NAFLD and Glycaemic Status as Predictors of CVD Risk Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 7, 2025 at 5:41:50 PM Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Study Objective: The study aimed to evaluate how glycaemic status influences long-term cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) . Methodology Researchers analyzed data from 1,057,775 adults in South Korea who were diagnosed with NAFLD during a national health screening in 2009. Participants were categorized based on fasting glucose levels into three groups: normal fasting glucose (NFG), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) . They were followed for a median duration of 11.3 years to track incidences of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiovascular (CV) death. Key Findings During the follow-up period, the study recorded 26,491 heart attacks, 55,791 strokes, and 11,147 cardiovascular deaths . After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with T2D had significantly elevated risks 39% higher for both MI and stroke , and 46% higher for CV death —compared to those with normal glucose levels. The IFG group did not show a statistically significant increase in risk. Notable Insight: The increased cardiovascular risk in the T2D group was especially evident among younger, non-obese individuals without hypertension suggesting that traditional risk profiles may underestimate CVD risk in this subgroup. Conclusion: T2D markedly increases CVD risk in those with NAFLD , underscoring the need for early detection and integrated disease management.Click here to read more Previous Next

Global food regulators summit 2024: Advancing food safety and innovation worldwide Content Editor: Dr. Anamika October 10, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Food safety, Food regulators, Food security, Nutrition The second edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 was inaugurated by the Union Health Minister. The summit emphasizes collaboration and innovation , aiming to share insights and best practices for ensuring safe and nutritious food worldwide . It aims to establish a global platform for food regulators to share insights on food safety systems. Focus areas include addressing foodborne illnesses, nutraceutical safety, novel foods, and microplastics. New initiatives launched include the Food Import Rejection Alerts (FIRA) portal for notifying food import rejections and the Food Import Clearance System 2.0 (FICS 2.0) for faster processing and transparency. The State Food Safety Index (SFSI ) 2024 was released, with Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, and Nagaland leading the rankings. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Population-level impact of ban on alcohol: Findings from a quasi-experimental study Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy June 12, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Alcohol Intake, Public Health Laws, Prevention Alcohol intake is a significant risk factor for over 200 diseases. Even though the levels of alcohol intake in India are lower when compared to other countries, the levels are on the rise. In 2016, Bihar initiated the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act , which halted the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the state . A quasi-experimental study was conducted to understand the effects of this ban on a set of outcomes, including Weekly alcohol intake Body weight and obesity Noncommunicable diseases such as DM and hypertension Intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women The study used data from the National Family Health Survey 3, 4, and 5. A difference-in-difference (DID) model was used to compare the outcomes between Bihar and the neighboring states, and a triple difference model (DDD) was used to add the male-female interaction. The ban led to the prevention of the following: 2.4 million cases of daily/weekly alcohol consumption. 1.8 million cases of overweight/obesity among males . 2.1 million cases of IPV among females . Click here to read more. Previous Next

Need for community action to reduce water pollution Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel May 1, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Environment, Nature, Pollution Following a complaint by local residents, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), in January found that a local pond called Machli Talab in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi had turned into a pool filled with sewage and wastewater. On inspection by the DPCC, a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at the site was found to be non-functional with no logbook maintained at the site. Thus, wastewater from a drain carrying sewage from an adjacent locality had polluted the pond. DPCC then directed the D elhi J al B oard (DJB) in a letter on March 29 to take corrective measures and send a treated effluent analysis report. Pollution of surface water bodies acts as a reservoir of pollutants and numerous microorganisms, posing a significant threat to the health of the community. Previous Next

Need for humanitarian aid in Africa Content Editor: Himabindu Reddy September 8, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Global health, Child health, Food insecurity, UN United Nations agencies warn that in the absence of humanitarian aid: Almost a million under-five children could end up with severe malnutrition 200,000 will be at risk of starving to death by the end of this year. The complex interplay of negative forces has led to severe food insecurity, which may progress to a famine in the Menaka region of Mali. These factors include: Continued conflicts, Violence Climate shocks Lack of access to humanitarian aid The UNICEF authorities have highlighted the need for urgent aid in this landlocked crisis-ridden region to: Alleviate hunger Provide medical aid Ensure drugs and vaccine supply as required. Previous Next

Empowering Sustainability: Remarkable Growth in India’s Renewable Energy Sector Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav January 31, 2025 at 3:12:42 PM Environment, Non fossil fuels, Fossil fuels, Sustainability Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: Total capacity, including nuclear energy reached 211.36 GW Solar Power: Showed the highest growth, with an increase of 20.1 GW (27.9%), rising from 72.02 GW to 92.12 GW and a total capacity of 250.57 GW when considering projects underway or tendered. Wind Energy: Grew by 7.8% rising from 44.29GW to 47.72GW Renewable Energy: Between April and October 2024, India added 12.6 GW of renewable energy capacity with 1.72GW added in October alone. Hydro and Nuclear Power: Hydropower contributed to 46.93 GW, while nuclear power accounted for 8.18 GW of the renewable energy mix. The expansion of renewable energy projects under implementation and tendered further accelerates India’s transition towards clean energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development. 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

WPV1 (Wild polio virus) in Pakistan: The challenges and implications Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay September 23, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Global health, poliovirus, Outbreak A recent report by the CDC highlights 21 cases of WPV1 in Pakistan from 2022 to June 2023 , all concentrated in the troubled region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The detection of WPV1 in sewage in Karachi indicates gaps in surveillance and immunization campaign quality. Since the beginning of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the limited coverage of vaccination campaigns, security challenges, and gaps in acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance have been challenging. To combat WPV1, the following measures are essential: Meticulous vaccination planning Tracking of missed children Cooperation with Afghanistan's efforts The 2021–2022 WPV1 outbreak in southeastern Africa linked to Pakistan is subsiding, and focus is being emphasized on domestic transmission. Swift responses are needed to: Prevent renewed circulation Necessitating unwavering efforts in vaccination coverage Increase efforts in surveillance. To stop WPV1 transmission, Pakistan's polio program must diligently target underserved children, particularly in conflict-prone areas. Previous Next

Use of oxytocin in the dairy industry: Implications and way ahead Content Editor: Dr. Shubham May 8, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Animal Handling, Animal Health, Dairy farming The Delhi High Court passed judgment on the widespread usage of oxytocin hormone in dairy colonies, that are packaged in white plastic bottles with a red or silver lid. The Court released a statement addressing the following points: In addition to being concerning, the use of oxytocin hormone to boost dairy and cattle productivity is also considered cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, of 1960, and The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940. As a result, relevant authorities are directed to investigate and prosecute any such cases. Any unreported manufacturing or delivery of oxytocin in any form without authorization should be investigated by the police and intelligence division . The court acknowledged the noncompliance with a previous ruling it had issued, which ordered the relocation of the specified dairies outside of Delhi's municipal zone. Nine large dairies ought to be moved to regions with adequate drainage, sewage, and biogas facilities, as well as lots of open space for cattle grazing and movement. If humans, especially children, were to ingest the milk from the dairies near the Sanitary Landfill Sites (also known as "SLFS"), there could be grave repercussions. The cattle likely raised there would be fed hazardous waste. According to several studies, dairy product’s steroid hormone content may be a significant risk factor for several human malignancies. Even though oxytocin does not enter the bloodstream in its active state, it has been observed that milk containing this hormone has negative impacts on human health, necessitating tighter laws and controls Click here to read more. Previous Next

The New digitial vaccination database - U-WIN to be launched in India January 25, 2023 at 5:24:41 AM NIP, Digital Health, Vaccination After Co-win, Government of India launched U-Win app for routine immunisation and pregnant women registration. It has been launched in a pilot mode in two districts of each state and Union Territory. Pregnant women and children, vaccine acknowledgement and immunisation card linked to ABHA ID (Ayushmann Bharat Health Account). Beneficiaries would be able to book slots for vaccination in advance through U-Win. It also serve as effective surveillance tool too. Previous Next