Substandard Medical Product alert: WHO Substandard Medical Product alert: WHO January 3, 2023 WHO website International Health Substandard medical products are products that fail to meet either their quality standards or specifications and are, therefore "out of specification". This WHO Medical Product Alert refers to one batch of substandard (contaminated) METHOTREXTM (methotrexate) 50mg, identified in two countries (Yemen and Lebanon). The microbiological testing on the unopened vials of METHOTREXTM 50mg were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa which can cause bloodstream infection which is a serious infection and may lead to death. WHO requests increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by this product.

Ayushman Vay Vandana card: The beginning of a new era in elderly healthcare in India Ayushman Vay Vandana card: The beginning of a new era in elderly healthcare in India Content Editor: Dr Sivanthiga December 2, 2024 Press Information Bureau-India Ayushman Vay vandana Card,Elderly health care, Universal healthcare access,AB-PMJAY The card is a step forward in the government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare for the elderly in India. The card was released on the occasion of the Dhanavantri Jayanti and Ayurveda day and marks a transformative step in healthcare. The salient features of the card are as follows: The card provides free treatment for citizen age 70 and above. There is no capping with respect to family size, age or income to ensure universal access for all senior citizens. As part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Yojana, it aims to cover over 6,00,00,000 senior citizens and 10 lakh seniors have enrolled within three weeks of the card’s rollout. The program covers a wide range of medical services viz., surgeries and post hospitalization care i.e.,all that covered under AB-PMJAY More than 4800 seniors have been benefited and treatments worth over Rs 9 crores have been authorized. This step aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure among elderly and ensures that the elderly are cared for with dignity. Click here to read more

Angdaan initiatives - one saving many. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 2, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Organ donation, Disease prevention • Under the Angdaan Mahotsav campaign to advocate for organ and tissue donation, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) alongside DHS, MOHFW and GOI conducted a national webinar on 22 July celebrating organ donation month. • The program included 6 expert driven informative presentations that emphasised the essential elements of organ and tissue donation, enabling knowledge and comprehension among attendees. • The sessions contained- 1) Kidney Disease Prevention, 2) Brain Stem Death Declaration, 3) Deceased Donor Management, 4) Liver Disease Prevention, 5) Legal Aspects of Organ and Tissue Donation, 6) Eye Donation and Corneal Transplant. • There was active participation of various dignitaries nationwide. Previous Next

CoViNet: Strengthening global response to coronaviruses beyond COVID-19 Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma April 8, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM CoViNet , COVID-19, Surveillance The W orld H ealth O rganization (WHO ), on March 27, 2024, launched CoViNet to strengthen global detection and assessment capabilities for SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV , and other emerging coronaviruses. Initially, the focus was on COVID-19, but now the network has expanded to include MERS-CoV and other strains. CoViNet consists of 36 laboratories from 21 countries across all six WHO regions. Experts in human, animal, and environmental health come together to monitor coronavirus dynamics using a holistic One Health approach. At a recent meeting in Geneva, a 2024-2025 action plan was finalized to enhance Member States' preparedness against coronavirus threats . WHO emphasizes the importance of timely surveillance and assessment of coronaviruses to understand them better. CoViNet provides data that informs WHO's T echnical A dvisory G roups on V iral E volution (TAG-VE ) and V accine C omposition (TAG-CO-VAC ), ensuring that global health strategies are based on the latest scientific insights. Click here to read more Previous Next

WHOs Multi-Country Report : Mpox Ouutbreak Content Editor: Dr Chinmay February 22, 2025 at 2:22:16 PM Mpox, WHO report, Outbreak WHO’s Multi-country External Situation Report No. 45 (January 11, 2025) outlines the ongoing global Mpox outbreak with a focus on clade Ib MPXV. In central Africa, the DRC, Burundi, and Uganda remain key hotspots, with community transmission and weekly case numbers of 100–200. For instance, the DRC recorded 2,464 cases (5 deaths) over six weeks, while Uganda and Burundi reported significant numbers, although December festivities likely reduced surveillance. Internationally, travel-associated cases emerged in 11 non-African countries, including instances in Germany, the UK, China, and others, with some countries like Tanzania and the UAE suspected of undetected spread. The report differentiates clade dynamics : clade Ia in the DRC is zoonotic but now increasingly human-transmitted ; clade Ib is spreading rapidly via human contact ; clade IIa is newly observed in West Africa; and clade IIb continues at low levels globally, primarily among MSM. Africa saw 14,700 cases (66 deaths) over one year amid shifting demographics. WHO emphasizes bolstering surveillance, vaccination (87,000 doses in the DRC, 4.83 million doses for 2025), and cross-border collaboration , deeming clades Ib and Ia high risk. Additionally, ongoing trials indicate limited efficacy of tecovirimat for mild cases, prompting updated infection prevention protocols and expanded decentralized testing in resource-constrained areas. Previous Next

Digital health classification: A categorization tool. Digital health classification: A categorization tool. Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma November 28, 2023 WHO News Section Digital Health Intervention,WHO WHO released the second edition of the classification of digital interventions for advancing health goals. This will help aid the health, development, research, and technology sectors The publication is an update and describes how digital health interventions can be used to address personal and health system challenges Digital tools help to address the following: Health system gaps Timely access to information for health workers and individuals Supporting person-centered healthcare globally The updated classification serves to: Standardize documentation Articulate digital capabilities Support categorization for effective coordination in health As the health sector embraces digital advancements, the classification ensures up-to-date resources for stakeholders. This will help foster collaboration between health and technology experts to prioritize and implement responsive digital solutions.

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

YogiFi: Advancing yoga with smart technology and AI integration YogiFi: Advancing yoga with smart technology and AI integration Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 2, 2024 Press Information Bureau Yoga, Technology integration, Artificial intelligence YogiFi, a smart AI-enabled yoga mat developed by Wellness Technologies Private Ltd. and incubated at the IIT Mandi Technology Innovation Hub, was presented to the Union Council of Ministers on International Yoga Day. It is equipped with a sensor layer and uses AI and Computer Vision to track the user's postures and give feedback to help correct them in real-time. It also gives simplified yogasana training, ⁠interactive yoga classes, real-time feedback on posture, and personalized coaching. YogiFi has received high praise and recognition from the Ministry of AYUSH, a testament to its quality and effectiveness. It also works seamlessly with other smart devices at home, creating a perfect environment to practice yoga. Click here to read more.

Pandemic paradox: Unmasking the silent surge of OHCA cases Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy October 24, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Non communicable disease, Covid-19, Public health, Research findings According to a new study that was published in the JAMA Network Open journal, there were more deadly and frequent out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) during the pandemic . The study's results were made based on information gathered from people evaluated by Emergency Medical Services in Seattle and King County, Washington, between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. 64.6% of the study patients were men, with a mean age of 64. On the other hand, 3,142 happened during the pandemic years, while 2,837 happened during pre-pandemic years. This indicates an increase in OHCA of 10.8%. When comparing the pandemic to the pre-pandemic period, the unadjusted odds ratio of survival to hospital discharge was 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.88). The authors came to the conclusion that indirect factors made OHCA prevention more difficult than the pandemic itself. 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