Partial resistance to Artemisinin - a major setback in malaria treatment Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay September 12, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM research, malaria, drug resistance A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at yearly surveillance of uncomplicated malaria cases caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite in Uganda from 2016 to 2022. The researchers looked at the occurrence of mutations in the kelch protein K13 (pfK13), which can lead to partial resistance to artemisinin, a key component in malaria treatment in Africa. The study revealed that by 2021-2022, over 20% of parasites in 11 out of 16 districts showed resistance markers. Notably, mutations 469Y and 675V were prevalent in northern Uganda, while 469F was prominent in southwestern Uganda. Other variants, such as 561H and 441L, have become more common in southwestern and western Uganda. Multiple PfK13 mutations, comprising five resistance indicators, have become more common. The authors caution that these genetic alterations could affect malaria treatment in Uganda, citing southeast asia's experience with artemisinin resistance. They highlighted the need for better understanding and strategies for drug resistance prevention. 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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Suriname, the First Amazon Nation Certified Malaria-Free by the WHO Suriname, the First Amazon Nation Certified Malaria-Free by the WHO Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti July 8, 2025 World Health Organisation International Health News, Malaria Elimination, Public Health Action On June 30, 2025, the World Health Organization officially announced that Suriname is free of malaria , making it the first country in the Amazon region to reach this milestone after successfully stopping local malaria transmission for at least three consecutive years. Suriname now joins 46 other countries and one territory worldwide, including 12 in the Americas, in this achievement. Key strategies included community-driven diagnosis and treatment, extensive use of rapid tests and microscopy, artemisinin-based therapies combined with primaquine, and the distribution of insecticide-treated nets to mining and mobile populations. The last local case of P. falciparum was recorded in 2018, and P. vivax in 2021. Although malaria no longer poses a threat to the population, Suriname must remain vigilant, particularly at its borders and among mobile groups , to prevent the disease's reintroduction .

The Swacchta Pakhwada initiative The Swacchta Pakhwada initiative Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Tanu May 18, 2024 Press Information Bureau Swachh Bharat Mission, Swachhta Pakhwada, Cleanliness, Hygiene Swacchta Pakhwada addressed the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. The first drive was observed at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, on May 8, 2024. During the first drive, focus was laid on the following: Significance of cleanliness in sustaining a healthy society Motivating the children to become drivers of cleanliness in and around their surroundings The Swachhta pledge taken by the entire DSIR team entails: Focusing on individual commitment towards cleanliness by devoting 100 hours every year to promote the message of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Encouraging the individual to motivate 100 people to take the pledge. This drive aims to instill a sense of responsibility towards cleanliness in younger minds. Click here to read more.

Action against violence in hospitals: The recent mandates Content Editor: Dr. Sumana September 5, 2024 at 4:30:00 PM Occupational health, Safety and security The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a memorandum addressing the rising incidents of violence against doctors and healthcare staff in government hospitals. The directive, released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), highlights that many healthcare workers face physical violence and verbal threats , often from patients or their attendants, while on duty. To combat this issue, the memorandum mandates that the Head of the Institution must file an Institutional FIR within six hours of any violent incident against healthcare workers. This move aims to ensure prompt legal action and enhance the safety and protection of medical professionals in government facilities. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Shifting priorities from necessities to luxuries: Rural non-food item expenditure in HCES 2022-23 Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif June 17, 2024 at 3:38:36 PM Well-being, Non-food items, Health economics, Research findings The Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 employed the CSQ (Consumption Survey Questionnaire) and DGQ (Durable Goods Questionnaire) to assess non-food item expenditure. The HCES included a comprehensive range of non-food items to capture an accurate picture of household spending. The broad categories evaluated included pan, tobacco and intoxicants, fuel and light, education, medical, conveyance, consumer services excluding conveyance, miscellaneous goods, entertainment, rent, taxes and cesses, clothing, bedding, footwear and durable goods . The expenditure pattern on non-food items in India is as follows ; Rural : 54% of MPCE of which Conveyance (7.55%), Medical (7.13%), Durable goods (6.89%), Fuel and light (6.66%), Clothing and miscellaneous (6% each). Urban : 61% of MPCE of which Conveyance (8.59%), Durable goods (7.17%), Miscellaneous goods, entertainment, and rent (6.56% each). Key takeaways The share of non-food items has increased for both urban and rural households in comparison with previous surveys. Non-food expenditure constituted a major part of total MPCE in urban areas. Urban and rural households spend significantly more on conveyance. Click here to read more Previous Next

Targeting Gut Pathogens: Vaccines and Commensals Against Anti-microbial Resistance Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 25, 2025 at 12:20:08 PM Research Study, Vaccination, Anti-microbial resistance A new study on mice, combines oral vaccination with niche-competitor bacteria to clear drug-resistant gut pathogens without antibiotic s. This “garden and cover-crop” approach could transform infection prevention globally. Researchers introduced an oral vaccine targeting Escherichia coli or Salmonella alongside a harmless bacterial strain engineered to occupy the same intestinal niche. Individually, vaccination or competitor bacteria each reduced pathogen levels by roughly 100,000-fold; together, they achieved over a billion-fold reduction, and were ten thousand times more effective than either alone. Vaccine-induced gut antibodies agglutinate and clear target bacteria, but the empty niche is quickly reoccupied by pathogens unless held by competitors. Introducing a non-harmful strain ensures continuous occupancy, blocking both original and immune-escape variants. Potential applications : Widespread vaccination plus competitor flora to curb multidrug-resistant E. coli urinary and bloodstream infections . High-risk patients: Pre-transplant or chemotherapy regimens to eliminate resistant E. coli and Klebsiella . Maternal & neonatal defense: Oral vaccines during pregnancy to improve maternal gut immunity and reduce neonatal sepsis risk. Oral delivery, stability without a cold chain, and ease of administration makes this strategy suitable for low-resource settings; however, in low- and middle-income countries, selecting locally relevant competitor strains will require detailed epidemiological mapping. Previous Next

#AbKoiBahanaNahi: India’s united front against gender-based violence Content Editor: Dr. Dheenadhayalan V December 7, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Women Empowerment, Social Justice, Violence India has launched a landmark national campaign, “Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki,” to eliminate gender-based violence. This month-long initiative, running from November 25 to December 23 , is spearheaded by the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, with support from UN Women. It coincides with the launch of #AbKoiBahanaNahi , a movement inspired by the global #NoExcuse campaign, emphasizing zero tolerance for violence against women. A major milestone of the campaign is the establishment of 227 Gender Resource Centres in 13 states, providing essential services like counseling and legal aid to survivors. The initiative employs a “whole-of-government” approach, involving nine ministries, including Health, Education, Home Affairs, and Social Justice, united under the slogan, “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf” (Together, One Voice Against Violence). The campaign aims to raise awareness, empower communities to speak out and enhance local institutions' capacity to combat violence. A film screened during the launch highlighted the need for collective accountability from all sectors, including citizens, to take action against gender violence. This initiative, aligned with India's vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 , emphasizes that national development depends on women's safety and empowerment. By participating in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence , India reinforces its commitment to ensuring women’s safety as a fundamental pillar of national growth and justice. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) funds Gennova's mRNA vaccine for Disease X development Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) funds Gennova's mRNA vaccine for Disease X development Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 25, 2023 cepi.net Genetic Health Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd from Pune have announced an updated funding agreement to expedite the advancement of their self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) platform for generating vaccine candidates against unknown pathological threats, referred to as Disease X. CEPI will provide up to $3.6 million to optimize the saRNA-platform technology, manufacturing processes, and production output. The upcoming focus will involve the creation of a vaccine candidate targeting the rabies virus, which will then undergo preclinical assessments. The funding forms a part of CEPI's initiative to back pioneering RNA vaccine platform technologies designed for emerging infectious diseases and specific prevalent conditions. These methods may provide significant advantages over traditional mRNA procedures, including multivalency, greater immunogenicity, upgraded storage and stability, higher yield, quicker response times, and cost-efficiency. The saRNA vaccine platform created by Gennova might be one of the CEPI-endorsed RNA technology lineups that could enable rapid responses to future epidemics and pandemic dangers, possibly within 100 days of identification.

China's Ambitious Carbon Reduction Initiative: Carbon to Gold Loan Scheme China's Ambitious Carbon Reduction Initiative: Carbon to Gold Loan Scheme Content Editor: Dr. Pradipta S December 6, 2023 Reuters Global Warming, Carbon Emissions, Carbon Footprints Shenzhen's Metro station carbon coin initiative registered 14.6 million users, slashing 720,000 metric tons of emissions since August 2022. Household carbon emission contribute over half of China's annual 10 billion metric tons of emissions, highlighting individual potential in emission cuts. China's "Carbon Road for Everyone" promotes public transport usage, tree planting, and energy reduction among citizens in multiple initiatives. Banks experiment with "personal carbon account" systems, the People's Bank of China's pilot "carbon to gold loan" in Quzhou, offering credit rating benefits. A significant challenge with this initiative would be valuing CO2 reductions from various human behaviors like commuting, heating, or waste disposal.