionals. In response to the notice released by the Federation of Residents Doctors Association India (FORDA) following the incident, the country witnessed a cease of elective services in hospitals across India as a mark of solidarity. The following were the demands by FORDA: Immediate acceptance of the demand of the doctors belonging to the RG Kar Medical College, where the incident took place. Justice for the victim Ratification of the Healthcare Protection Act by formation of a committee of healthcare professionals. Release and implementation of security protocol for healthcare workers. It is deeply distressing that a doctor has to endure such a heinous crime; this raises serious concerns about the safety of any individual in an organized workplace, not to mention those in unorganized sectors. It’s high time that we acknowledge and address this aspect of workplace safety with priority. Previous Next

India’s progress towards bridging the gender gap: Report from the World Economic Forum Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala June 18, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Inequities, Gender parity, Gender discrimination, Development The Gender index measures women's contributions relative to men across four dimensions. The global Gender Gap score 2024, a crucial measure of gender parity, ranges from 0 to 1, representing 0 to 100% attainment of gender parity. The key findings related to India are as follows: India ranked 129th globally , two notches down from the 2023 position. India is 5th in Southern Asia with a score of 0.641, a decrease in the score by 0.002 . Economic Participation and Opportunity score is 0.398, an improvement from 36.7% in 2023. India is still behind the global average , and it needs improvements in legislative roles, management, workforce participation, and technical jobs. Economic parity is <30% in terms of estimated earned income. Educational attainment score is 0.964, down from 1 in 2023; High attainment in primary, secondary, and tertiary education exists, but the literacy rate is below the global average. The political empowerment score is 0.251, which has slightly declined from the previous year. Years of female or male heads of the states remain above the global average but low women participation in parliament, federal, and ministerial roles (6.9%). Health and survival score is 0.951; healthy life expectancy is 1.002; and sex ratio at birth is 0.929. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Rising deaths by drowning in the US: The need for safety measure Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav June 1, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Drowning, Mortality, International health, Accidental deaths According to new CDC Vital Signs research released today, drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States after decades of reduction. Between 2020 and 2022, there were about 4,500 drowning deaths annually —500 more annually than in 2019. In the US, drowning is the leading cause of mortality for children aged 1-4. These can be reduced by providing accessible swimming instruction. In the US, about 40 million adults (15.4%) lack basic swimming skills, and more than half (54.7%) have never taken a class. Further, 36.3% of blacks in the US do not know how to swim. This may also be associated with an inability to access affordable swimming lessons and other cultural factors, such as discomfort in traditional swimwear. The report also suggested a few other measures to reduce the fatalities, including: Constructing and renovating public pools and Encouraging reasonably priced swimming and Water safety instruction should be offered by affiliated organizations like the YMCA and the American Red Cross. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Supreme Court seeks report from government on manual scavenging Supreme Court seeks report from government on manual scavenging February 27, 2023 The Hindu Manual Scavenging, Human Rights, Supreme court has taken judicial notice of the fact that manual scavenging still continues even after the passage of the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 and the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. Supreme court in 2014, Safai Karamchari Andolan And Others vs Union of India case has also banned manual scavenging. Supreme court has asked the Social Justice Ministry to submit the report within 6 weeks regarding steps taken to :- Rehabilitate manual scavengers Abolition of dry latrines Status of dry latrines and employment of safai karamcharis Equipment used by municipalities for sewage cleaning Number of sewage related deaths and compensation paid to their family members.

Karnataka launched GPS-based mobile app ‘Stop Tobacco’ Karnataka launched GPS-based mobile app ‘Stop Tobacco’ March 1, 2023 The Hindu Prohibition of Public Smoking, COTPA 2003 The Karnataka Tobacco Control Cell launched GPS-based mobile app ‘Stop Tobacco’ on February 28,2023. The app will protect non-smokers from being exposed to cigarette smoking in public places. The mobile app will provide significant citizen participation in tobacco control activities. If anyone is found to be violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), all that needs to be done is to click a picture of the public place (not necessarily the person who is violating) and upload it on this mobile app. Once the complainant enters details like the respective district, taluk and mobile number, the photo will reach the district tobacco control unit and the taluk tobacco control unit. A squad of seven officials has been set up in districts across the state to enforce the rules. The State’s anti-tobacco squad will rush to the spot and levy penalty on the violator. Under Section (4) of COTPA 2003, smoking in public places is prohibited and a violator can be fined Rs 200. Dr Sridevi Deshpandey , state consultant, National Tobacco Control Programme, announced that 21 villages in Karnataka are free from tobacco. Point of IMPACT:- Out of 22.8 per cent of adults in Karnataka who use tobacco products, 8.8 per cent are smokers and 16.3 per cent are using smokeless tobacco products. Most youngsters start using tobacco at the early age of around 15 years or so without paying attention to its ill and life-threatening effects.

CPR revolution: unveiling scenario-based video for life-saving skills Content Editor: Dr. Kishore January 25, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Health Education, Health literacy Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Awareness Program by NBEMS This program was launched in response to increased cardiac deaths among the younger population in the country. This CPR initiative provides the public with adequate knowledge to save a person’s life at the earliest possible time when he/she is having a cardiac arrest This program was attended by more than 20 lakh people through an online medium, along with trained doctors at the venue explaining the techniques of CPR and answering queries. To continue this Initiative, NBEMS has launched a scenario-based CPR Awareness Video focusing on the steps to be followed in CPR when a person is having a cardiac arrest with a certificate of participation Click here to read more Previous Next

WHO warns of global antibiotic overuse in hospitalized COVID-19 patients Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi May 9, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Infectious Disease, COVID-19, Antimicrobial Resistance During COVID-19, WHO observed widespread excessive use of antibiotics , with 75% of patients receiving them, even though only 8% needed them. The highest usage occurs among severe or critical COVID-19 cases, notably in Africa. However, in mild or moderate cases, usage varies significantly by region. Overall, antibiotic use did not improve clinical outcomes for patients with COVID-19 . But rather, it might have created harm for people without bacterial infection , compared to those not receiving antibiotics. The AWaRe (A ccess, Wa tch, Re serve) classification system reveals concerning trends, with 'Watch' antibiotics, posing higher resistance risks, frequently prescribed globally. WHO plans to issue recommendations on COVID-19 antibiotic use based on evidence synthesis from the WHO Global Clinical Platform to address antimicrobial resistance. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Dengue Outbreak Surpasses Previous Records in the United States Content Editor: Dr Ashwini August 30, 2023 at 12:43:24 PM Public Health Dengue incidence grows worldwide, with 2019 record-high cases globally. Prevention and Surveillance measures are urgently needed to combat the epidemic. Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia are among the hardest-hit nations , while others also report alarming increases. MoH's response to Dengue outbreak: Regular meetings with health authorities, Emergency Center Operations implemented in some countries. Strengthened surveillance, vector control, and laboratory network activities have been implemented. Awareness campaigns and risk communication messages have been shared with the local population. National networks of clinical experts are conducting local-level training. WHO has implemented measures to combat the spread, citing high risk and widespread distribution of Aedes mosquitoes, but no travel restrictions have been recommended. 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. 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Riverine plastisphere: The new AMR reservoir? Content Editor: Anubhav Mondal November 22, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Microbial resistance, Water Pollution, AMR Researchers from the University of Warwick led a team that found that after being immersed in a river for a week, both new and old plastics carried opportunistic "microbial hitchhikers" and different sets of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Examples of these hitchhikers were organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Plastics operate as a reservoir for pathogenic bacteria, or ARGs, often exacerbated by their persistence in the environment due to their recalcitrance and buoyancy. The findings raise worries that the "riverine plastisphere" could act as an antibiotic resistance reservoir. However, the researchers note that it's too early to tell whether plastics can transmit infection-causing, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Previous Next