WHO allocates 899,000 Mpox vaccine doses to nine African nations amid surge PHC Editor November 16, 2024 at 2:23:56 PM Mpox, Vaccine allocation, WHO, Africa, public health The World Health Organization (WHO ) has allocated 899,000 mpox vaccine doses to nine African countries experiencing significant outbreaks . The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC ) will receive 85% of these doses, as it reports four out of every five laboratory-confirmed cases in Africa this year. Other recipient countries include the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda. This initiative is part of the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) for mpox, involving Africa CDC, CEPI, Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO, aiming to ensure equitable distribution of limited vaccine supplies . Donations from Canada, the European Union, and the United States have contributed to this allocation, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in addressing public health emergencies. Previous Next

Rabid seals attack surfers: South Africa faces unusual rabies outbreak Rabid seals attack surfers: South Africa faces unusual rabies outbreak Content Editor: Dr Sakshi Aggarwal July 18, 2024 Social Trends Rabies outbreak, One Health, Zoonotic disease Rabies spreads to people from the saliva of infected animals and is usually transmitted through a bite. An incident was reported in Cape Town after a seal bit several surfers. Four fur seals were euthanized for testing; three tested positive. To date, 11 fur seals in South Africa have tested positive for rabies , marking the first significant marine mammal outbreak. The symptoms include fever, pain, and unusual sensations at the wound site, followed by brain and spinal cord inflammation, leading to hyperactivity, hallucinations, hydrophobia, and paralysis. Rabies is common in regional wildlife but rare in seals. There is a potential risk of seal-to-human transmission as well. About 2 million fur seals live in the area, raising concerns about the virus spreading within colonies and to other species like otters. The following public safety measures are being taken by officials to prevent potential spread : 1. Vaccination of the surfers and swimmers if bitten. 2. Closing of beaches by lifeguards if aggressive seals are seen. 3. Dog owners are urged keep pets leashed.

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

Antimicrobial resistance in India: The status and the way ahead Antimicrobial resistance in India: The status and the way ahead Content Editor: Shayari October 12, 2024 Press Information Bureau AMR, One Health, Global Health India has reaffirmed its resolute dedication to tackling the increasing challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stressed the immediate necessity for worldwide collaboration to confront this vital challenge. Key Points: She pointed out that AMR jeopardizes years of advancements in contemporary medicine and poses a significant danger to global public health. She emphasized India's remarkable progress in the battle against AMR through its National Action Plan (NAP AMR), which includes enhancing surveillance systems, advocating for responsible antimicrobial usage, and bolstering infection prevention and control measures. She called for incorporating AMR containment strategies into various health initiatives , such as pandemic preparedness, strengthening health systems, and achieving universal health coverage. India's revamped NAP-AMR 2.0 emphasizes collaborative efforts across sectors, leveraging "One Health" approaches. The UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR was vital to elevate awareness and bolster global initiatives to address this expanding health crisis. Click here to read more.

National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill 2023 Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad August 31, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Nursing and Midwifery, Education, Laws and policies Parliament has passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, 2023 , which will replace the current Indian Nursing Council and significantly alter the state of nursing practice and education. The following are the proposed Act's main features: Setting up National and State Commissions along with a national advisory council. Establishing fixed tenures for members and chairperson. Uniform admissions procedure. Using innovative methods and cutting-edge technologies in nursing education. Cultivation of soft skills among registered professionals. Recognition of specialized training and certification programmes in nursing and midwifery. Invite international experts to attend meetings of the National Commission. Advancing a team-based approach for the provision of effective healthcare. Previous Next

Sprinkle of change: Millet flour takes the tax spotlight Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E October 19, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Nutrition, Millets, International Year of Millets 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. 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

Revised guidelines for international travel with regards to COVID-19 Content Editor: Dr. Tanya July 5, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM International Travel, COVID-19, Guidelines As the global COVID-19 cases show declining rates, the Govt. of India has revised the guidelines for International Travel. The revised guidelines on International Travel state: All travelers should preferably be completely immunized against COVID-19. In-flight announcements regarding preventive measures against COVID-19 should be made. Passengers presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should be isolated and follow standard protocols such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. They should be provided facility-based care in isolation upon arrival. Social distancing should be followed during deboarding the flights. Adequate thermal screening should be done of all passengers. Self-monitoring of health post-arrival. Individuals are urged to report to a healthcare facility immediately if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Addressing the threat of H5N1: Importance of vigilant surveillance and public health preparedness Addressing the threat of H5N1: Importance of vigilant surveillance and public health preparedness Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy June 13, 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza, Zoonosis, Communicable diseases Since 2022, a small number of sporadic human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) have been identified globally amidst a widespread outbreak among wild birds and poultry. Nearly all human cases reported since 2022 have been linked to poultry exposure, with no human-to-human transmission detected. Currently, HPAI A(H5N1) viruses do not efficiently bind to receptors in the human upper respiratory tract, which limits the risk to the public. However, additional sporadic human infections are expected due to influenza viruses' rapid evolution potential and the widespread presence of HPAI A(H5N1) in wild birds, poultry, and now dairy cattle. Hence, ongoing comprehensive surveillance of these viruses in wild birds, poultry, mammals, and humans should be coupled with frequent risk assessments and preparedness efforts to manage public health risks. Click here to read more.

International Thalassemia day: Reiteration of prevention is better than cure Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy May 16, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Thalassemia, Blood disorders, Genetic disorders International Thalassemia Day is celebrated every year on the 8th of May to re-emphasize the importance of prevention of the disease. This year's theme includes: "Empowering Lives, EmbracingProgress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All." Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder, affecting 10,000 births every year. This international thalassemia day, the Secretary of MoHFW stressed on few points to curb the rising prevalence of thalassemia. These salient points include the following: 1. The most effective strategy to reduce the burden is timely detection and prevention 2. Refocus on the need to increase awareness campaigns 3. Inclusion of compulsory thalassemia testing in RCH programmes To increase awareness of the disease, a video was launched reiterating the effective prevention and treatment methods. Click here to read more. Previous Next