36-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 10-16th September, 2023 Climate chaos uproots 43 Million children: UNICEF's alarming report A new analysis by UNICEF revealed that between 2016 and 2021, weather-related disasters resulted in 43.1 million internal displacements of children across 44 countries. China and the Philippines recorded the highest absolute numbers due to their exposure to extreme weather and large child populations. Small island states like Dominica and Vanuatu were most affected by storms, while Somalia and South Sudan were highly affected by floods. Floods and storms accounted for 95% of displacements. Droughts caused over 1.3 million child displacements, predominantly in Somalia. Wildfires led to 810,000 displacements, with a third occurring in 2020. Climate change-driven movements pose escalating challenges for children, necessitating strengthened community preparedness and support for displaced children. In response to the findings, UNICEF has urged the government and stakeholders to protect them by: Improving child critical services Preparing them to live in a world with a changed climate Prioritize them in policy-making Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary UNICEF Source : Published on : Saturday, October 21, 2023 Child Health, Disaster Management, Climate Change The CDC's isolation precautions guidelines revisited A group of healthcare professionals, including industrial hygienists, epidemiologists, and healthcare worker representatives, plan to send a second letter to the CDC. This letter will re-emphasize the need to hold public meetings regarding the proposed update to the CDC’s isolation precautions guidance by the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). The last update for this was done in 2017. This guidance sets infection control protocols for various pathogens in healthcare settings. Critics argue that the proposed changes fail to address lessons learned from COVID-19 and may weaken existing isolation procedures. They emphasize the importance of input from experts in aerosol transmission and respiratory protection. According to the CDC, the intention is to simplify safeguards for healthcare personnel. However, some contend that the suggested modifications represent a regression in the comprehension of the virus's mode of transmission. In response to the first letter sent in July 2023, the CDC said that it would consider input from key stakeholders and the public, but the group of collectives has reservations regarding the CDC's response. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : Saturday, October 21, 2023 Hospital Infection Prevention, International Health Empowering women on track: Creating safe and brighter futures in Indian railways The Ministry of Railways is planning to provide respite to women track maintainers and assistant loco pilots by taking account of their requests for a change in job category. This initiative follows persistent representations made by trade unions to emphasize the challenges encountered by women employees in these roles. The Railway Board has communicated with general managers of all Zonal Railways, requesting data on female track maintainers and assistant loco pilots. The National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR) advocated for a one-time option for women to change their job category, prompting the Railway Board to begin gathering information on such requests. Major concerns were related to inadequate facilities, particularly during pregnancy. The female employees also pointed out concerns regarding extended periods of sitting. The move aims to address these issues and aligns with the demands presented by unions, including the All-India Railway Men's Federation. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay The Hindu Source : Published on : Saturday, October 21, 2023 Gender in health, Occupational health, Public Health Breaking barriers: WHO and WADA unite for a clean sporting world The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and WHO entered into a memorandum with primary objectives, including: Strengthening health promotion Combatting substance abuse Advancing the cause of clean sports WADA's President Witold Bańka hailed the MOU as a groundbreaking moment that will preserve athletes' health. This will also benefit society overall through the exchange of information on up-and-coming substances and scientific alignment. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, emphasized the harm that performance-enhancing drugs inflict. He also highlighted the critical role that physical exercise and clean sports play in global health. The key themes of the MOU encompass: Risk prevention related to psychoactive substances Global advocacy for clean sports Educational initiatives Collaboration on sub-standard medical products Addressing product abuse in sports This pact advances the common goal of achieving UN Sustainable Goal 3, ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay WHO News Section Source : Published on : Saturday, October 21, 2023 Substance abuse, Sustainable Development Goal NMC's guide to professional conduct in e-book form The National Medical Commission has launched an e-book on "Professional Conduct Review" based on case reports. Some of the aspects addressed by the book include: Good Doctor-patient relationship and The importance of skills and competence in eliminating communication gaps Prioritizing proper documentation of history and examination findings to avoid medical negligence Not claiming to be a specialist unless he/she possesses the required qualifications. Regulations on the signboard state that it should not be unusually large, put upon a chemist shop where he does not work or stay The signboard shouldn't contain any information other than- name, qualification/ degree earned at a university, name of the specialty, and registration number of the state medical council. The document also contains information on ethical guidelines for research and the role of informed consent. Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti National Medical Commission Source : Published on : Friday, October 20, 2023 Medical Ethics, Professional Conduct White-Tailed deer as viral architects in the SARS-CoV-2 saga Researchers at Ohio State University have identified over 30 cases of SARS-CoV-2 spillover from humans to white-tailed deer in northeastern Ohio. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the rapid evolution of the virus in a small deer sample. Approximately 10% of nasal swabs from over 1552 free-ranging deer were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that 88.8% of deer samples carried the Delta variant, coinciding with the timing of the Delta wave in humans. The rate of virus evolution in deer was estimated to be higher than in humans for both Alpha and Delta variants. Despite these findings, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Agriculture note a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 detections in white-tailed deer. The persistence of the Alpha variant in deer for over a year raises concerns about the potential emergence of divergent strains that could re-infect humans. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the role of spillover events in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : Friday, October 20, 2023 Covid 19, Virology, One Health Indian research: Navigating the right course or lost in the storm? A study conducted by IISc and Leiden University reveals a disconnect between India's health research publications and DALYs. Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) serve as a measure of a population's health. The results of the study highlight the gross disparity, with certain diseases receiving more research attention than their actual burden. Diabetes mellitus, with a 3.1% DALY contribution, garnered 7.5% of the research focus. Neonatal conditions, with a 12.3% DALY share, received only 1.3% of research attention. Similarly, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, despite their significant contribution to India's disease burden, have received less attention from the research fraternity. Tuberculosis (TB) serves as a well-aligned example, with India dedicating research efforts proportionate to its 7% disease burden. Figures reveal India's research focuses on diseases with lower domestic impact but substantial global threats, such as malaria and HIV/AIDS. Global research priorities often cater to the demands of high-income countries, resulting in funding mismatches in the global south. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : Friday, October 20, 2023 Health Research, DALY Unveiling the gender snapshot of our world The Gender Snapshot report alerts that if ongoing patterns persist, over 340 million women and girls could be living in poverty by 2030, constituting 8% of the female population globally. Nearly one in four women may need to tackle food insecurity , with a substantial gap in unpaid care and domestic work. The next generation of women is projected to spend 2.3 more hours per day on such tasks than men. The report also emphasizes the ingrained gender gap in leadership roles. It calls for collective action to address these disparities and achieve a world where every woman and girl enjoys equal rights, opportunities, and representation. Older women are at greater risk of poverty and violence, along with the strong impact of climate change on restricting women’s development. The report estimates that an additional $360 billion annually is required to advance gender equality across key SDGs. Gender equality is considered foundational for an ideal and equal society and is an integral component for achieving all other SDGs. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay United Nations Source : Published on : Friday, October 20, 2023 Gender Equality, SDG River Ganges' unseen tragedy: Dolphins trapped in troubled waters Along the basins of the River Ganges, the closure of barrages paves the way for the entry of dolphins. The dolphins get trapped in it and eventually die. Their deaths may be due to factors such as: The rapid recession of water Heat stroke Human interference. The Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India and the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, Uttar Pradesh conducted a rescue operation between 2013 and 2020. The operation saved a total of 19 dolphins. However, five of them died during transport. The paper published in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management discussed salient points as follows: Ensuring a minimum of six feet of water depth in dolphin-trapped areas. Monitoring and timely reporting of such incidents Veterinary research to improve the quality of rescue operations Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti Journal of Cetacean Research and Management Source : Published on : Friday, October 20, 2023 Environmental Health, One Health Branching out for one health: The tree census connection With volunteer assistance, Delhi's forest department plans to carry out its first tree census in 2024. It was previously carried out in many parts of Delhi by activists and locals. City woodlands will be the first to be counted. Controlling unlawful felling and ensuring that the city stays green are the two main goals of the census. The following information will be recorded as part of the census: GPS coordinates Location Type Girth Health of each tree. They can use this to prioritize important tasks. Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E Times of India Source : Published on : Thursday, October 19, 2023 Environment Health, One Health Climate change threatens our amphibious friends The study titled ‘Ongoing declines for the world’s amphibians in the face of emerging threats ’ was published in the journal Nature. It has been found that climate change is emerging as one of the biggest threats to amphibians. The study is based on the second global amphibian assessment. The study evaluated the risk of extinction of more than 8,000 amphibian species. The study also evaluated 2,286 species for the first time. Two out of five amphibians are facing extinction threats due to climate change. The analysis finds that between 2004 and 2022, a few serious risks have increased the number of amphibians that are in danger of going extinct. Of these, climate change was the primary threat for 39% of these species. Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E The Hindu Source : Published on : Thursday, October 19, 2023 One Health, Environment Health, Climate Change Sprinkle of change: Millet flour takes the tax spotlight The GST Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister in the 52nd GST Council meeting, has decided to levy a lower 5% tax on millet-based flour . This would be eligible when sold in pre-packaged and labeled form. Flour containing at least 70% millets will attract 0% GST if sold pre-packaged and labeled. The Council also decided to reduce GST on molasses to 5% from 28%. The council has also exempted alcohol for human consumption from the levy. 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ICMR to research on sudden deaths in young individuals post COVID-19 exposure ICMR to research on sudden deaths in young individuals post COVID-19 exposure Content Editor: Dr. Mohd Rehbar August 5, 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research Public health laws and regulations, ICMR, Research According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ICMR is conducting three studies to rule out the sudden deaths that have been reported in youths(18-45 years) after covid – 19 pandemic. The deaths are mostly attributable to cardiovascular diseases. The first study aims to rule out the reason for sudden deaths. To study if they died of natural causes, autopsies (virtual & physical) are being conducted at AIIMS Delhi. Second is a multi-centric case-control study that aims to find the predictors of sudden deaths in adults less than 45 years. Those affected with long covid or those who were infected & admitted will be followed by the ICMR team for one year at 40 clinically registered hospitals. Another similar large multicentric hospital-based study aims to rule out thrombotic episodes post covid 19 vaccination among 18–45-year-olds at 30 clinically registered hospitals. Additionally, for these studies, the Department of Health & Family Welfare will provide technical and financial support to states & union territories under the National Program for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Disease (NPNCD).

Air pollution impact assessment and initiatives to combat them. Air pollution impact assessment and initiatives to combat them. Content Editor: Dr. Aishwariya S January 10, 2024 Union Ministry of State of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes. Air Pollution, Public Health Country-wide study of Air pollution impacts on human health in 20 cities under the National Environment Health profile study was conducted. The following factors were assessed: Mercury levels exposure estimation. Air Quality Assessment. Impact of traffic emission and firecrackers amongst adolescents. Air quality impact on respiratory health due to crop burning. Effects of chronic exposure to biomass fuel smoke. Major steps taken by the Government to combat air pollution include: The National Clean Air Programme - A target reduction of 20-30% in particulate matter concentration by 2024, A city-based action plan and performance-based funding, A Public Grievance Redressal portal, and An emergency response system. 2. Measures for control of vehicular emissions- Leapfrogging from BS4 to BS6 fuel standards, Radiofrequency identity, Faster adoption and manufacture of electric vehicles, and Sustainable and affordable alternative transportation. 3. Control of industrial emissions: Notifications regarding So2 and NOx emission standards Ban on pet coke and furnace oil use 4. Air quality monitoring and network: National Air Quality Index (AQI) Ambient Air Quality Network Central Control Room for tracking PM concentrations Live Air Quality data

NCAP's impact on urban air quality: The current updates NCAP's impact on urban air quality: The current updates Content Editor: Dr. Sumana August 8, 2024 Press Information Bureau Environment, Air pollution, Reports The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019 to improve air quality in 131 cities across 24 states. The initiative targets a 20-30% reduction in PM concentrations by 2024, with an updated goal of achieving up to a 40% reduction or meeting national standards by 2025-26 . Cities have implemented specific action plans addressing local pollution sources, targeting local pollution sources such as dust, vehicles, domestic fuels, waste burning, construction, and industry. This is supported by Rs. 19,614.44 crores allocated for the program, with Rs. 11,211.13 crores already disbursed. Various other central government schemes will be congerged to assist in the action plan. Recent progress shows 95 cities improved PM10 levels in FY 2023-24. Additionally, the government has introduced few other initiatives to combat air pollution, such as: Stricter Revised air quality and emission standards Promotion of cleaner fuels Launch of the National Air Quality Index Mandated online emission monitoring Introduction of the waste management rules Formation of the Air Quality Management Commission to combat air pollution effectively. Click here to read more

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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Reforming Labour Laws for Better Mental Well-being Content Editor: Dr M Kasif February 22, 2025 at 2:22:31 PM Mental health, SDG 3, Labour laws, Occupational health The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹99,858.56 crore to MoH&FW, including ₹79.6 crore for Tele MANAS and increased NIMHANS funding . Despite this, blue-collar workers remain underserved due to policy gaps, unsafe work conditions, and stigma. Unlike corporate employees, they struggle to access mental health support due to job insecurity, long hours, and hazardous workplaces. The OSHWC Code (2020) covers only physical safety , while the CSC Code (2020) fails to recognize mental illness as an occupational disease , limiting compensation. With a 70-92% treatment gap, low-income workers are most affected. Labour laws must integrate mental health , ensuring compensation for work-related illness. Employers must regulate work hours, enforce mental health policies and promote Tele MANAS and counseling services. Expanding legal protections, employer accountability, and awareness will create safer, healthier workplaces for all. Previous Next

𝗥𝗧𝗦,𝗦 - 𝗪𝗛𝗢-𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 first M𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 V𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 to be rolled out in 18 African Countries Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami December 7, 2023 at 7:43:27 PM RTS,S - Malaria Vaccine, WHO Around 𝟯𝟯𝟭,𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗱𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗛𝗢-𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 M𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 V𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗥𝗧𝗦,𝗦 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻 and an additional 1.7 million doses will be delivered to Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone. Supported by 𝙂𝙖𝙫𝙞, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝘼𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, these countries will start routine immunization from 1st quarter of 2024. The GSK-manufactured RTS,S vaccine follows a 4-dose schedule, which act against P. falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite globally and the most prevalent in Africa. Meanwhile, the 𝗥𝟮𝟭 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India is under review by WHO for prequalification which is expected to be available in mid 2024. Previous Next

WHO's antimicrobial resistance diagnostic initiative: To strengthen diagnostic capacity WHO's antimicrobial resistance diagnostic initiative: To strengthen diagnostic capacity Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav July 6, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Antimicrobial Resistance, Global health, Public health 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.

Changes in DALY 2010-2021- Findings from the GBD study Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy May 1, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM GBD, Non Communicable Diseases, DALY , YLD, HALE, Research Findings Lancet recently published the latest findings from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 as a series of articles. GBD 2021 findings are based on an analysis of 371 health conditions from over 100,000 data sources, including national disease registries, census, and autopsies. The rise in D isability A djusted L ife Y ears (DALY ) from 2010 to 2021 was mostly due to a rise in population and aging. This latest GBD 2021 series features health impact due to COVID-19 for the first time in GBD findings. Between 2010-2021, DALY increased substantially for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and diabetes. While, communicable, nutritional, maternal, and neonatal diseases have shown a decrease of 13%, HIV- AIDS has shown a 48%, and Diarrheal illness has shown a 47% decrease in age-standardized DALY. In 2021, COVID-19 was the biggest cause of DALY, followed by Ischemic heart disease. Globally , H ealthy l ife e xpectancy (HALE ) improved slightly from 61.3 in 2010 to 62.2 in 2021. Regardless of age and gender, the top 3 causes of YLDs in 2021 were all non-communicable diseases: Low back pain>Depression>Headaches. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Need for development of an instrument on plastic pollution. Need for development of an instrument on plastic pollution. Content Editor: Dr. Aishwarya May 2, 2024 United Nations Environmental Programme Environmental Health, Plastic pollution. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) conducted recently, is the Penultimate stage of negotiations. It follows three earlier rounds of negotiations: INC-1, INC-2, and INC-3 which happened in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively. They mentioned convergence on eliminating problematic plastic uses and the need to continue plastic for specific uses, such as renewable energy technologies. They seek to advance these negotiations and deliver a treaty because a new legally binding instrument - has a critical role in providing the effective and impactful solutions needed to end plastic pollution. The INC-5, to be held in Busan, the Republic of Korea, from Nov 25 to 1 December 2024, is intended as the end of the INC process and a first-of-its-kind agreement aiming to end global plastic pollution. Click here to read more.