WHO appoints new Director for Global Malaria Programme Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary March 25, 2023 at 2:58:37 PM Global Malaria Programme, WHO On 23rd March 2023, Dr. Daniel Ngamije Madandi, MD, MPH has been appointed as the Director of the Global Malaria Programme by WHO, effective 8 April 2023. Dr. Ngamije served as the Minister of Health for Rwanda from February 2020 to November 2022, leading the development and implementation of the COVID-19 response plan. In a previous role, he served as the National Programme Officer for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the WHO Rwanda country office. He spent 10 years coordinating the mobilization of resources and implementation of projects for the Rwandan Ministry of Health and was the coordinator of Rwanda’s National Malaria Control Programme. Dr. Ngamije is the former Co-chair of the Pandemic Fund and a member of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB). Previous Next

Advancing rights and education for the deaf: Key initiatives on Sign Language Day 2024 Advancing rights and education for the deaf: Key initiatives on Sign Language Day 2024 Content Editor: Dr Sumana October 4, 2024 Press Information Bureau Disabilities rights, Inclusivity, Disabilities Sign Language Day Celebrated on September 23, highlights the importance of sign language in promoting deaf individuals' rights globally. The 2024 theme, "Sign up for Sign Language Rights," focuses on advancing Indian Sign Language (ISL) for inclusive education and empowerment. Key initiatives include: Introduction of 2500 new ISL terms for different fields and subjects. 100 ISL concept videos for 6th-grade students for developed learning. ISL dictionary expanded to 10 regional languages. Educational animated videos and deaf role model videos launched. The Indian government’s schemes for persons with disabilities include ADIP for aids , scholarships, financial support for deaf colleges, and a diploma course in ISL teaching. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) mandates free, inclusive education and 5% reservation for persons with disabilities in higher education. Sign Language Day emphasises the importance of inclusive education and rights for the deaf community, with initiatives like the Samagra Shiksha Scheme supporting children with special needs through tailored resources and financial aid. Click here to read more.

124 passengers on screening at ports in India tested COVID positive January 25, 2023 at 5:24:40 AM COVID-19 Of the 19,227 international passengers screened at random for COVID-19 at Indian air,sea and land ports between 24th Dec 2022 to 3rd Jan 2023, 124 were found to be positive according to the Union Health Ministry. Of them 40 samples underwent Whole Genome Sequencing. In all 11 variants and 9 lineages of SARS-CoV-2 were identified. Of the 40 samples, 14 (35%) were of XBB lineage; 9 (23%) of BQ lineage; 3 of CH lineage. The variant BF.7 (currently one of the variants responsible for surge in COVID cases in China) accounted for 1.2% of samples sequenced, according to Indian Sars-CoV-2 genomic sequencing consortium, INSACOG. Omicron and its sub lineages (XBB) continue to be the major cause of COVID-19 in India (INSACOG). Previous Next

Guillain Barre Syndrome outbreak reaches Telangana Content Editor: Dr Manu February 22, 2025 at 2:22:34 PM Outbreak, Surveillance, Guillain Barre Syndrome Telangana reported its first case of Guillain Barre syndrome, currently affecting multiple states in India, when a 25-year-old woman from the Siddipet district was admitted to a private institution, KIMS Hospital in Hyderabad . This marks the first case reported from the state. The patient was initially treated at another hospital for a week before she was shifted due to her worsening condition. Doctors state that her condition is critical, and she is currently on ventilator support . The patient had no history of travel to Pune or any family history of similar illnesses. Previous Next

More than 50% of Indian Population has Abdominal Obesity Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti December 13, 2023 at 3:05:02 PM Non-Communicable Diseases, Obesity, Research Findings A Secondary Analysis of the National Family Health Survey 2019-2021 showed that 13.8% and 57.7% out of around 7,00,000 participants were obese and had abdominal obesity , respectively. Abdominal obesity was present in 65.45% of overweight and 73.91% of obese participants. The prevalence of both was higher among females and older individuals. Since more than half of the Indian population has abdominal obesity, the study emphasized the need to integrate prevention of abdominal obesity as a part of the NCD prevention program as it increases the risk of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, and mortality in COPD. 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

Committee on LGBTQI+ rights issues advisories to prevent discriminations against the queer community Committee on LGBTQI+ rights issues advisories to prevent discriminations against the queer community Content Editor : Dr.Prachi September 11, 2024 Press Information Bureau LGBTQI+, Queer Community Rights, Gender Equity Supreme Court mandated formation of a committee on LGBTQI+ queer community rights last year. The Committee, in its first meeting, discussed issues like ration cards, joint bank accounts, and harassment prevention Sub-committee formed to address discrimination in social welfare, healthcare, and public services Ministry of Home Affairs issued advisories on prison visitation rights and protection from violence Stakeholder consultation was also held with LGBTQIA+ community representatives Interim actions taken were, Advisory on ration cards for queer couples to treat them as part of same household Guidelines for joint bank accounts and nominations allowing queer partners same rights Healthcare measures for LGBTQI+ rights such as access to healthcare, planning awareness activities, prohibition of conversion therapy, availability of sex reassignment surgery, changes in curricula, provision of tele consultation, sensitization and training Guidelines for medical interventions for children born intersex The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is seeking public input on further policy development for Queer Community.

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

The “3 by 35” Initiative: WHO’s Call for Health Taxes to Curb NCDs and Boost Public Revenue Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 19, 2025 at 4:47:46 PM 3 by 35 Initiative, WHO health taxes, Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “3 by 35” Initiative , urging countries to increase taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to raise their prices by at least 50% by 2035. Aimed at curbing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and generating public revenue , the initiative could prevent 50 million premature deaths over 50 years. WHO highlights health taxes as powerful tools to reduce harmful consumption while funding health, education, and social protection. Backed by global partners, the initiative promotes country-led reforms, political collaboration, and policy support to make health systems more self-reliant and advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Previous Next

Government Launched 'SUBHADRA' Scheme for Women Empowerment in Odisha Government Launched 'SUBHADRA' Scheme for Women Empowerment in Odisha Content Editor: Dr. Anamika September 25, 2024 Press Information Bureau Women empowerment, government schemes The Prime Minister introduced the 'SUBHADRA' scheme in Bhubaneswar, targeting single women. Fund transfers were initiated for more than 10 lakh women as part of the scheme. He released the first installment of assistance for nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) across 14 states. The Awaas+ 2024 App was launched to facilitate surveys of additional households for PMAY. He emphasized welfare initiatives for Dalits and tribal communities through the PM Janman Yojana. The Vishwakarma Yojana was introduced to preserve traditional skills, offering financial assistance and training for artisans. Click here to read more