First-ever pre-qualification of a Tuberculosis Diagnostic Test Announced Content Editor: Dr Soundher December 26, 2024 at 7:08:57 PM Tuberculosis, Public health, Diagnostic test The first prequalification of a diagnostic test for tuberculosis marks a critical milestone in scaling up and accelerating access to high-quality TB assays that meet WHO recommendations as well as quality, safety, and performance standards. It assures the quality of tests used to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment The assessment is based on information submitted by the manufacturer, Cepheid Inc., and reviewed by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the regulatory agency of record for this product. This Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT ) detects the genetic material of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes TB, in sputum and provides accurate results in hours. It also identifies mutations associated with its rifampicin resistance , a key indicator of multidrug-resistant TB. It is intended for those who screen positive for pulmonary TB and either have not started anti-tuberculosis treatment or have received less than three days of therapy in the last six months. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Three-Step approach - the anganwadi protocol for divyang children Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Mohanty December 13, 2023 at 2:56:31 PM Health Programme Protocol, Anganwadi Centres Union Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani recently launched the Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children. This protocol, part of the POSHAN Abhiyan , adopts a three-step approach : Screening for Early Disability Signs Community Inclusion, and Referral support through ASHA/ANM/ RBSK teams. It addresses education and nutrition needs, providing Swavlamban Cards for empowerment. This protocol marks a significant stride in creating a nurturing environment for divyang children, fostering inclusion, and celebrating diversity. Previous Next

Diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti May 2, 2023 at 4:11:14 PM Disease Outbreak, Global Health, Vaccination, Immunization Coverage, Surveillance The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention notified 557 confirmed diphtheria cases and 73 deaths (CFR= 13%) . Nigeria last reported diphtheria outbreaks in 2011. According to the National Immunization Coverage Survey 2021 , the third dose of pentavalent had a coverage of 57% , with suboptimal vaccination coverage, particularly in northeast Nigeria . Due to a decrease in the global availability of Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) , other public health measures like; Training and deployment of the Rapid Response team , Strengthening surveillance and response system , Ramping up routine immunization coverage , Drug sensitivity tests at National Research Laboratories are underway. Previous Next

Air Quality Improvements Influence Respiratory Health and Gut Microbiome Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti June 18, 2025 at 3:42:54 PM International health news, Indoor Air Pollution A recent randomized controlled trial conducted in rural Uganda revealed that substituting kerosene or charcoal lighting with solar lights significantly improved indoor air quality and health. Among the women involved in the study, the incidence of respiratory symptoms decreased from 57.1% to 36.1% following the switch. The researchers also observed significant changes in gut microbiota diversity, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, and eukaryotes, emphasizing a "gut-lung axis." These microbiome alterations were linked to a 32% reduction in the risk of respiratory symptoms . The study, led by Dr. Peggy Lai and Joseph Allen published on May 21 in Environmental Health Perspectives, indicates that the negative effects of indoor air pollution may extend beyond respiratory issues, potentially affecting gut health. The results advocate for the use of cleaner energy sources not only to improve respiratory health but also to promote a healthier microbiome, suggesting that future interventions might focus on gut health to mitigate the impacts of pollution. Click here to read more. Previous Next

GONE striving to make Oncocerciasis gone Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy November 21, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Public health, Global health, Infectious diseases, Communicable diseases, WHO Onchocerciasis, a neglected tropical disease known as river blindness, is second only to trachoma in infections leading to loss of sight. It is caused by the bite of black flies breeding in rapid rivers. This debilitating infection is a cause of concern in over 31 countries, 99% of which are in Africa. Senegal, the host of the first GONE meeting, has made remarkable progress in the elimination of the infection. It is also the second African country after Niger to apply for WHO verification of elimination status. The main aim of GONE is to support and build communications and collaborations in supporting countries to achieve 2030 targets for onchocerciasis control. Previous Next

Halving snakebite related deaths: India's vision for prevention and control Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay March 29, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Snakebite Prevention, One health approach The inauguration of the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) by Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, marks a pivotal milestone in India's battle against snakebite-related morbidity and mortality . With the vision of halving snakebite deaths by 2030 , the NAP-SE offers a comprehensive framework for states for action plans, employing a 'One Health' approach that integrates various sectors. IEC materials, including educational booklets, posters, and videos, were unveiled to raise awareness and empower communities effectively to manage snakebite emergencies. The notable initiatives include - The piloting of a Snakebite Helpline number 1540 The launch of a National Rabies Control Programme Website for progress monitoring and vaccination reminders. NAPSE identifies key stakeholders, support organizations, and strategic actions for human, wildlife, and animal health components. The NAP-SE underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration to strengthen surveillance systems, improve emergency care services, and promote intersectoral coordination in combating snakebite envenoming. Click here to read more Previous Next

One dosage of the novel Chikungunya vaccine induces antibody response in 98.9% of individuals. Content Editor: Dr. Aditi Yadav Global Health, Vaccination • A phase 3 randomized, controlled trial reported on 12th June 2023 in The Lancet found that 98.9% of people who got a single dose of the VLA1553 chikungunya virus vaccine candidate made neutralizing antibodies 28 days later. • What is Chikungunya Infection? o TRANSMISSION : Chikungunya virus is typically spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. o Humans are the primary host of chikungunya virus during epidemic seasons. o Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person who already has the virus. o SYMPTOMS : most common -fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. o PREVENTION : The easiest approach to prevent chikungunya is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take precautions to reduce mosquitoes indoors and outside. o At the present time, neither a vaccine nor any medication is available for the treatment of chikungunya. o Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, Indian and Pacific Oceans. o There is a danger the virus will be spread to unaffected areas by infected travelers. • A team lead by vaccine creator Valneva in Vienna investigated immunological responses to VLA1553 in 362 adults (266 vaccination recipients and 96 placebo recipients) at 43 US trial sites from September 17, 2020, to April 10, 2021, plus a broader safety cohort. • This phase 3 study was double-blind, randomised, and took place in 43 professional vaccine trial sites in the USA. • Participants had to be healthy and at least 18 years old to be eligible. • Patients were not allowed to take part in the study if they had a history of chikungunya virus infection, immune-mediated or chronic arthritis or arthralgia, a known or suspected immune system defect, or if they had received an inactivated vaccine or a live vaccine in the two weeks before getting VLA1553 or any live attenuated vaccine 4 weeks before getting VLA1553. • The main goal was to see how many people who were negative at the start had a protective level of chikungunya virus antibodies 28 days after vaccination, as measured by a 50% drop in plaques in a micro plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) with a PRNT50 titre of at least 150. • After a single vaccine, VLA1553 caused chikungunya virus-neutralizing antibodies to be made in 263 (98.9%) of the 266 people in the VLA1553 group (95% CI: 96.7%–99.8%; p<0.0001), 28 days after the vaccine, regardless of age. • VLA1553 was usually safe, with side effects that were similar to those of other licensed vaccines, and both younger and older adults did well with it. • Serious side effects were seen in 46 (1.5%) of the 3082 people who were given VLA1553 and in 8 (0.8%) of the 1033 people who were given a placebo. • Only two major side effects were thought to be caused by treatment with VLA1553. One was a mild case of myalgia, and the other was a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Both people recovered completely. Author : Dr. Aditi Yadav 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

WHO warns of global antibiotic overuse in hospitalized COVID-19 patients WHO warns of global antibiotic overuse in hospitalized COVID-19 patients Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi May 9, 2024 WHO News Section 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.

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