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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Cancer outcomes and the Y chromosome Cancer outcomes and the Y chromosome Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad July 22, 2023 The Hindu Cancer, Genetics, Research According to various studies, the role of Y chromosome might be important in determining cancer outcomes. The results of two such studies have been published in the ‘Nature’ journal. In one study, Ronald DePinho and colleagues from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, used a mouse model to investigate sex disparities in colorectal cancer that involved the KRAS oncogene. Similar to human findings, male mice had worse survival rates and more metastases. A gene on the Y chromosome that promotes cancer invasion and immune evasion is overexpressed, according to analysis. The second study by Dan Theodorescu and colleagues from Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, studied 300 male bladder cancer patients to determine how loss of Y chromosome would alter cancer outcomes. Tumours without the Y chromosome were more aggressive and had a muted T cell-mediated immune response. Y chromosome loss was found to be related with an improved response to anti-PD1 checkpoint blockade therapy in both mice and humans, suggesting a potential course of treatment for this subset of bladder malignancies.

10-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 6 - 12th March, 2023 Union Health Ministry is keeping a close watch on the Influenza situation A total of 3038 laboratory-confirmed cases of Influenza have been reported including the H3N2 subtype till 9th March 2023. H3N2 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus. It is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects humans and animals including birds, and pigs . It is known to cause more severe illness in young children and in older adults . India normally sees 2 peaks of seasonal Influenza : January to March and in the post-monsoon season. This time the number of cases is more than normal, predominantly H3N2 . Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme is being used to keep track of all cases of Influenza-like illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections presenting in health facilities. In February a total of 436,523 cases of Influenza like Illness and 6919 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness has been reported. The public health facilities are also providing the drug Oseltamivir free of cost. The drug was shifted to Schedule H1 from Schedule X of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act in February 2017. ICMR network of laboratories: An integrated surveillance network for Influenza Like Illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness is being used to detect the human influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. The surveillance architecture consists of 28 sites, which is comprised of 27 DHR-ICMR’s Virus Research & Diagnostic Laboratories and National Influenza Center at ICMR-National Institute of Virology Pune (WHO Collaborating Center for Global Influenza Surveillance & Response System) Government guidelines: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the guidelines on categorization, treatment protocol, ventilatory management. To access these guidelines - click here . Content Editor : Dr. Gaurav Singh Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, March 11, 2023 Influenza Epidemic, H3N2 Can we break the chain of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus getting passed on from generation to generation? Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, a nationally renowned Diabetologist while addressing the Annual Conference of DIPSI (Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India), said Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus has already assumed epidemic proportions in India and prevention of Diabetes in Pregnancy is critical to the well-being of India's future generation. He said that a woman who gets Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is likely to pass on to her progeny a higher preponderance to develop Type-2 diabetes and that too at a relatively younger age. He praised Dr. V. Seshiah and his team who recommended conducting a "Spot Test" for blood sugar in every pregnant woman and today they have developed a "Single Procedure Test in Pregnancy ”. The preventive project of diabetes in pregnancy taken up by Dr. V. Seshiah is in tune with the preventive healthcare preferences of the government to ensure the health and well-being of the youth whose energy and productivity are crucial for the next 25 years. Content Editor : Dr. Yamini Singh Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, March 11, 2023 Maternal and Child Health, NCDs, Diabetes Mellitus ISHTA 2023: Symposium on Healthcare Technology Assessment for Universal Health Coverage held at New Delhi The second International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA) 2023 was held in New Delhi with a focus on affordability, availability, and accessibility of healthcare technologies through evidence generated by Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for Universal Health Coverage. The event was organized by Health Technology Assessment in India, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with WHO India Country Office and Center for Global Development. The symposium included the release of a video on ‘The Journey of HTAIn ’ and a book, ‘Policy Briefs (volume 2) ,” containing policy briefs of HTA studies conducted in India. The event was attended by various ministers, secretaries, and delegates from 23 countries. Content Editor : Dr. Purnoor Kaur WHO News Section Source : Published on : Saturday, March 11, 2023 Global health, Health Technology Assessment Higher prevalence of Dementia in India: LASI A study done using the sample of LASI (Longitudinal Aging Study in India) estimated the prevalence of Dementia among the elderly (>60 years) to be 8.44% - equating to 10.08 million people in the country . The subsample of LASI participants received an extensive cognitive assessment, clinical rating, and diagnoses of dementia . A semi-supervised machine learning model was developed to predict the status of dementia among participants without a diagnosis. Dementia was higher among participants who were females, lived in rural areas , and received no education. This study helps in making the long-term plan and social care policy. Content Editor : Dr. Ranjitha R Journal of Neuroepidemiology Source : Published on : Saturday, March 11, 2023 Research finding, dementia, LASI, Geriatric health. Real-time surveillance of Acute Respiratory Illness One death each in Haryana and Karnataka was attributed to H3N2 influenza . The real-time surveillance data of IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) reported 3,038 laboratory-confirmed cases of various subtypes of influenza up till 9th March 2023 and 1,33,412 cases of Acute Respiratory Illness/Influenza Like Illness (ARI/ILI) in the first nine days of March 2023. ICMR is conducting integrated surveillance of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) to detect human Influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 through a network of 28 sites. For the first nine weeks of 2023, Influenza A H3N2 has been the predominant sub-type followed by Influenza B Victoria and Influenza A H1N1pdm09 , across India. Content Editor : Dr. Urmimala Maiti Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Acute Respiratory Illness, Influenza, IDSP, ICMR Task force on production and promotion of bio-fertilizers Considering the efficient use of fertilizers, NITI Ayog has devised a task force under the chairmanship of Prof. Ramesh Chand to:- assess biofertilizer production and consumption in India Devise innovations to promote the cow economy and use manure as biofertilizers. Policy measures to produce, package, market & distribute organic fertilizers as an alternative to inorganic ones . Formulate Public Private Partnership models with gaushalas, Dairy cooperatives, and Farmer Producer Organisations to ensure sustainable bio-farming. The report released today on "Production and Promotion of Organic and Bio-fertilizers with Special Focus on Improving Economic Viability of Gaushalas " provides accurate estimates of operational and fixed costs of Gaushalas and setting up Bio-CNG plant and PROM (Phosphate Rich Organic Manure) plants and recommendations on the economic viability of Gaushalas. Content Editor : Dr. Urmimala Maiti NITI Aayog Source : Published on : Saturday, March 11, 2023 Agriculture, Bio-farming, NITI Ayog Antibiotic drugs administered on livestock cuts carbon in soil Researchers at the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have found that grazing by livestock leads to lower carbon storage in soil compared to grazing by wild herbivores . The soils from the wild and livestock areas differed in one key parameter called carbon use efficiency (CUE) , which determines the ability of microbes to store carbon in the soil. The soil in the livestock areas had 19% lower CUE. This difference appears to be due to the use of veterinary antibiotics such as tetracycline on livestock. When released into the soil through dung and urine, these antibiotics alter the microbial communities in the soil in ways that are detrimental to sequestering carbon . To read the complete article - click here Content Editor : Dr. Immanuel Joshua. E The Hindu Source : Published on : Saturday, March 11, 2023 Environmental Health, One Health Real-time monitoring of green-house gases: UN Meteorological Organization The UN’s Meteorological Organization targets new Global Greenhouse Gas monitoring infrastructure that provides standardized, real-time tracking of greenhouse gas . It will integrate space-based and surface-based data and clarify the source of greenhouse gas emissions . It will help the policymakers to understand the gap and come up with climate change mitigation plans. The plan might be fully operationalized in the next 5 years . Content Editor : Dr. Ranjitha R World Meteorological Organization Source : Published on : Friday, March 10, 2023 Climate change, Greenhouse gas, United Nations Highlights of Post- Budget Webinar on Health & Medical research On March 6th, 2023, a Post- Budget webinar by Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized using digital innovations in healthcare and medical research. Advised to learn from the pandemic’s impact on the supply chain for life-saving drugs - Comparison of the healthcare- pre & post-pandemic period. Affordable medical care- Ayushman Bharat scheme saved Rs. 80,000 crores & Jan Aushadhi scheme saved Rs. 20,000 crores for patients. Strengthening health infrastructures : 260 new medical colleges, doubling the number of medical seats in graduate and PG courses compared to 2014, and opening 157 nursing colleges. Strengthen the digital health initiatives for health care & medical research. Increase the opportunities for startups in the healthcare sector, to use indigenous digital technology to support the healthcare system. Encouraged the pharma sector to expand its market size. Content Editor : Dr. Ranjitha R Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Friday, March 10, 2023 Digital Health, Health Budget 78th Multiple Indicator Survey Report The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, National Sample Survey Office have released the report on Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS) in its 78th round. The survey covered the entire country except for Andaman and Nicobar Islands . The survey conducted was for the collection of information 1) Household level - on access to drinking water, hygiene, sanitation, etc. 2) Individual-level - on education and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) skills Individual-level; on particulars of migration bank or financial account-related information Construction/ purchase of houses or flats for residential purposes after 31.03.2014. The information so collected is aimed to generate information on important national indicators of Sustainable Development Goals . Key findings : 95% of rural and 97.2% of urban populations reported access to improved drinking water sources. 78.7% of rural and 97.1% of urban households reported access to latrines. To download the report - click here Content Editor : Dr. Urmimala Maiti Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation Source : Published on : Thursday, March 9, 2023 National Sample Survey, Sustainable Development Goals, Are Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 violative of the Forest Right Act, 2006? The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change in June 2022 , notified the Forest (Conservation) Rules 2022, which prescribed the mechanism for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. New Rules omitted a clause (present in 2014 and 2017 Rules) that required any proposal to mandatorily have the consent of local tribespeople and other traditional forest dwellers of the area , before proceeding for Stage 1 clearance (approval of central government). This was pointed out by National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) highlighting violations of rights like pushing the State and Union Territory governments for diversion of forest land at the earliest and unfair FRA compliance reports. NCST says the requirement for consent and recognition of rights prior to stage 1 clearance provided a legal space for the completion of the process for recognition of rights under FRA. For further reading about forest conservation rules - click here Content Editor : Dr. Yamini Singh The Hindu Source : Published on : Thursday, March 9, 2023 Global Health, Deforestation Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW To LEAVE or to LIVE is the question among state and local public health staffs The study, published today in Health Affairs, compared intent to leave or retire in 2017 with actual separations through 2021 among state and local public health staff at agencies that participated in the PH WINS survey in both years. The study found that 46% of state and local employees left their organizations during that time. The number rose to 74% among employees under age 35 and 77% among employees with less than five years of experience. This rate of departure has a great societal impact through the loss of critical public health experience and institutional knowledge during a health crisis. If the trend continues, nearly 130,000 staff will have left their jobs by 2025. We’re losing early-career professionals at the same time that senior leaders are leaving in droves. These two trends are colliding in a perfect storm that leaves us extremely vulnerable to the next public health threat. Stopgap measures : 1. Offer accessible and affordable supervisory training, 2. Create a mentorship program 3. Reduce the burden of student debt Content Editor : Dr. Monk de Beaumont Foundation Source : Published on : Thursday, March 9, 2023 Public Health / Social Security Capital stuck in losing game: Delhi remains the most polluted in NCR in spite of lower average PM 2.5 According to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment , although the average PM 2.5 level in Delhi this winter was the lowest since 2018-19, Delhi remains the most polluted city in the National Capital Region . The improvement was attributed to meteorology and emergency action based on pollution forecasting. The average PM 2.5 level in Delhi from October 1 to January 31 was 160 µg/m3, lower than the previous year . However, the highest average PM 2.5 level of 211 µg/m3 was recorded at the Nehru Nagar monitoring station , and Jahangirpuri was the most polluted neighborhood. Hotspots are identified in North and East Delhi. Content Editor : Dr. Purnoor Kaur Centre for Science and Environment Source : Published on : Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Air Pollution, Environmental Health Monkeys maul a 70 year old to death in Telangana: Elderly vulnerable to animal attacks In a tragic incident in Ramareddy village, Kamareddy district, Telangana , 70-year-old Chataraboina Narsavva was killed by a troop of 20 monkeys in her house . On Saturday, she was alone as her daughter, Suguna, had gone out to a wedding. When the troop pounced at her, she was washing utensils inside her house. No one came to rescue her out of fear. After the monkeys left, she was rushed to a hospital, however, she succumbed to death due to severe injuries . Content Editor : Dr. Purnoor Kaur The Hindu Source : Published on : Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Elderly Health, Vulnerable populations Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2023 (7th March) Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi pariyojana (PMBJP) (2016) was launched with a vision to bring down the healthcare budget of every citizen of India by providing quality Generic medicines at affordable prices. Till 31st January 2023, 9082 PMBJP Kendras opened 32.94 Crore Janaushadhi ‘Suvidha’ Sanitary Napkins (Rs. 1 per pad) sold , 1759 generic medicines, and 280 surgical types of equipment added to the scheme. Since 2019, the 7th of march is celebrated as Jan Aushadhi Diwas every year . This year one week (1st to 7th March) celebration was planned . Doctors should be encouraged to prescribe generic medicines to help poor patients . Jan Aushadhi Sugam – Mobile app to locate Kendras and the price of medicines is available Previous name: Jan Aushadhi Scheme (2008), Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi yojana (2015) Under Ministry of Chemicals& Fertilizers, Department of Pharmaceuticals. Content Editor : Dr. Ranjitha R Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India Source : Published on : Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Public health day, Health programmes "High Seas Treaty" to Protect Ocean Health Under the leadership of Ambassador Rena Lee at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Inter-Governmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) had come up with the "High Seas Treaty" on 5th March 2023 after two weeks of negotiation on the draft. The Global Legal Framework places 30% of the world's oceans in protected areas . This brings more investment in marine conservation. Access to and use of marine resources for genetic research . In accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework , it is a crucial step towards achieving ocean-related targets of sustainable development. The support of NGOs, academic institutions, research centers, and scientific and civil societies is a critical requirement. Content Editor : Dr. Urmimala Maiti UN News Section Source : Published on : Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Gobal Health, Marine Biodiversity, High Seas Treaty Digital India Act - Two pronged "regulator" on cybercrime & e-commerce Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is set to replace the existing IT Act 2000 with a new and more important act, Digital India Act (DIA). It safeguards child and women’s safety along with regulations against spreading misinformation and online harassment . GoI is committed to making Internet Service Providers (ISPs) accountable for hosting offensive content . New regulations for data storage , online gaming , cyberbullying , doxing , and other cybercrimes. Intermediaries can't be allowed to perpetuate the circulation of offensive material in the garb of privacy and freedom of speech. Content Editor : Dr. Monk The Times of India Source : Published on : Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Data Protection, Criminal and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Combination therapy a life saver - for Severe Scrub Typus: INTEREST Trial Scrub Typhus, a zoonotic bacterial infection presents as an acute febrile illness if untreated and can reach severe disease in 70% of patients. Severe disease can lead to prolonged hospitalization and even lead death due to multiorgan dysfunction and shock. A Randomized Controlled Intravenous Treatment for Scrub Typhus (INTREST)Trial done across seven sites in India revealed that combination therapy is superior to monotherapy with IV doxycycline or azithromycin. In the trial, patients with severe disease received in-hospital, 7-days, IV Doxycycline (200 mg BD on day 1, then 100 mg BD) , and Azithromycin (500 mg BD on day 1, then 500 mg OD ) as a combination therapy . The incidence of complications of scrub typhus and composite primary outcome event (persistent complications by day 7) is better i.e., lesser in combination therapy. Faster bacterial clearance is achieved in both azithromycin and combination therapy. For further reading - Click here Content Editor : Dr. Ranjitha R The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Source : Published on : Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Scrub Typhus, Infectious disease, Evidence Based Medicine Beware of fake drug rackets! The interstate fake drug trade has revealed spurious companies manufactured sub-standard quality drugs and sold them under known pharmaceutical names across various states of India. Odisha-UP joint (Special Task Force) seized Rs. 7.35 crore of fake medicines , and offenders were arrested. An inter-state investigation has been going on regarding the issue. Public and healthcare workers have to be aware of fake drug rackets . The fake drug racket distribution at low prices is more prevalent in rural areas. Jan Aushadhi Kendras might be the future solution to this problem. Content Editor : Dr. Ranjitha R The Indian Express Source : Published on : Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Drug Quality Standards WHO launches Policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct The policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct launched by WHO, places the victims and survivors at its core and sets strict standards of zero tolerance, and stresses that there can be “no excuse” for sexual misconduct . This policy comes into effect from 8th March 2023 . The Independent Commission, which the WHO Director-General established in 2020 to investigate claims of sexual exploitation and abuse during the response to the 10th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo , produced important findings that led to the development of the new policy, which is a crucial part of the comprehensive program WHO is implementing in response. The umbrella term “sexual misconduct” refers to all types of forbidden sexual behavior by employees and partners of the organization . For reading the complete policy document - Click here Content Editor : Dr. Manjeet Mohanty WHO News Section Source : Published on : Monday, March 6, 2023 Gender Equality, Women Rights Rising Influenza (H3N2) cases - ICMR issues Advisory Due to the rising cases of H3N2 influenza A cases , observed in the laboratory network for ILI-SARI (Influenza-like illness- Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses) Surveillance, the Indian council of medical research (ICMR) has issued new advisories . There was a rise seen in the H3N2 Influenza A cases in the surveillance data from 15th December till date . About half of in-patient SARI and outpatient ILI were found to have Influenza A H3N2. The most common symptoms seen in the hospitalized patients in decreasing order were fever, cough, breathlessness, wheezing, pneumonia, and seizures . 10% of these patients needed oxygen and 7% required ICU care . Do’s - washing hands , wearing masks , avoiding crowded places , taking plenty of fluids , taking PCM for fever and body ache have been encouraged. Don'ts - Not maintaining distance even while greeting people, spitting in public , and use of antibiotics or other medications without consulting a doctor. Content Editor : Dr. Sangya Chaudhary ICMR Source : Published on : Monday, March 6, 2023 ICMR, Respiratory illnesses, Influenza H3N2 Insurers to design covers for Mental Illnesses and HIV/AIDS The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued a circular directing all general and health insurers to offer specific insurance coverage for people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness. The circular highlights the sections of various Acts i.e. Mental Health Care Act 2017, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, and HIV and AIDS Act 2017, that require insurers to offer appropriate coverage for a year and are renewable . The insurers must put in place a board-approved underwriting policy that ensures no proposal is denied due to the stated disabilities and/or illnesses. The product's scope can be expanded but cannot be narrowed down , and the insurers may determine the product's price, complying with the norms specified in the IRDAI (Health Insurance) Regulations, 2016. For further reading, click here Content Editor : Dr. Sangya Chaudhary IRDAI Source : Published on : Monday, March 6, 2023 Health Insurance, HIV, Mental Illness New Security Mechanism for Aadhaar Identification The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has developed a new security mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication to detect spoofing attempts . The mechanism uses a combination of finger minutiae and finger images to check the liveness of the fingerprint captured, making Aadhaar authentication more robust and secure. The new two-factor authentication validates the genuineness of the fingerprint, reducing the chances of spoofing attempts . The new security mechanism is expected to benefit the banking, financial, telecom, and government sectors, and strengthen the Aadhaar-enabled payment system . The adoption of Aadhaar-based authentication transactions has been witnessing an upward trend, with the cumulative number of Aadhaar authentication transactions crossing 88.29 billion by the end of December 2022, and clocking an average per day transactions of 70 million. For further reading, click here Content Editor : Dr. Sangya Chaudhary UIDAI, Govt. of India Source : Published on : Monday, March 6, 2023 Government of India, AADHAAR, UIDAI Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives This is a title. View More This is an extra long title. Click here to edit and add your own text. It's easy. View More This is a title. Click here to edit and add your own text. View More This is a title. 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Can cats and dogs transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans? Can cats and dogs transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans? Content Editor: Dr Anubhav Mondal May 3, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Antimicrobial Resistance, One health, Zoonotic The University of Lisbon examined samples from dogs and cats with community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), as well as their healthy owners. They concentrated on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)/AmpC- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, which could be transmitted from pets to their owners. They discovered carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in a single dog (1 of 43 companion animals, 2.3%) in Portugal and in one dog (1 of 22, 4.5%) in the United Kingdom. Though researchers were unable to completely confirm the path of transmission, they believe the findings indicate that the bacteria were carried from pets to their owners. Further studies in this gray area need to be done. These findings highlight the necessity of enrolling pet-owning households in national programmes that track antibiotic resistance. Click here to read more.

Women have been used as an instrument of perpetrating violence throughout history, which is also stated by the Supreme Court on the Manipur Violence incident. Sexual violence is not just violence of human rights but also a sensitive public health issue that needs to be addressed. Safety and Social Justice for women through stringent laws and regulations must be executed extensively rather than their mere existence on paper. Public Health News Analysis Safety And Social Justice For Women In Current India - What Manipur Violence Is Telling Us Image credits: Dr. Thamizhmaran Author: Dr. Sowmiya Nehru Durai Updated on : August 31, 2023 Manipur violence, sexual violences, women safety, patriarchy Despite all the schemes, laws, and orders implemented, the crime rate of sexual violence is not declining up to the mark. This may be tackled through individual, family, community, local bodies and state-level actions. Special investigation units for speedy justice, involvement of people with lived experience in policy making and NCW for legislative measures, enhancing reporting by eliminating barriers, and support to the victim on all fronts are the critical measures. Introduction Meitei community, which has a majority Hindu population, and Kuki tribe, which has a majority Christian population, have been engaged in ongoing ethical conflict because of the proposed ST (scheduled tribal) category reservation for the Meitei group (1). On July 20, 2023, a heart-wrenching viral video surfaced on Twitter, where two Kuki-zo tribal women were stripped, paraded naked, and allegedly sexually harassed by Meitei men on 4th May 2023(2). Prime Minister Hon. Narendra Modi addressed the situation in the state for the first time on July 20, 2023, saying : “The incident in Manipur is shameful for any civil society.”(2) Supreme Court took Suo motu cognizance of the video. “Using a woman as an instrument of perpetrating violence in a charged atmosphere is simply unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” the court had emphasized in its order. (3) Sexual violence as an instrument of subjugation and humiliation Sexual violence is not just violence of human rights but also a sensitive public health issue that needs to be addressed. Survivors of sexual violence suffer from various physical and psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, even to the extent of committing suicide arising out of mental trauma. Throughout history, Sexual violence has often been used weapon by privileged oppressors to exploit and humiliate underprivileged people, in the name of nationality, religion, ethnicity, caste, or gender. We are obliged to realize that these under-reported numbers are not just mere statistics, but actual lives of the victim women, whose lives were traumatized and destroyed. Safety and security measures for women and girls National Commission for Women (NCW) – investigates and examines the safety issues of women and presents the reports and recommendations to the Central Government. MoHFW has issued guidelines for medico-legal and psycho-social care for the survivors of sexual violence , which states that health professionals should ensure- 1.Consultation is done in private confidentially 2.Being supportive, non-judgmental, and validating what the survivor is saying 3.Listening carefully to the history of violence without pressuring her to talk 4.Helping her access to resources and information for legal and other services 5.Assessing suicidal ideation 6.Giving crisis counseling to overcome trauma, discard the feelings of self-blame, re-building confidence, and realize that it is the perpetrator who should feel ashamed, by explaining that - “Rape” is a violation of bodily integrity and not a loss of honour. Assault is an abuse of power and not an act of lust. Positive messaging such as “You are not responsible for rape”, “It is not about the clothes you wear” ( 10) 7.Assessing the safety of the survivor whether reoccurrence of sexual violence is possible and making adequate safety plans like police complaints about the threats received, building support strategy with the community, and temporary relocation from the old residence. HELPLINE NUMBERS National Commission for Women Helpline – 7827170170 Central Social Welfare Board -Police Helpline - 1091/ 1291, (011) 23317004 Shakti Shalini – 10920 Shakti Shalini - women's shelter - (011) 24373736/ 24373737 Sakshi - Violence Intervention Center - (0124) 2562336/ 5018873 Online course for public servants and policymakers WHO estimates that 1 in 3 women around the world face physical/sexual violence . Due to under-reporting and under-researched knowledge gaps in diverse women’s experiences of violence, the WHO-UN Women Joint Program on Violence Against Women Data and Measurement , in collaboration with Apolitical and the UN Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) , launched an online course for public servants and policymakers, as policymakers play a critical role in prevention and response. ( 11) Way Forward Attacking vulnerable women and girls is to tempt, humiliate, and provoke the opposite group to facilitate further violence, which is essentially the result of the typical patriarchal mindset. If the violence was intended to exert dominance, it might have been directed toward powerful or physically strong members of the opposing group. Despite all the current measures, schemes, laws, and order implemented, the crime rate is not declining up to the mark. * Yearly trends in rape- related crime rate per 100,000 women and girls reported in NCRB, 2001–2018 ( 12) Role of family, friends, and community: Survivors need support on all fronts. Family, friends, and health professionals have to ensure that survivors shouldn’t be held responsible for the assault. The survivors' road to rehabilitation is hampered by comments like, "She should have been careful," or "She should have resisted."(10) Role of Sex Education in Prevention: Culturally sensitive sexual education curriculum has to be implemented rigorously for school and college students , as many studies have shown its effectiveness in raising awareness about reproductive health issues and prevention of sexual assault, including intimate partner violence. ( 13) Role of policymakers and decision-makers: In order for India to achieve the SDG goal of eradicating all kinds of violence against women and girls, it is urgently necessary to address reporting barriers and enhance the quality and extent of administrative data captured on sexual violence. (12) Special investigation units and speedy justice will encourage the victims to seek justice. (14) To address contemporary challenges, the involvement of NCW is vital for achieving long-lasting legislative solutions with required amendments. People with lived experiences have to be a part of policy and decision-making . Above all, the significant role played by political determinants should not be ignored. Manipur violence is a stark reminder that when the safety and dignity of one person is violated then no one is protected against extremism, hatred, and mob mentality. It is our duty to guarantee that all these stringent laws and regulations are executed extensively rather than their mere existence on paper. References 1. Graeme B. Manipur violence: What is happening and why. BBC News (2023). 2. Manveena S et al. Shocking video emerges of sexual assault in India’s Manipur state amid ethnic violence. CNN Updated 4:10 PM EDT, Fri July 21 (2023). 3. Krishnadas R. SC stops CBI from recording statements of two Manipur women victims at noon. The HINDU (2023). 4. Urvashi B. The other side of silence: Voices from the partition of India. (Penguin UK, 2017). 5. “Let’s pay homage to 3 million killed, 200,000 women raped by Pak Army in 1971”: India. The HINDU (2020). 6. Gomez, S. Post-war Sri Lanka: Specific needs of sexual violence victims/survivors and children born of rape. UN Women- Asia and the Pacific (2017). 7. Khanna, R. Communal violence in Gujarat, India: impact of sexual violence and responsibilities of the health care system. Reprod Health Matters 16, 142–52 (2008). 8. No one held in rape cases of Muzaffarnagar riots. Zee News (2013). 9. Safety and Security of Women and Girls. https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1575574 (2019). 10. MoHFW. Guidelines & Protocols: medico-legal care for the survivors/ victims of sexual violences. MoHFW https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/953522324.pdf (2014). 11. WHO. New online course: How data can help to end violence against women. WHO https://www.who.int/news/item/28-08-2023-new-online-course--how-data-can-help-to-end-violence-against-women#:~:text=A%20new%20online%20course%20for,of%20Research%2C%20Development%20and%20Research (2023). 12. Dandona, R., Gupta, A., George, S., Kishan, S. & Kumar, G. A. Administrative data deficiencies plague understanding of the magnitude of rape-related crimes in Indian women and girls. BMC Public Health 22, (2022). 13. Tripathi, N. & Sekher, T. V. Youth in India Ready for Sex Education? Emerging Evidence from National Surveys. PLoS One 8, e71584 (2013). 14. B.PAC. Top 10 Safety Measures which Must be Implemented for Women. B.SAFE , Child Safety, Women Safety (2020). comments debug Comments Rated 0 out of 5 stars. No ratings yet Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

Harnessing nuclear technology for global food safety: Insights from FAO Harnessing nuclear technology for global food safety: Insights from FAO Content Editor: Dr. Prayag June 17, 2024 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Food Safety The Joint FAO/IAEA(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations / International Atomic Energy Agency) Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is organizing the International Symposium on Food Safety and Control. It aims to highlight the role that nuclear techniques in improving agricultural productivity and food safety. Over 400 national and international research institutes and experimental stations are involved in over 25 coordinated research initiatives that are annually coordinated and supported by the Joint FAO/IAEA Center. The symposium, which highlights the enormous influence of nuclear technology on global food and agriculture, is a critical turning point in the continuing cooperation between FAO and IAEA. Click here to re ad more

78-Headlines of the day (List) Public Health News Snippets 8 - 13th July, 2024 "Catch the Rain" campaign: To improve water security The National Water Mission (NWM), Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR), and Ministry of Jal Shakti organized a workshop-cum-orientation program in New Delhi for officials of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain—2024 campaign. The campaign aims to improve water security through rainwater harvesting and conservation efforts across India. The 2024 campaign focuses on 151 districts and has the theme "Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti," highlighting the importance of women's participation. The workshop focused on collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the public for successful campaign execution. The various strategies discussed included: Encouraging rainwater harvesting structures in urban and rural areas. Desilting water bodies and maintaining existing rainwater harvesting systems. Creating a District Waterbody Atlas to improve water management. Sharing best practices for spring ecosystem preservation and rainwater The campaign underscores the government's commitment to ensuring water security for all by adopting a proactive and participatory approach, leveraging technology, and highlighting the importance of traditional water conservation practices. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Shayari Nag Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 12, 2024 Water Conservation, Rainwater Harvesting, Public health Association between social connection and mental health issues: Research findings A study was conducted in the US to examine the association between loneliness and lack of social and emotional support , which are indicators of social disconnection, and mental health measures such as stress, mental distress and depression. It assessed the prevalence of these factors by demographic profiles such as sexual orientation and gender identity, using data from 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System( BRFSS). Weighted prevalence estimates for loneliness, lack of social and emotional support with 95% confidence interval were calculated , stratified by demographic variables. Overall prevalence estimates were 32.1% for loneliness and 24.1% for lack of social and emotional support. The adjusted prevalence ratios for stress, frequent mental distress (FMD), and history of depression (depression) among adults who reported loneliness were 3.61, 3.05, and 2.38 times as high , respectively, as were those among adults who did not. It offers evidence of the need for access to mental health and social services and addresses mental health outcomes related to loneliness and lack of social and emotional support. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Center for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : July 12, 2024 Mental health, Loneliness, Noncommunicable diseases Innovative HIV testing: Outcomes of the together "TakeMeHome" mail distribution program The Together TakeMeHome (TTMH) program, launched by the CDC in March 2023, aimed to improve access to HIV testing by directly providing HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) to consumers through the mail . In its inaugural year, the TTMH program distributed 443,813 tests to 219,360 individuals. With significant outreach through LGBTQ+ dating apps , the program specifically targeted populations that HIV affects disproportionately, such as young people, cisgender men, and people who identify as Hispanic or Black. Of the individuals who participated in follow-up surveys, 88.3% reported using the HIVST themselves, and 27.1% shared it with others. Furthermore, 11.7% sought additional preventive services, and 1.9% reported new positive HIVST results. These findings suggest that distributing HIVSTs by mail can effectively increase HIV testing and connect individuals to preventive and care services. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Center for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : July 12, 2024 HIV, Research findings, Innovation Addressing disparities and barriers in opioid use disorder treatment: An overview A report highlighting the disparities and barries to treatment of opoid use disorder in 2022, was recently published. In 2022, only 25% of U.S. adults needing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment received recommended medications , while 30% received treatment without them. Disparities exist, with higher percentages of white adults receiving any OUD treatment compared to Black or Hispanic adults. Men and adults aged 35–49 were more likely to receive medications than women and other age groups. To improve public health outcomes, there is a need for increased communication about the effectiveness of OUD medications and for healthcare providers to offer evidence-based treatments, including medications. Barriers to medication access include clinician preferences, regulatory issues, and lack of availability in pharmacies. This report underscores the underuse of OUD medications and the demographic disparities in treatment, highlighting the need to address these challenges. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Center for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : July 12, 2024 CDC weekly report, , Opioid use disorder, International Health News WHO report: Status of multi-country outbreak of Mpox The recent WHO Mpox External Situation Report provides an overview of the global Mpox outbreak status. The report indicates that there have been 97,745 confirmed cases and 203 deaths across 116 countries worldwide, with South Africa experiencing a severe outbreak with a high case fatality rate. In May 2024 alone, there were 646 new cases and 15 deaths, primarily in the African, European, and American regions. However, the report acknowledges that underreporting , particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), remains a significant challenge. The data shows that the majority of cases (96.4%) are male, predominantly within the 18-44 age group, with sexual contact being the primary mode of transmission . Common symptoms include a rash and fever, and the report highlights a notable 51.9% co-infection rate with HIV. In response, the WHO recommends targeted vaccination for high-risk group s and emphasizes the ongoing need for robust public health interventions and accurate reporting to manage the outbreak effectively. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay WHO News Section Source : Published on : July 12, 2024 WHO report, Mpox, International health, Outbreak Increasing rate of sexually transmitted infections in England: A 5% increase since 2023 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA ) analysis has shown that gonorrhea and syphilis diagnoses have increased by 7.5% and 9.4%, respectively, from the STI diagnosis and sexual health screens across England. When it comes to chlamydia, diagnoses were stable between 2022 and 2023, but there was a decrease in tests carried out in the later year. The increased popularity of dating apps might be one reason as it enables people to find sexual partners more easily than previous generations. This trend is not just limited to the UK only, but it is a global phenomenon. According to the analysis, a few STIs should have been eliminated, but due to a lack of funding and policies, they have not. One such example is congenital syphilis ; even after effective tests and treatment regimens, lack of routine screening leads to the continuation of mother-to-child transmission, which leads to devastating consequences. There is an urgent need to tackle this challenge to prevent such trends in the future. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Source : Published on : July 11, 2024 Sexual Health, Sexually transmitted diseases, Public health Mobile veterinary clinics bring livestock care to farmers' doorsteps in Yadgir Introduced in August 2020 by then-Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, the Pashu Sanjivni scheme provides a mobile veterinary service accessible via toll-free number 1962 , ensuring prompt emergency treatment for livestock. In the Yadgir district, the initiative has proven highly effective , deploying eight dedicated vehicles. Each vehicle is staffed by a doctor, veterinary inspector, and D-group employee and delivers immediate care to livestock. The service operates seamlessly by forwarding call details from the 1962 Emergency Response Centre to the nearest mobile veterinary clinic. This efficient coordination ensures that the clinic promptly visits the animal owner's location for on-the-spot treatment, enhancing the scheme's convenience. The service is managed by a private agency and supervised by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department and staffed by a dedicated veterinary team. However, it excludes surgical care for the animals. Dr. Raju Deshmukh, Deputy Director of the department, highlighted the scheme's benefits for farmers and urged them to utilize the helpline for their livestock's health needs. Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif Social trends Source : Published on : July 11, 2024 Mobile veterinary clinic, One health, Emergency veterinary care The hidden health risks of "acceptable" air quality The objectives of the study were as follows: To investigate the association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and daily mortality in multiple Indian cities To estimate the mortality attributable to PM 2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines for safe exposure(24 h ambient PM 2·5 standards of 15 μg/m3 not to be exceeded more than three to four times per year) and even exceeding India's own less stringent ambient air quality standards for 24 h ambient exposure (i.e., 60 μg/m3). For the study, data was collected from daily all-cause mortality records maintained by the death registries of ten municipal corporations in India. These areas represent the five climate-zone classifications needed to perform time-series analysis. The following interpretations have been made: 1. Short-term PM 2.5 exposure is associated with a high risk of death in India, even at levels below the Indian standard. 2. Associations were stronger for locally generated pollutants, supporting a causal link through causal modeling methods compared to conventional time-series analysis. The study underscores the urgent need for improved air quality management in India by providing critical evidence that short-term exposure to locally generated PM 2.5 significantly increases daily mortality rates, even at levels below current national standards. Thus, it highlights the profound impact of air pollution on public health. Click here to read more . Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi The Lancet Planetary Health Journal Source : Published on : July 11, 2024 Air quality, air pollution, Health risks Get stronger, live longer: The unexpected benefits of lifting weights A new BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine study investigated how one year of supervised high-intensity weight training impacts muscle function and size in older adults over three years. It compared this to moderate-intensity training and a control group. Randomized controlled trials were conducted on 451 adults at the retirement age (64-75 age bracket) at a University Hospital in Denmark. The results were assessed at the Baseline, post-1-year intervention, two years, and four years post-study start. The results depicted that heavy resistance training for one year in healthy adults of age may have a long-lasting beneficial impact on muscles by preserving muscle function. Overall, this study underscores the potential of heavy resistance training to preserve muscle function and prevent functional decline in older adults, highlighting an effective strategy for promoting healthy aging and reducing healthcare costs Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine Journal Source : Published on : July 11, 2024 Weight training, Old age, Physical Activity Heat action plans: The necessity to update them Heat Action Plans (HAPs) from nine cities (such as Delhi, Ahmedabad) and five districts (like Ferozepur, Vellore) were analysed. The analysis discovered that current heat response plans require more financial and legal support and do not clearly evaluate the effects of heat on the local people. More targeted plans are needed to address local problems, such as mapping people that are at risk. According to iForest's analysis (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology), the report recommends: Updating the definitions of heat waves, Reporting them as disasters under the Disaster Management Act, Taking high nighttime temperatures and relative humidity into consideration. India is predicted to experience more heat waves, which highlights the significance of comprehensive HAPs in preserving lives and livelihoods. Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Social Trends Source : Published on : July 11, 2024 Climate Change, Heat waves, Disaster management National webinar to raise awareness for criminal laws A national webinar was held to raise awareness and understanding of the three recently enacted criminal laws. Two webinars have been conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Rural Development. The webinar included the following: Opening address highlighting the key provisions of the laws In-depth insights into the positive impacts of these laws on women and children The event saw participation from around 50 lakh stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. This event aims to help individuals understand these laws, focusing on parts related to women and child protection, security, and safety. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 10, 2024 Criminal laws, Awareness, Women and child development "One Week One Theme": Campaign to showcase innovation The “One Week One Theme” campaign, inaugurated by the Union Minister, will be conducted from June to December 2024 . This platform aims to showcase activities related to technology packages and innovative and indigenous products. This was launched following the success of the previous “one week, one lab ” campaign. The eight themes include: Energy and devices Chemicals Aerospace Civil infrastructure Nutrition and biotech Healthcare Mining Environment One of the critical advances includes installing a pilot project to study “Conversion of pathogenic biomedical waste to value-added soil additives.” Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 10, 2024 Technology, Innovation, Public health Are the health systems equipped with resources to tackle the growing burden of fungal infections? In the past few decades, there has been an increase in new and re-emergent fungal diseases, which are known to primarily affect animals. The “one health” approach is the best way to combat such novel diseases . A review emphasizing the importance of integrating this approach to control the growing global fungal infections. The review highlights that the current health systems have been geared against viral infections due to COVID-19; however, the systems need to be more robust in handling the growing fungal infections. Fungal infections lead to over 2 million deaths annually , but this census is often concealed by listing the deaths under the underlying disease. A few essential fungal infections that have wreaked havoc include: Human outbreaks of Sporothrix brasiliensis Fungal keratitis related to agricultural activities Sporotrichosis related to unprotected horticultural activities Some of the recommendations provided by the review are as follows: Routine use of simple and inexpensive diagnostic tests will reduce unnecessary anti-bacterial therapy. Restriction of the use of azole fungicides in agriculture to reduce the emergence of resistance Cautious development of newer azoles for the treatment of these infections. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Indian Journal of Medical Research Source : Published on : July 10, 2024 Fungal Infections, One Health, Infectious diseases Long COVID: The impact on the daily functioning Long COVID is one of the many terms used to describe the persistent symptoms and the new or worsening health effects following the acute infection with SARS-COVID. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a report on the diagnosis, symptoms, and effects of long COVID-19 on individuals' daily functioning. The report aims to provide a single definition for long COVID, which will help streamline its management guidelines. The report made the essential discovery that a positive COVID test is not mandatory to be diagnosed with long-term COVID and reported that more than 200 symptoms are associated with long-term COVID-19. Some of the findings of the report are as follows: Females are two times more likely to be affected than males. Patients of COVID-19 who required hospitalization were two to three times more likely to be affected. Some of the most common effects include chronic fatigue and post-exertional malaise, which are often difficult to assess clinically but can impair an individual's functioning and interfere with schooling or work. The report found similarities between COVID-19 and other long-term diseases and concluded that further research is needed to understand the disease better. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Source : Published on : July 10, 2024 COVID-19, Long covid, Research findings Statistics Day 2024: Advancing India's development through data-driven policies On June 29, 2024, India celebrated Statistics Day , honoring Professor P.C. Mahalanobis's contributions to statistics and economic planning. The theme was "Use of Data for Decision-Making ." Secretary MoSPI highlighted recent initiatives to reduce survey data time lags, such as implementing Computer-Aided Personal Interviews (CAPI), introducing new surveys, and engaging users. The event also featured technical sessions and presentations on global data usage practices. MoSPI released the SDGs-National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024, and two related handbooks. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the eSankhyiki portal, enhancing data accessibility and management. This portal includes two modules: · The Data Catalogue, offering major datasets and · The Macro Indicators provide time series data with advanced visualization features. These initiatives aim to support evidence-based decision-making, aligning with the event's theme. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 10, 2024 Technology, Innovation, Statistics Promoting health equity: Initiative for thalassemia treatment Thalassemia is a rare inherited blood disorder requiring lifelong blood transfusions and other medical interventions. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) or Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is the only curative option for Thalassemia Major. Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY), a CSR project by GoI, funded by Coal India Ltd., supports the curative treatment of Thalassemia. The scheme, initiated in 2017, is now extended until 2026. TBSY provides financial assistance up to Rs. 10 lakh per case for eligible underprivileged patients. The National Health Mission, Odisha, has recently urged medical institutions to raise awareness and publicize the scheme. Eligible thalassemia patients with matched donors can apply through the State NHM, 11 empanelled hospitals, or the Thalasemic India Society. A list of 11 empanelled hospitals that meet the eligibility criteria is under the Orrisa scheme. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana National Health Mission, Odisha Source : Published on : July 9, 2024 Thalassemia, Genetic disorders, Transplantation “Aditi”: Narayana health unveils affordable surgical insurance Addressing the unmet needs in India's healthcare , where 70 million surgeries are required but only 20 million are performed due to financial barriers, Dr. Devi Shetty, chairman of Narayana Health, launched the health insurance product 'Aditi' on July 1. The basic plan, with a premium of Rs 10,000 per year, covers a family of four where the eldest is 45 years old, offering Rs 5 lakh in treatment and Rs 1 crore in surgeries . The premium will vary based on the patient’s age and/or comorbidities. Unlike traditional insurance, the “Aditi" plan will initially cover elective procedures only within their hospital chain but can be used anywhere for emergencies. The focus is on providing managed care with minimal administrative hurdles, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience within the Narayana Health network. Dr. Shetty emphasized that no one will be denied coverage, regardless of their medical conditions. Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif Social trends Source : Published on : July 9, 2024 Health insurance, Universal health coverage, Unmet needs Combating India's hospital-acquired infections-driven AMR: A policy perspective The study noted that currently, India faces a severe antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden, particularly in healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). HAI rates and carbapenem resistance in Indian hospitals far exceed those in the US. Parallely, factors contributing to AMR in Indian HAIs are poorly understood. Recent studies show that hospital environments are major sources of resistant pathogens. Critical gaps identified were a lack of nationwide HAI data and limited research on India-specific interventions. The study recommends the following measures to tackle this: 1. Creating international partnerships to fund research training programs 2. Creating an interdisciplinary hospital epidemiology research program However, the biggest challenge to addressing AMR includes balancing the urgent need for action with the time required for research and training. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Indian Journal of Medical Research Source : Published on : July 9, 2024 Antimicrobial resistance Enhancing folate levels: The impact of fortified salt on women's health in rural India A nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted in four rural villages in southern India from July to November 2022. Nonpregnant, nonlactating women aged 18-45 years were enrolled and participants consumed the study salt (folate-fortified iodized) exclusively , and serum folate concentrations were measured at baseline and post-intervention. The results of the study are as follows: Serum folate levels increased significantly post-intervention (median: 14.6 nmol/L to 54.4 nmol/L, P < .001). Over 90% of participants experienced higher folate levels. Study salt remained stable for eight months , maintaining iodine and folate content. The study showed a 3.7-fold increase in serum folate with 300 µg folic acid daily from fortified iodized salt. Folic acid fortification of iodized salt can prevent spina bifida and anencephaly by improving folate levels. Some of the strengths of this study were that it was conducted in remote villages that had minimal external influences and that there was a high adherence and participant retention. Few of the limitations of the study included a small sample size and a lack of control group. Also, the study tested a single dose formulation of folic acid without exploring other various concentrations. The authors concluded that f olic acid–fortified iodised salt presents a viable strategy for enhancing folate levels and preventing neural tube defects in high-risk populations. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Anamika JAMA Network Source : Published on : July 9, 2024 Fortified salt, Maternal nutrition, Women’s health, Nutrition How did the pandemic affect children’s health? As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, a nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25th, 2020. There was a diversion of resources from maternal and child health programs to services essential for actions to contain the pandemic. A study published in The Communication’s Medicine examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s health and nutrition. It analyzed the data collected in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and compared anthropometric outcomes of under-five children surveyed during pre- and post-COVID. The study found the following results: Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 and 2021 had a 1.2% (0.5-1.9) higher rate of both underweight and wasting compared to matched pre-COVID children. Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 alone showed 4.6% (3.4-5.9) higher underweight rates, 2.4% higher wasting rates, and 1.6% (0.2-2.9) higher stunting rates compared to matched post-COVID children. The gap was smaller for children from the post-COVID period (2020 and 2021) compared to those immediately after the lockdown was lifted in 2020, indicating a recovery. The subgroup analysis showed that children of rural areas and families belonging to lower wealth quintiles were more likely to be underweight compared to matched pre-Covid children of 2020 and 2021 together. No difference was observed in the anthropometric outcomes between children from higher wealth quintiles and urban children. As it was a secondary analysis of NFHS-5 data, the effect of the delta variant of COVID-19 could not be measured. Further studies are required to explore the impact of the pandemic on the anthropometric outcomes of children in diverse and vulnerable groups, such as the urban poor and migrants. The study provides evidence that the anthropometric outcomes of individuals were affected during the sensitive life stage of infancy and childhood. This highlights the necessity of developing a more robust food and health resilience system in India. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Communications Medicine Journal Source : Published on : July 9, 2024 Child Health, Pandemic, Anthropometry, Research Findings Dengue cases on the rise at the National capital and Kerala The Health Minister of Delhi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, met with officials to discuss plans for preparedness for Dengue . From 1 January to 29 June, Delhi reported 246 cases this year , almost double the number reported last year for the same period. The officials attribute the rise to improved reporting in effect of the gazette notification 2021 that made notification of Dengue cases compulsory by all hospitals in Delhi. A heavy downpour towards the end of June, followed by water logging due to inappropriate drainage, led to the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, resulting in Dengue cases. As per serotyping, the current strain in circulation is DenV 2. The numbers highlight the importance of environmental modification as an essential step in preventing outbreaks of Dengue fever. The State Surveillance Unit, Directorate of Health Services of Kerala, reported 8654 confirmed cases and 23379 suspected dengue cases from 1 January to 6 July, alongside 22 deaths due to Dengue fever. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Social trends Source : Published on : July 8, 2024 Vector Borne Diseases, Dengue, IDSP Newer initiatives under Atal Innovation Mission In a recent move in collaboration with the Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK ), AIM has launched two pioneering initiatives in building sustainability. One of these includes the AIM-ICDK Water Challenge 4.0, which includes: Aims at addressing critical water-related challenges through innovative solutions. The challenge aims at actively engaging young talents from leading universities, globally. It comprises 5 S’s : Skills, Scale, Scope, Sustainability, and Speed The challenge invites entries under two categories: Students under 35 years of age Young Entrepreneurs under 35 years of age The 2nd initiative includes a coffe table book series titled, "Innovations for You," spotlighting the endeavours of sixty SDG Entrepreneurs of India. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 8, 2024 Atal Innovation Mission, Sustainable Development Matri Van: Towards making India a green economy The National Mission for Green India is one of the eight missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC ). This green initiative shall help in the following ways: Achieving a Green Economy Adopting a sustainable lifestyle to fight the challenges of climate change Foster organic relationships between man and nature Adopting the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Initiative Current Initiatives towards building a Green Economy by the Govt. of India include: Wildlife Preservation Initiatives such as the Cheetah relocation, Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Lion, and the Big Cat Alliance Intensive Afforestation drives such as MISHTI (M ission M angrove I nitiative for S horeline H abitats and T angible I ncome) and the “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” Initiative, which advocates planting a tree in honor of your mother and motherland, make tree plantation drives an even more sacred process. International Solar Alliance The way forward for this initiative includes: Demarcation of areas in Nagar Vans for plantation Identification and distribution of seeds of Indigenous plant species area-wise across states and UTs. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Social Trends Source : Published on : July 8, 2024 Environment, Climate Change Zika virus spreads in Maharashtra : Two pregnant woman infected as cases surge to 8 Zika, like dengue and chikungunya, is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes. It typically causes mild symptoms lasting 2–7 days, such as rash, fever, and joint pain. The association of the virus with microcephaly in babies born to infected pregnant women is a cause of significant concern. In Maharashtra, a second pregnant woman has been diagnosed with Zika , bringing the state's total to eight cases in the past ten days. Officials report both women are currently asymptomatic and in good health. Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer at Pune Municipal Corporation, underscores ongoing efforts to control Zika through surveillance and vector control measures. Testing is available at NIV Pune, NCDC Delhi, and ICMR labs, but experts warn of potential underreporting due to limited Zika virus diagnostic facilities in the country. They stress the importance of genomic sequencing alongside routine case detection . The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) are continuously undergoing surveillance. Health camps are being established during the Palkhi pilgrimage to monitor symptoms and prevent potential outbreaks. Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif Social Trends Source : Published on : July 8, 2024 DIsease outbreak, Zika virus, Aedes mosquito Challenges and innovations in India's vector-borne disease control: A comprehensive review A review article published in BMJ highlights several challenges in India's vector-borne disease (VBD) control program , including insecticide resistance and changes in vector behaviour like outdoor biting. Insecticide resistance compromises current control measures, while altered biting and resting patterns reduce the effectiveness of traditional methods. Climate change also affects vector distribution and disease transmission. Current strategies in India use biological control agents, chemical insecticides, and environmental management to combat VBDs , but they face issues like resistance, limited resources, and behavioural changes in vectors. Similar challenges are seen globally, emphasising the need for innovative tools and international collaboration. Potential novel tools mentioned include: Insecticide-treated nets with synergists, Neonicotinoids for indoor spraying, New larvicide formulations like Bacillus sphaericus, Attractive toxic sugar baits, and Endectocides like ivermectin. Other promising approaches are insecticidal paints, spatial repellents, insecticide-treated wearables, and genetic modification technologies such as Sterile Insect Technique and Wolbachia transfection. These innovations aim to enhance vector control and address the emerging challenges effectively and enhance the effectiveness of global VBD control efforts. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sumana British Medical Journal Source : Published on : July 8, 2024 Vector control, Infectious diseases, Research findings Reducing opioid dependence with yoga: Clinical insights International Yoga Day highlights yoga's potential to reduce opioid dependence , offering a low-cost, low-risk adjunct therapy. Dr. Hemant Bhargav from NIMHANS developed a yoga module , supported by the Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM ) program, aimed at reducing opioid use and withdrawal symptoms. Mechanism and Benefits: Yoga increases brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid and oxytocin , aiding withdrawal management, relapse prevention, and enhancing self-regulation and prefrontal activation. Preliminary studies, including a 9-month follow-up, showed yoga's feasibility. A randomized controlled trial with 60 subjects revealed that yoga practitioners had 2.68 times higher chances of negative urine screening for opioids than an exercise group. The study results were as follows: The yoga group experienced significant reductions in pain, craving, anxiety, depression and improvements in sleep quality and overall life quality . Yoga reduced craving-related brain activity in regions linked to stress and salience, indicating its potential to mitigate opioid dependence. Yoga proved to be an effective supplementary tool to enhance abstinence, reduce opioid use severity , and improve the well-being of these patients. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 6, 2024 Yoga, Substance abuse, Opioid dependence, Lifestyle modifications Climate change and biodiversity loss: The global health emergency Over 200 health journals have recognized climate change and biodiversity loss as an indivisible global health emergency. Currently, efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss are largely fragmented , with separate discussions and actions at upcoming COPs on climate and biodiversity. With planetary health, the world has recognized that everything is made up of one overall interdependent system. Disruptions in ecosystems threaten food and water security , increase poverty, and exacerbate social inequalities , leading to mass migration and conflict on top of risks of environmental damage leading to various diseases.. Despite international commitments made at previous COPs, many pledges remain unfulfilled, pushing ecosystems closer to irreversible tipping points. The urgency of these challenges necessitates immediate action . The World Health Organization is urged to declare the combined climate and biodiversity crises a global health emergency , given their severity, global reach, and the imperative for coordinated international responses. Addressing this emergency demands integrated approaches that align climate and biodiversity agendas with broader societal changes. Health professionals must play a pivotal role as advocates for comprehensive action, while political leaders must recognize the dual threat to health and the potential benefits of holistic crisis management . Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr Anamika Indian Journal Of Medical Research Source : Published on : July 6, 2024 Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, Environment Deviations in prescriptions: An Indian tertiary care perspective A cross-sectional study was conducted across 13 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR ) Rational Use of Medicines Centres . Outpatient prescriptions were assessed for completeness and adherence to standard treatment guidelines (STGs ). The study examines the prevalence of deviations from treatment guidelines in prescriptions across Indian tertiary care hospitals and explores their potential consequences. Irrational prescribing practices can negatively impact patient safety and increase economic burden. Unacceptable deviations were classified as those with potential for drug interactions, lack of response, increased cost, preventable adverse drug reactions, or antimicrobial resistance. The results of the study are as follows: Of the 4838 prescriptions analyzed, 9.8% had unacceptable deviations. Community medicine outpatient departments had the highest percentage of unacceptable deviations (24.66%), followed by ENT (13.22%) and Pediatrics (10.79%). The most common diagnoses associated with these deviations were upper respiratory tract infections (URTI ) and hypertension . Pantoprazole was the drug most frequently prescribed inappropriately, followed by the combination of rabeprazole + domperidone and oral enzyme preparations . The most common potential consequences of the observed deviations were increased cost (63%) and a higher probability of adverse drug reactions (53%). While overall adherence to STGs was observed (55%), the unacceptable deviation rate highlights a need for targeted interventions. Physician recommendations include implementing online training on rational prescribing , issuing administrative orders for STG adherence, and providing prescriber feedback. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Shayari Indian Journal of Medical Research Source : Published on : July 6, 2024 Rational Drug Prescription, Patient Safety India's journey to low sodium: Can salt substitutes make a difference? Salt is culturally and historically significant in India, but excessive consumption contributes significantly to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. A literature review examined existing research and data on salt consumption in India. This study analyzed dietary surveys, clinical trials, and intervention studies evaluating the effectiveness of LSS in reducing blood pressure and CVD risks. The study found that Indians consume an average of 8-11g of salt daily , double the WHO-recommended daily salt intake, primarily through home cooking . The review of LSS studies indicated its effectiveness in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure , with the potential to decrease cardiovascular events and mortality significantly. Widespread adoption of LSS, supported by public awareness campaigns and inclusion in public distribution systems, could significantly reduce sodium intake in India. Further research is needed to understand its impact on individuals with advanced kidney disease and its implication on implementation strategies. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Shayari Indian Journal of Medical Research Source : Published on : July 6, 2024 Sodium Intake, Nutrition, Non Communicable Diseases WHO's antimicrobial resistance diagnostic initiative: To strengthen diagnostic capacity The WHO created the AMR diagnostic initiative to assist World Health Assembly member states in fulfilling their 2023 commitments to improve diagnostic capacity. The lack of clinical microbiologists and lab technicians, the high cost of supplies and equipment, and inadequate infrastructure make it difficult to provide essential bacteriology and mycology laboratory services. The policy brief lays out four "building blocks" for the initiative. These include A strategic and operational framework to set standards and provide implementation guidance Standardized assessment tools for monitoring and reporting bacteriology and mycology laboratory services capacity at national and global levels A global AMR laboratory network includes laboratories designated by the WHO for bacteriology and mycology. Susceptibility testing at national, supranational, and specialized levels; and research and innovation in AMR diagnostics. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : July 6, 2024 Antimicrobial Resistance, Global health, Public health Plan for the forthcoming respiratory virus season: Guidelines for vaccinations Those six months of age and older are urged to obtain the vaccines. Individuals receiving solid organ transplants between 18 and 64 can now select off-label for an adjuvanted or high-dose flu vaccine. In addition, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) overwhelmingly decided to suggest Merck's novel 21-valent (21-strain) pneumococcal vaccine as a choice for persons 65 years of age and older who have not had a vaccination or whose immunization history is unknown. Additionally, the committee advised a single dose of the vaccine for patients with specific underlying medical disorders ages 19 to 64. This recommendation applied to individuals who had not gotten a dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccination and those who began their series with PCV13 but had not obtained all necessary doses of PPSV23. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Center for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : July 5, 2024 COVID-19, Influenza, Pneumonia, Vaccination CARB-X grants $1 Million to develop a portable test for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea CARB-X has given Prompt Diagnostics LLC a $1 million grant to create a portable, quick diagnostic test for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. The company will use the grant to develop its cartridge-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platform further , which is portable and capable of detecting multiple targets of pathogenic bacteria and identifying mutations that confer antibiotic resistance. In low- and middle-income nations, where access to secondary healthcare facilities is restricted, and gonorrhea and the burden of resistance are more prevalent, the inexpensive test may be very helpful. The urgency of combating drug-resistant bacterial infections worldwide cannot be overstated. Fast, high-tech diagnostics are a crucial tool in this battle, as they can identify infections at the earliest stage and guide medical professionals toward the most effective treatment. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : July 5, 2024 Antibiotic Resistance, International Health, Diagnostic test Revised guidelines for international travel with regards to COVID-19 As the global COVID-19 cases show declining rates, the Govt. of India has revised the guidelines for International Travel. The revised guidelines on International Travel state: All travelers should preferably be completely immunized against COVID-19. In-flight announcements regarding preventive measures against COVID-19 should be made. Passengers presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should be isolated and follow standard protocols such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. They should be provided facility-based care in isolation upon arrival. Social distancing should be followed during deboarding the flights. Adequate thermal screening should be done of all passengers. Self-monitoring of health post-arrival. Individuals are urged to report to a healthcare facility immediately if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Source : Published on : July 5, 2024 International Travel, COVID-19, Guidelines Heightened precautions urged following H9N2 flu case WHO and IHR (International Health Regulation) notified of a human avian influenza A(H9N2) case in a West Bengal child on 22 May 2024. The country confirmed its second case of bird flu, prompting experts to urge heightened precautions to prevent the virus from spreading to humans. Experts emphasize the need for robust surveillance and preventive measures to effectively manage zoonotic diseases like bird flu. Individuals with comorbidity, children, the elderly, and those handling poultry , especially in hatcheries, are at higher risk of infection. The following are WHO recommendations: Avoiding unprotected contact with live poultry and contaminated environments. Implementation of infection prevention and control measures Monitor and screen healthcare workers for symptoms. No travel or trade restrictions are recommended. Click here to read more . Content Editor: Dr. Sumana WHO News Section Source : Published on : July 5, 2024 Zoonotic diseases, Influenza, Outbreak Air pollution: The deadly and growing risk factor The State of Global Air (SoGA) report, in partnership with the UN Children’s Fund(UNICEF), warned that air pollution is the second leading global risk factor for premature death. Pollutants like outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) come from burning fossil fuels and biomass in sectors like transportation, residential homes, and wildfires and cause more than 90% of global air pollution deaths, according to the report of SoGA. It also contributes to greenhouse gases that warm the planet, so regions with high NO2 levels experience high ozone levels, resulting in greater health effects. The report also revealed young children’s exposure has resulted in 1 in 5 global deaths, asthma, pneumonia, and inequities more than it does in developed countries. It also claimed that, due to better awareness, the death rates of children under 5 have decreased by 53% since 2000 because of increased access to clean energy for cooking purposes. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar UN News section Source : Published on : July 5, 2024 Air pollution, Global health, Noncommunicable diseases The national action plan on antimicrobial resistance in India: Way forward Globally, 1.27 million deaths occur due to AMR , while 4.75 million deaths occur as a result of diseases caused by resistant pathogens. In India, 30% of neonatal deaths occur due to bacterial sepsis arising as a result of AMR. A recently published review discussed the various activities, strengths, and challenges India needs to address to curb AMR. Industrial effluents, sewage, and municipal waste released into the environment without appropriate treatment become reservoirs of resistant pathogens. The activities undertaken in India to safeguard the environment to curb AMR include: Raising awareness regarding AMR Evidence-based Surveillance Appropriate Infection Control Measures Rational use of antimicrobials Sustained global, national, and regional efforts to combat AMR The author concludes that the way forward for India to address AMR is as follows: The advocacy of One Health facilitates multisectoral coordination and drives efforts to tackle AMR. Law enforcement should help reduce the inflow of AMR-causing factors into the environment. Promoting evidence-based research to understand, monitor, and tackle the factors promoting AMR. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Indian Journal of Medical Research Source : Published on : July 4, 2024 Antimicrobial Resistance, One Health, Research findings 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 24-30th September, 2023 (5) View More 01-09th September, 2023 (11) View More 13 - 19 th August , 2024 (5) View More 23-31st July, 2023 (28) View More 17-23rd September, 2023 (10) View More 27-31st August, 2024 (16) View More 6-12th August, 2024 (16) View More 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) View More 10-16th September, 2023 (9) View More 20-26th August, 2024 (20) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) View More 1-8th July, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

New Antibiotic Molecule Shows Promise Against Drug-resistant Bacteria Content Editor: Dr Manu May 19, 2025 at 7:04:46 AM Antimicrobial Resistance, Antibiotics, Medical Research Researchers at McMaster’s University in Hamilton, Canada discovered a new antibiotic molecule, called lariocidin , which was isolated from soil samples collected from the university’s backyard and cultured for a year. The molecule was isolated from Paenibacillus spp . bacteria and belongs to a class of peptides called lasso peptides due to their knot-like shape. The molecule targeted the A-site in the 30s ribosomal subunit , which led to an interruption of the translation process and miscoding within the pathogenic bacteria. The molecule showed broad spectrum action against gram positive , gram negative and mycobacterial specimens even with species shown to be resistant to other antibiotics. This was attributed to the unique shape of the peptides and the new binding site which was not used by other antibiotics. Further, no cytotoxicity was noticed towards eukaryotic cells in in-vivo experiments, thus showing signs of not being toxic to humans. Animal experiments showed promising action towards a wide spectrum of bacteria and raised hopes of a new, powerful antibiotic. Researchers will now try to work on synthesising a functional antibiotic from the molecule. 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

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