National Media Delegation Praises NIV Pune’s Viral Research Efforts Content Editor: Dr. Lopamudra July 12, 2025 at 5:29:52 PM Virology, Viral Diseases A delegation of national media representatives toured NIV Pune to observe its pioneering work in viral disease control . During the visit, scientists demonstrated their critical contributions to public health security. Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of NIV, presented recent breakthroughs including surveillance of COVID-19 mutations , containment of Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases , and progress on made-in-India vaccines targeting Mpox , Kyasanur Forest Disease, H5N1, and Japanese Encephalitis. The institute marked a technological milestone with NAKSHATRA - India's inaugural High-Performance Computing system dedicated to viral genomics , enhancing research capabilities. Since its 1952 founding, NIV Pune has served as India's frontline defense against viral threats through swift diagnosis and epidemic control measures. Previous Next

Antimicrobial resistance: A global health threat Content Editor: Dr. Sivanthiga June 22, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Antimicrobial Resistance, Sustainable development Goals, Research findings The study used the six-year data set (from Jan 2017 to Dec 2022) from the Indian Council of Medical Research Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (IAMRSN). The results revealed a global health threat of escalating levels of antimicrobial resistance. Associations between higher antibiotic resistance and lower Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) achievements were established. The AMR trends in pathogen groups such as gram-negative, gram-positive organisms, Enterobacteriaceae were identified. An AMR scorecard for targeted interventions based on demographics was proposed. Cefotaxime resistance emerged as a potential early indicator for emerging carbapenem resistance, suggesting a novel surveillance marker ; thus, ‘indicator antibiotics ’ were introduced. The following recommendations were made: Implement proactive surveillance of AMR to align with WHO GLASS standards. Vigilantly monitor escalating carbapenem resistance. Tailor treatment guidelines based on demographics. Develop targeted interventions using AMR scorecards. Emphasize associations between AMR and SDG to help in policymaking . Click here to read more. Previous Next

CDC issues level 2 travel advisory for Chikungunya CDC issues level 2 travel advisory for Chikungunya Content Editor: Dr Urmimala November 22, 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Advisory, Chikungunya, Outbreak, Global Health Following a rise in the number of US travelers returning from Telangana, India, diagnosed with Chikungunya , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the Level 2 Travel Advisory notice . The Advisory includes: Symptoms of the disease- fever, joint pain, muscle ache, rashes . Route of Transmission- Vector-borne- Mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) bites Modes of Prevention- Self protection - wearing long sleeve clothes, using insect repellants Recommending Vaccination for all aged 18yrs and above travelling to areas of outbreak- with restrictions for certain groups like pregnant women and immunosuppressed. The four levels of travel advisories are meant to inform travellers about the global health risks of traveller to different areas of the world and the level of precautionary measures required. The recommendations are as follows- Level 1 for practicing usual precautionary measures for a disease Level 2 for practicing enhanced precautionary measures Level 3 for recommending reconsideration for travel due to non-essential reasons Level 4 to avoid all travel. Click here to read more.

Combating infant and child mortality: India's research and program initiatives Combating infant and child mortality: India's research and program initiatives Content Editor: Dr Shayari December 12, 2024 Press Information Bureau National Health Programs, National Health Mission, Health Research The Indian government, through the ICMR and the M inistry o f H ealth and F amily W elfare, is implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce newborn and child mortality and improve overall health outcomes. Key Takeaways: 1. ICMR Research Initiatives: The ICMR is conducting extensive research, including the "Sankalp" program to reduce neonatal mortality to the single digits, research on reducing stillbirths, studies on childhood respiratory diseases (which reveal differences from Western data), and projects focusing on the first 1000 days of life, sickle cell disease screening, and birth defect surveillance. 2. National Health Mission (NHM) Programs: The NHM is implementing numerous nationwide programs to improve newborn and child health. Key initiatives include establishing specialized newborn care units (SNCUs and NBSUs ), promoting mother-newborn care (MNCUs and KMC ), providing home-based care (HBNC & HBYC ), ensuring free treatment under JSSK , implementing universal immunization (UIP ), promoting breastfeeding (MAA ), combating pneumonia (SAANS ) and diarrhea (STOP Diarrhoea ), screening children under RBSK , managing malnutrition in NRCs , addressing anemia (AMB ), and providing extensive capacity building for healthcare providers. 3. The ICMR is forging dynamic partnerships with stakeholders, including national/state pediatric associations and NGOs, to amplify research and implementation endeavors. Click here to read more.

Global Report on Food Crises Global Report on Food Crises Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti May 8, 2023 UNICEF Food Crisis, Global health The Food Security Information Network (FSIN) and Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) have come up with a joint analysis report, "Global Report on Food Crises ." The Report shows 258 million people across 58 countries in 2022 were in acute food insecurity . The main drivers of acute food insecurity are Conflict Economic crisis Extreme weather conditions . South Sudan had a food crisis of the highest severity. More than 50% of people in the seven countries who suffered "Catastrophe " (extreme starvation, malnutrition, and death) belonged to Somalia . For Further reading, click here

NMC's guide to professional conduct in e-book form Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti October 20, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Medical Ethics, Professional Conduct The National Medical Commission has launched an e-book on "Professional Conduct Review" based on case reports. Some of the aspects addressed by the book include: Good Doctor-patient relationship and The importance of skills and competence in eliminating communication gaps Prioritizing proper documentation of history and examination findings to avoid medical negligence Not claiming to be a specialist unless he/she possesses the required qualifications. Regulations on the signboard state that it should not be unusually large, put upon a chemist shop where he does not work or stay The signboard shouldn't contain any information other than- name, qualification/ degree earned at a university, name of the specialty, and registration number of the state medical council. The document also contains information on ethical guidelines for research and the role of informed consent. Previous Next

Health security risks and the growing plethora of disinformation Health security risks and the growing plethora of disinformation Content editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal February 23, 2024 WHO News Section Cyber attacks, Public health emergency WHO collaborated with the following agencies to produce two reports that provide a clearer understanding of health security risks posed by digital tools and how to reduce their likelihood and severity. INTERPOL, The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), The UN Office of Counter-terrorism, The UN International Computing Centre (UNICC), The UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, The CyberPeace Institute The first paper, "Examining the Threat of Cyber-attack on Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic ", emphasizes the far-reaching real-world consequences of cyber-attacks on health care. The second report, "Understanding Disinformation in the Context of Public Health Emergencies: The Case of COVID-19 ," examines various techniques to counter disinformation. Click here to read more.

"Ekushey February" - What it is about? "Ekushey February" - What it is about? February 22, 2023 UNESCO Historical Events, Prespectives The world celebrates International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism on February 21 every year since 1999. Theme : “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education” Aims to celebrate ways of expressing the world in its multiplicity, committing to the preservation of the diversity of languages as a common heritage and working for quality education – in mother tongues – for ALL. UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others. Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.

Implications of whole genome sequencing in foodborne diseases. Implications of whole genome sequencing in foodborne diseases. Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy November 28, 2023 WHO News Section WHO, public health, global health, social medicine, mental health Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a major initiative to improve our understanding of foodborne diseases. Through one health strategy, WGS will improve: Routine surveillance Epidemic detection Outbreak response Source identification A new WHO publication, "Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) as a Tool to Strengthen Foodborne Disease Surveillance and Response, " is a guide to using WGS as a surveillance tool. The publication has three sections: The Introductory module describes the minimum capacity requirements in the foodborne disease surveillance and response system The uses and applications of WGS in foodborne disease outbreak investigations The last module explains how WGS can be used for routine surveillance of foodborne illnesses

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