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.

Improving antibiotic stewardship: Need for conversion of IV to oral route Improving antibiotic stewardship: Need for conversion of IV to oral route Content Editor: Dr.Sumana Mukhopadhyay February 5, 2024 Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Antibiotic stewardship, AMR A US-based study on gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSIs) revealed that less than 50% were shifted from intravenous (IV) to oral antibiotics, indicating a potential for improved antibiotic stewardship. Johns Hopkins University and Trinity Health researchers assessed records of 4,581 GN-BSI cases in 24 US hospitals in 2019 . Only 43% were shifted to oral therapy by day 7, despite 90% achieving clinical stability by day 5. Hospitals showed varied transition rates (25.8% to 65.9%). The most prevalent infections were E. Coli urinary tract infections (60.4%). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase infections were more common in the IV group . Oral therapy had a shorter duration (median 11 vs. 13 days), with fluoroquinolones prescribed the most (62.2%). The authors suggested opportunities for early oral changeover and advocated targeted education for antimicrobial stewardship teams.

Quantification of the benefits of electric buses: Findings from a research study Quantification of the benefits of electric buses: Findings from a research study Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar June 5, 2024 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health International health, climate, Health research Many qualitative studies explain the benefits of switching over to electric buses. But, this is the first to quantify that electric buses can improve human and planetary health. To quantify this, researchers compared the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from diesel bus tailpipes with electricity generation and battery production in electric school buses. They also compared how respective emissions contributed to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), which is linked to adult mortality and childhood asthma. Electric buses produced 181 metric tons less carbon dioxide emissions than their diesel counterparts, amounting to $40,400 in climate benefits. In addition to reduced air pollution, mortality rates, and childhood asthma, electric buses are associated with $ 43,800 in health savings. However, the study could not assess the impact of in-cabin air pollution on electric buses, which requires further studies. Electric school buses have tangible benefits. They can save and improve the lives of low-income communities and racial minorities who are affected by the health risks of air pollution. Click here to read more.

Nipah in Kerala: The way ahead Nipah in Kerala: The way ahead Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy August 1, 2024 Press Information Bureau Outbreak, Nipah, Surveillance, One health Recently, a 14-year-old boy from Kerala succumbed to death due to the fatal Nipah Virus. To manage the condition, ICMR delivered monoclonal antibodies to the hospital, but they weren’t used due to the boy’s poor general condition. A BSL-3 laboratory for additional sample testing has also arrived in Kozhikode. The National One Health Mission has deployed a multidisciplinary outbreak response team to support the state in investigating the case. The following measures have been advised by the Center to prevent the further spread of the disease: 1. Active contact tracing of contacts during the past 12 days. 2. Strict quarantine of contacts and isolation of suspects 3. Active case finding among the family and neighboring areas 4. Continued lab testing of samples. Efforts are ongoing to control the situation. Click here to read more.

India’s renewable energy capacity surges by 24.2 GW India’s renewable energy capacity surges by 24.2 GW Content Editor: Dr. Anamika November 28, 2024 Press Information Bureau Renewable energy, sustainability India’s renewable energy capacity increased by 24.2 GW (13.5%), reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024, compared to October 2023. Total non-fossil fuel capacity rose to 211.36 GW in 2024 from 186.46 GW in 2023. Total planned solar capacity stands at 250.57 GW, up from 166.49 GW in 2023. Wind energy capacity increased by 7.8%, reaching 47.72 GW, with a total pipeline of 72.35 GW. Hydro projects contributed 46.93 GW, while nuclear power added 8.18 GW to India’s clean energy portfolio. Read more, click here

Burden of falls among the older adults Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy September 11, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Geriatric health, Injuries, Morbidity and Mortality Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults >65 years in the United States. A study was conducted to describe the patterns of fatal and nonfatal falls by sex and geography. Data was collected from: The 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) The 2021 National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) data. The findings of the study were as follows: 27.6% (14 million) of older adults reported such a history. Falls were higher among the women (28.9% vs. 26.1%) Falls were higher in the noncore countries. The rate of unintentional fall death was found to be 78 per 100,000, which was higher among men when compared to women. The incidence of falls and the rate of fall deaths were highest among the non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native persons. The highest percentage of falls and fall deaths were seen in Alaska and Wisconsin, respectively. Most falls are preventable but are the leading cause of high morbidity and mortality among older adults. Hence, prevention strategies need to be strengthened. Previous Next

WHO Urges Global Flavor Ban on Tobacco and Nicotine to Shield Youth WHO Urges Global Flavor Ban on Tobacco and Nicotine to Shield Youth Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 12, 2025 World Health Organisation World No Tobacco Day, Tobacco regulations Marking World No Tobacco Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO ) urged governments, demanding comprehensive proscriptions on all flavor complements and accessories within tobacco and nicotine products How flavors increase appeal and harm Menthol, bubblegum, cotton candy, and similar tastes mask harshness, making products more enticing, especially to youth. Flavor chemicals (e.g., diacetyl, cinnamaldehyde) present direct respiratory risks when inhaled, and can reinforce dependence. Current regulatory gaps While over fifty nations have implemented bans on flavored tobacco and more than forty restrict flavored e-cigarettes (sometimes targeting disposables or specific flavors), significant gaps remain. Flavor accessories—including crushable capsules, flavor cards, sprays, and filter tips—often circumvent existing regulatory frameworks. Industry marketing tactics Big multinational tobacco companies use bright packaging, misleading descriptors (“natural,” “clean,” “reduced-risk”), and social media influencers to promote flavored products. “Next-generation” items are positioned as safer alternatives, yet many users become dual- or poly-users rather than quitting. WHO’s recommended actions Implement comprehensive bans on all flavorings and flavor accessories. Enforce strict advertising and promotion prohibitions, including digital platforms. Launch counter-marketing campaigns based on credible, independent sources. Strengthen monitoring of emerging products, industry tactics, and potential illicit markets. Notable country efforts Belgium, Denmark, and Lithuania have started regulating flavor/accessories. With roughly eight million annual tobacco-related deaths, WHO stresses that eliminating flavors is critical to prevent a new wave of youth addiction and preserve decades of progress in tobacco control.

Statement from the 40th meeting of Polio-IHR Emergency Committee: Addressing Global Poliovirus threat Content Editor: Dr Soundher December 26, 2024 at 7:08:56 PM Emerging disease, Disease Outbreak, Polio, International health The Emergency Committee reviewed data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV) with context to the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and cVDPV2 elimination by 2029. Data indicate global transmission of WPV1 is geographically limited to two endemic countries , but there was intensifying transmission within these countries in 2024 i.e. Pakistan and Afghanistan . The committee noted much of cVDPv outbreaks are linked to lack of house to house vaccination campaigns, inaccessibility, insecurity, and high concentrations of zero-dose and underimmunized children with continued population displacement. The committee unanimously agreed that the risk of international spread of polio virus is a public health emergency of International Concern (PHEIC ) and recommended the extension of temporary recommendations for another 3 months. Click here to read more. 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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