Measles threat continues to loom over Europe Measles threat continues to loom over Europe Content Editor: Dr.Prachi Goswami February 20, 2024 Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Infectious diseases, Epidemiology, Outbreak, Epidemic control Since last month, measles outbreaks have been increasing throughout Europe . Kazakhstan is one of the countries taking the worst hit . Last month, WHO’s European regional office warned about rising measles cases and ensured precautions were in place. There has been more than a 30-fold increase in 2023 as compared to 2022. Of the total 42,200 cases in Europe, 13,677 have been reported from Kazakhstan. In the country, 65% occurred among children younger than 5 years old. The country is responding by taking the following measures: Isolation measures Vaccinating the contacts Supplemental vaccination Health Education WHO European Regional Office has urged the countries to strengthen their vaccination strategies and stop the outbreak's spread.

Dengue fever strikes Bangladesh: The nation battles its worst outbreak yet Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti September 12, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Vector borne Disease, Climate change, Surveillance, Global health Bangladesh faces its most serious dengue outbreak recorded to date, the director general of WHO writes on social media handle X. The latest press release on 10th Sept 2023 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh, reports: around 14800 cases, and 730 dengue deaths from 1st Jan to 10th Sept 2023, the maximum number of dengue cases, deaths, and a case fatality rate of 0.5% in the last five years. Causes cited for the upsurge are lapses in surveillance and control measures for vector-borne diseases, and the impact of climate change. Hospitals are struggling with overwhelming patient load. The health authorities are taking appropriate vector control, community awareness, and engagement measures. Previous Next

Samagra Shiksha scheme: To promote menstrual health Content Editor: Dr. Shubham August 29, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Menstrual Health, Reproductive health, Adolescent health UNICEF India commended Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s efforts to promote menstrual health among adolescents in the state. Rs 57.18 crore has been transferred to the accounts of 19 lakh school-going girls in Madhya Pradesh as part of a cash transfer scheme. The money was set aside for girls' students to purchase sanitary napkins, under the "Samagra Shiksha" scheme. The program's goal is to encourage girls in Classes VII through XII to practice good hygiene and cleanliness. UNICEF India is working with the government and stakeholders to raise awareness about menstrual health and school hygiene. The objective of this effort is to enhance the menstrual health and hygiene of teenage girls in Madhya Pradesh. Previous Next

The national action plan on antimicrobial resistance in India: Way forward Content Editor: Dr. Tanya July 4, 2024 at 1:00:00 PM Antimicrobial Resistance, One Health, Research findings 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. Previous Next

Deteriorating status of malnutrition in Sudan: The urgent need for action Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar June 13, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Malnutrition, War, Food insecurity A recent analysis by UNICEF, WFP (World Food Programme), and WHO highlighted that the present hostility worsens child malnutrition. The year-long war had severely impacted the delivery of humanitarian supplies, leaving women and children without access to vital food and nutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition among 33% of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers is of particular concern. Despite the gaps caused by difficulties accessing hotspots, agencies are deeply concerned that the situation is rapidly reaching a critical and deteriorating point. Sudan is also entering a lean season, when food stocks usually run low, so all options must be utilized to reach those in need. Agencies urgently call for unimpeded, consistent access to those suffering the worst effects in all possible ways and for immediate de-escalation of the situation. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Lightning strike fatalities increase in India: Research findings Content Editor: Dr Manu October 25, 2024 at 1:00:00 PM Climate Change, Research, Lightning Strikes A study published in Environment, Development, and Sustainability, conducted by researchers in India and internationally led by the Department of Geography at Fakir Mohan University, Odisha, analyzed data to realize that lightning strikes increased in India from 2010 to 2020. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau found 1,01,309 deaths attributed to lightning since 1967. Out of these, a third, i.e., 29,804, took place between 2010-2020, with 71,505 deaths registered from 1967 till 2010. Meanwhile, average deaths per state and Union Territory increased from 38 in 1967-2010 to 61 in 2010-2020. Central India accounted for nearly 50% (50,884) of these deaths . The authors implicated environmental degradation, climate change, high population exposure, socioeconomic factors, etc., for the rise in lightning strikes. The authors encouraged early warning systems, greater research, and community engagement as methods to combat this rise. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) transplant- A Beacon of Hope Content Editor: Dr. Kishore January 26, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Medical Intervention, Transplant A 7-year-old male child who suffered from Primary Combined Immunodeficiency (PID) caused by a mutation in the ARPC1b gene was treated using an extraordinary novel technique. A gene that is a key component of the cytoskeleton is necessary for the formation of immune synapses, endocytosis, and phagocytosis of Ag-presenting cells. This type of immunodeficiency is usually diagnosed by genomic sequencing and treated with a hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) from an HLA-matched healthy sibling . One of the greatest achievements of the Dept. of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation at Army Hospital R&R was the first successful orchestration of a bone marrow transplant from a Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD). Bone marrow harvested from a voluntary, unrelated donor from DATRI was infused into the patient’s bloodstream after destroying his defective cells with high-dose chemotherapy. Click here to read more Previous Next

Mebella vaccine for MR Content Editor: Dr. Pradipta S November 30, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Vaccination, Measles, Rubella Globally, about 100,000 children have lost their lives to measles and rubella. Indian Immunological Ltd. (IIL) is a major supplier to India’s UIP. IIL has introduced Mebella™, also named Mabella, a lyophilized, live attenuated vaccine for measles and rubella (MR). It has been developed in partnership with the Polyvac Institute in Vietnam. Extensive human clinical trials have affirmed its safety and efficacy. A Phase II/III clinical trial showed Mebella™ to have seroprotection and seroconversion rates, assessed at 42 days, at par with and non-inferior to the MR-VAC® vaccine. 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

A week off in April to "fall in love" to combat population concerns in China Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary April 15, 2023 at 2:00:23 PM Demography, Declining demography in China, Low Birth Rate, China's government has come up with more than 20 recommendations to increase birth rates and combat population concerns. Nine colleges, including Mianyang Flying Vocational College, have given students a week off in April to "fall in love" and "enjoy love through enjoying the spring break." The aim is to encourage students to "learn to love nature, love life, and enjoy love." The break includes writing diaries, keeping track of personal development, and making travel videos. The country's National Bureau of Statistics reported the largest decline in population growth since 1961, the last year of China's Great Famine. China's birth rate in 2022 was just 6.77 births per 1,000 people, down from a rate of 7.52 births in 2021, marking the lowest birth rate on record. China's declining birth rate has been attributed to factors such as high childcare and education costs, low incomes, weak social safety nets, gender inequalities, and even the COVID-19 lockdown. Previous Next