India CENSUS 2021 : Delayed. When it is expected to start? February 13, 2023 at 1:41:47 PM Population, Demography, Delayed CENSUS - 2021 In an indication that the Census exercise meant to be conducted in 2021, but delayed because of the COVID 19 pandemic, may get delayed further. The Union budget allocation under the Census Survey and Statistics head has been slashed to ₹1,565 crore this year, from the ₹3.676 crores in 2022-23. As per the latest PTI report (on January 07, 2023), census enumeration remains postponed till September 30, 2023. The date of freezing administrative boundaries for the enumeration has been extended till June 30 and census can be conducted only 3 months after the freezing of the boundary limits. It is the first census of India that is expected to be digitalized, where the data will be collected through a mobile app. Also, facility for self-enumeration will be available. Previous Next

Dismissal of the Yamagata strain from the flu vaccine Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami March 13, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Communicable Diseases, Immunisation, International Health News The advisory group consisted of F ood and D rug A dministration (FDA ) and V accines and R elated B iological P roducts A dvisory C ommittee (VRBPAC ) experts. The group voted for a return to trivalent flu vaccines , similar to the WHO recommendation in September 2023. They urged manufacturers to drop the Yamagata strain from 2024-25 vaccines since it has not been detected since 2020 in the US. They also approved the WHO-recommended Northern Hemisphere strains for the US for the 2024-25 season. However, all countries cannot switch to trivalent vaccines since it may still be circulating there or they may not have the means to switch to trivalent vaccines in such a short time. Previous Next

Empowering women: India's labor ministry leads the way Content Editor: Dr.KH Reddy February 9, 2024 at 3:15:00 PM Gender equality, Pay parity, Women empowerment, Laws and legislations The ministry of labor and employment reinforced its drive to increase women in the workforce and support female entrepreneurs by establishing an environment that is safe, healthy, and supportive of women. Some of the pivotal components highlighted by the advisory include : Availability of canteens, creches, restrooms and first aid boxes at all workplaces and adequate accommodation for construction site migrant workers Medical practitioners to ensure healthcare ICC to effectively address sexual abuse complaints at earliest. Compliance to Equal Remuneration Act, Maternity Benefit Act & ESI Act The advisory instructs employers to be aware of these regulations and actively implement them thus safeguarding well-being and dignity of women in workplace Previous Next

National Mission For Clean Ganga Organizes River-Cities Alliance Global Seminar National Mission For Clean Ganga Organizes River-Cities Alliance Global Seminar Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Zabiulla Rifai May 9, 2023 Press Information Bureau Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Development National Mission For Clean Ganga Organizes River-Cities Alliance Global Seminar On 4th May 2023. National Mission For Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) organized the ‘River-Cities Alliance (RCA) Global Seminar: Partnership for Building International River-Sensitive Cities’ in New Delhi. River Cities Alliance: Joint initiative of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) & the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), with a vision to connect river cities and focus on sustainable river centric development. The Purpose of the seminar was to provide a platform for officials of member cities and international stakeholders to discuss and learn good practices for managing urban rivers. The Notable points discussed in the seminar were regarding the Best practises by international cities of Greater Manchester, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Aarhus and national cities of Ayodhya and Udaipur in developing their rivers; Decentralised Urban Wastewater Management System in Japan and also the Contributions of NMCG – Urban Agenda and Urban River Management Plan Framework, STPs to address issues of faecal contamination.

WHO prequalifies new Dengue vaccine TAK-003 WHO prequalifies new Dengue vaccine TAK-003 Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy May 30, 2024 WHO News Section Vaccine, Infectious Disease On May 10, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) granted prequalification to TAK-003, a new dengue vaccine developed by Takeda. TAK-003, the second dengue vaccine to receive this status, is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened forms of all four dengue virus serotypes. The WHO prequalification list also includes CYD-TDV, a dengue vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur. WHO advises administering TAK-003 to children aged 6-16 years in regions with a high prevalence and transmission rate of dengue. The vaccine will be given in a two-dose regimen, with a three-month gap between doses. Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification, emphasized that TAK-003’s prequalification marks a significant advancement in broadening global access to dengue vaccines, making it eligible for purchase by UN agencies such as UNICEF and PAHO. He hoped that more vaccine developers would seek assessment to ensure vaccines reach all communities in need. Click here to read more

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

Raising awareness about heat-related illness: The need of the hour Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy April 10, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM Heat Wave, Heat Related Illness, Health Promotion, Public Health, MoHFW The Union health minister stressed the importance of continuity in IEC efforts to prevent and better manage heat-related illnesses. Dr Mandaviya also remarked on the lack of requisite data and the need to create a central database recording heat wave pattern distribution, and cases of heat-related illnesses and deaths . This will thus help policymakers create a realistic picture of the health situation to manage. States and district-level authorities were asked to take the following steps to ensure adequate management: Implement SOPs for Heatstroke Surveillance Re-evaluate local-level preparedness, stock of essential medicines, ice packs, and ORS sachets at public health facilities. 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. 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