Inflation's grip on global child hunger: A growing crisis Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E October 25, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Nutrition, World Hunger, Food Insecurity A survey of 16 countries commissioned by the humanitarian group World Vision International came ahead of World Food Day. It has polled more than 14,000 people of all income levels on child hunger. Results showed that, among respondents who said their children went to sleep hungry, 46% cited inflation and living costs as the main reasons. The other two most common reasons cited were low household income (39%) and insufficient government focus on ending hunger (25%). It has also revealed that the percentage of children going to bed hungry increased to 38% in low-income countries. Previous Next

Compensation for animal bite victims Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti November 23, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM One Health, Public Health Laws, Dog-bite Given the alarmingly high rates of stray animal bites and related fatalities, the high courts of some of the states have decided on the provision of compensation for the victims. The states involved in this decision are: Punjab Haryana Union Territory of Chandigarh This was in response to 193 pleas outlining the lack of any regulatory measures to control such incidences by the states. The justice ordered the formation of a committee by the state to decide the compensation to be paid to the victims who claim it. Any bite of stray cattle or animals, wild or pet animals, qualifies for compensation . The compensations in case of a dog bite are as follows: ₹10,000 for a teeth mark ₹20,000 for a 0.2 cm wound depth of flesh removed 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

India’s Immunization status, 2023: The trends following the pandemic Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala July 29, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Immunization coverage, Vaccine-preventable diseases The reported cases of vaccine-preventable diseases Diphtheria, Japanese Encephalitis, Pertussis, and Rubella have continued to increase since their fall in 2021, with a marked rise in measles cases from a reported 5700 in 2021 to 65,150 in 2023. This reflects the inadequate immunization coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic health system disruptions, leading to outbreaks. The trend of reported Mumps cases shows a valley with 758 cases in 2021, a sharp fall to 6 in 2022, and a rise again to 195 . Such a picture might arise due to inadequate case reporting. However, neonatal tetanus cases have gradually declined to 62 from 2020 levels. Based on administrative and official data: BCG, Pentavalent 1& 3, Oral Polio 3rd dose, Measles and Rubella (MR 1st dose), and Inactivated Polio-Vaccine (IPV 1st dose) have shown a 1-2% decline in coverage from 2022 levels. The MCV 2nd dose coverage has remained constant at 90%. In one year, the final dose coverage of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has increased by 17%. The Hepatitis B birth dose remains constant, with a low coverage of 63%. The above data are summary statistics, representing a single number for a diverse community. Hence, the disaggregated data must be analyzed before interpreting or generalizing the above data. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Cost-effectiveness of Hepatitis A vaccine: Findings from a study in Kerala Content Editor: Dr. Anamika August 8, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Hepatitis A, Cost-effectiveness, Health economics, Research findings A study was done in Kerala to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the hepatitis A vaccine. The study evaluated three strategies for hepatitis A vaccination, which include the following: 1. No vaccination 2. Hepatitis A vaccination without screening 3. Hepatitis A vaccination following screening for HAV antibodies The study included live attenuated and inactivated hepatitis A vaccines, using a Decision-tree and Markov model. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness, the study included direct medical, non-medical, and indirect costs related to HAV infection. The results of the study are as follows: Both vaccines, with or without screening, were found to be cost-saving. Vaccination with either was found to save 1.18% to 2.12% of the government budget. The screening strategies offered additional savings. An additional budget of ₹1,992 million and ₹6,328 million was needed for the administration of live attenuated vaccine and inactivated vaccine, respectively. Results aligned with studies from other middle-income countries, supporting the integration of vaccination into public health programs. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Government Reforms to equip the Divyaang,the divine souls. Content Editor: Dr.Sivanthiga.G Health Equity Divyaang (Divine Body) refers to people with with Disabilities A few prominent reforms/measures taken by the government for the welfare of Divyaang mentioned by the Union Minister are: 1.To ensure enough oppourtunities in government jobs, additional choice of cadre preference ,an increase in reservation from 3% to 4% 2.To increase special allowances for their parents for better financial stability for meeting daily needs and requirements., 3.To foster an equitable society for them to access crucial government services. 4.To promote inclusivity and diversity in public services Divyaang, reforms ,welfare, sensitive concern 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

Dengue cases on the rise at the National capital and Kerala Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala July 8, 2024 at 3:45:00 PM Vector Borne Diseases, Dengue, IDSP 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. Previous Next

Sports and Physical Activity in India: More than 200 million are inactive! Content Editor : Dr. Swathi Shenoy September 11, 2024 at 4:46:56 PM Physical activity, Noncommunicable diseases, Lifestyle Modifications The State of Sports and Physical Activity (SAPA) in India report was released recently which analyzed primary and secondary data to assess the current state of SAPA in India. A total of 3500 adults and 1500 adolescents across four states (UP, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu) were included in the study. Around 16 focus group discussions with parents, Physical Education teachers, and school children was conducted. It reports that more than 200 million Indians are inactive based on WHO recommendations for physical activity. The major reason for this inactivity were, 67% of students report that their school does not have basic sports equipment 21% report that their school does not have a playground 48% of older adults who believe they are too old to play or exercise The study provides data on the effects of a fully active India by 2047, on an individual and country level as follows: Boost India's GDP by over INR 15 trillion annually. Save more than INR 30 trillion in medical expenses by preventing 110 million cases of NCDs. Download the full report - Click here Previous Next

Oral Health Inequalities: Economic Burden of Dental Caries Across Nations Oral Health Inequalities: Economic Burden of Dental Caries Across Nations Content Editor: Dr. Tanya January 3, 2025 BMC Public Health OOPE, Oral Health, Catastrophic Expenditure The study investigated disparities in oral health among the population aged 12-65 years of age by assessing the economic impact of dental caries based on deprivation levels across six countries. The findings were: Exploratory analysis utilized national data on decayed, missing, and filled teeth and the likelihood of receiving interventions such as restorative procedures and extractions for various socioeconomic groups. The economic burden of dental caries is significantly higher among the most deprived rung of the population, with the UK experiencing the highest average costs at around £18,000 per person. Potential healthcare cost savings from implementing preventive measures, including community water fluoridation, sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, school education programs, and oral health campaigns, as well as individual practices like using fluoridated toothpaste, could reduce caries progression rates by 30%, particularly benefiting the most deprived groups. A targeted approach to prevention could yield even greater savings, with reductions estimated at about £14,000 ($17,728) per person in the UK's most disadvantaged population. With a levelling-up approach, cost reductions in the most deprived group ranged from US$3,948 in Indonesia to US$17,728 in the UK.