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

Impact of Health Benefit Package Revisions on Service Utilization in Punjab's PM-JAY Scheme Content Editor: PHC Editor November 4, 2024 at 5:47:31 PM PM-JAY, Health Benefit Package, Service Utilization, Health Insurance A study by Prinja S et al evaluated the effects of Health Benefit Package (HBP) revisions on service utilization under Punjab's Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Revisions from HBP 1.0 to HBP 2.0, including changes in package nomenclature, construct, and pricing, led to increased utilization in both public and private hospitals. Price adjustments, especially in underpriced packages , significantly boosted claims, highlighting the importance of appropriate pricing in health insurance schemes. The study used time-series analysis on 1.35 million claims, showing that policy adjustments directly influenced provider behavior towards service uptake. Findings emphasize the need for thoughtful HBP revisions to enhance accessibility and sustainability in publicly funded health insurance. Click here to read more Previous Next

CLIMATE CHANGE TO AGGRAVATE EXISTING FRAGILE AREAS Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad Climate Change and Global Security • At the UN Security Council’s 2nd formal meeting, the UN Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix noted as per the latest IPCC assessment report, climatic risks and violent conflict will increasingly interact. • Cross-border difficulties, environmental degradation, and extreme weather, intensified by climate change are hindering UN security missions. • 9 of the 16 most climate vulnerable countries host a UN field mission which are profoundly affected by climate change. Hence, tools to foresee and address linkages between climate and security, underlining the benefits of addressing climate change and ensuring that the missions do not worsen the scenario must be priorities. • He also encouraged new initiatives guided by the Environmental Strategy for Peace Operations as it was noted that 6% of electricity used by peace operations in 2021 and 2022 came from renewable energy. • Juan Manuel Santos, Nobel Prize winner and Former President of Colombia, suggested initiatives like integration of climate into UN operations, adding climate and security advisors to peacekeeping missions and using climate forecasting in the UN's prevention toolkits. Previous Next

Childhood lung function trajectories may be beneficial for predicting adult cardiovascular diseases Childhood lung function trajectories may be beneficial for predicting adult cardiovascular diseases Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy May 25, 2024 Thorax, BMJ Journals Research Findings, Preventive Medicine, Non Communicable Diseases, Public Health The study was done to test the hypothesis that subnormal lung function trajectories from childhood to adulthood are associated with indicators of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers utilized data-driven methods for determining lung function trajectories from childhood to early adulthood. They also utilized ECG and carotid artery scan data as predictors of cardiovascular risk and function. The participant data used for the study were from 3 independent UK birth cohorts [ 4874 from ALSPAC, 809 from IOW, & 801 from MAAS] The results demonstrated a significant association between diminished lung function trajectories and the propensity of cardiovascular morbidities . The study highlights the importance of measuring lung function from an early age to improve health outcomes in adulthood. Click here to read more

India Leads Traditional Medicine Integration on Global Stage India Leads Traditional Medicine Integration on Global Stage Content Editor: Dr. Shayari May 24, 2025 Press Information Bureau AYUSH, Traditional Medicine At the Sixth Meeting of the G roup of F riends of T raditional M edicine (GFTM ) in Geneva, India strongly advocated for the global advancement of evidence-based traditional medicine . Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha , Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH emphasized its vital contribution to Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 3 : ‘Good Health and Well-being’ , and SDG 17: ‘Partnerships for the Goals’. Key Takeaways The GFTM , initiated by India, serves as a key platform for member states to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems. India showcased its initiatives and commitment through national missions, research, insurance coverage, and the application of modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), genomics, and bioinformatics, in traditional practices. A high-level GFTM event is scheduled for May 23, 2025, at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva , during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78 ), to further promote this integration and advocacy.

Norovirus infection confirmed in two schoolchildren in Kerala Norovirus infection confirmed in two schoolchildren in Kerala January 24, 2023 The Hindu Emerging diseases Norovirus infection has been confirmed in two schoolchildren in Ernakulam. The virus was detected in the stool samples of the two children that were sent to the State Public Health Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram. The virus spreads through the faecal-oral route. Infection occurs either through direct consumption of contaminated food or via careless handling of food by an infected person or caregiver. An official communication by the District Medical Officer said the classrooms have been disinfected. Water samples had been collected and sent for detailed analysis. Control measures, including chlorination, have been initiated.

Three times rise in Test Positivity Rate due to increase in Covid cases Three times rise in Test Positivity Rate due to increase in Covid cases Content Editor: Dr. Rajat Sharma April 1, 2023 Times of India Covid-19 According to the recent official data, there are now 32 districts spanning 14 states and UTs with a weekly test positivity rate (TPR) of 10% or more, a 3.5% increase in just two weeks . This indicates a continuing spread of Covid-19 infections throughout the nation. The TPR is the proportion of all samples that tested positive for Covid. Four Delhi districts—south (13.8%), east (13.1%), northeast (12.3%), and central (10.4%)—were on the list of those having the highest weekly TPR. Others were Ahmedabad (10. 7%), Wayanad (14. 8%), and Kottayam (10. 5%) in Kerala, as well as Sangli (14.6%) and Pune (11.1%) in Maharashtra.

The state of food security and nutrition report 2024: A comprehensive summary Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala July 30, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Food Security, Nutrition, Food Financing The SDG targets 2.1 and 2.2 aim to end hunger, food insecurity along with all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The report was released jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, International Fund for Agricultural Development,World Health Organization and World Food Programme, The key mentions in the State of Food Security and Nutrition world report are as follows: The prevalence of undernourishment has remained virtually the same at 9.1% in 2023 since 2021, following a rise due to the pandemic in 2019. Undernourishment affected an estimated 713 million to 757 million individuals across the world. Africa accounts for 20.4% of the total undernourished population, while Asia follows with 8.1%. Nevertheless, Asia tops in the total number of undernourished individuals, amounting to 384.5 million. Around 28.9% of the global population faced moderate to severe levels of food insecurity (did not have access to adequate food regularly). Globally there was a decrease in food insecurity with increase in urbanization. The Cost of Healthy Diet (CoHD) has shown an increase over the years since 2017 , i.e., the amount of food needed to acquire the cheapest possible healthy diet. The report identified and proposed a new definition and methodology to measure financing for food security and nutrition, and applies it to estimate existing availability and gaps. The report demonstrates that although achieving these targets may carry significant costs today, not doing so may result in even greater costs tomorrow. The report highlights the need to invest in interventions that will help in preventing future costs. Click here to read more. 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

China Braces for Weather's Wrath as Typhoon Khanun Approaches Content Editor: Dr Ashwini August 30, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Environmental, Climate change According to the Beijing Meteorological Service, the capital recently encountered its most significant rainfall in 140 years. State media issued a warning that approximately 130 million individuals could be impacted by this exceptionally heavy precipitation. Millions have been affected by global Extreme Weather and Climate Change Warnings. Cleanup begins as heavy rains flood streets, claiming 11 lives and leaving dozens missing, neighboring Hebei province also hit. In recent months, China has faced severe weather conditions, including unprecedented heatwaves and destructive rainfall. Presently, the nation is on high alert as Typhoon Khanun , the sixth storm of the year, approaches the eastern coast of China. Previous Next