Farmaceutical boom: FDA sounds alarm as antibiotic sales soar in livestock Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami December 21, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM One Health, Antimicrobial Stewardship, USFDA US F ood and D rug A dministration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine released the report. 6.2 million kilograms (kg) of medically important antibiotics were sold in 2022 , up from 5.9 million kg in 2021. Swine accounted for the highest percentage of sales (43%) , followed by cattle (41%). Almost two thirds of sales were of tetracyclines (65%) , with penicillins accounting for 10% of sales. According to the biomass-adjusted sales chart, presented for the first time in the new report, all antibiotic classes except for fluoroquinolones saw increases in biomass-adjusted sales, and most of them saw double-digit increases. The concern about overuse of medically important antibiotics in food-producing animals is that it contributes to a reservoir of resistant bacteria that could reduce the effectiveness of those antibiotics, both in animals and humans. Previous Next

India Halves Zero-Dose Children Rate with Focused Immunization Drive India Halves Zero-Dose Children Rate with Focused Immunization Drive Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 21, 2025 PHC Editorial Bureau Zero-dose children, India immunization, vaccine coverage India has achieved a notable reduction in zero-dose children —those who haven’t received any vaccines—from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024 , according to the Union Health Ministry. This progress stems from rigorous vaccination campaigns, enhanced implementation of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), and focused efforts targeting underserved populations. Recognition from the UN Inter‑Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation and the Measles-Rubella Champion Award highlight India's global health leadership. Expanded vaccine coverage has directly cut child mortality from pneumonia, diarrhea, and meningitis. Technological tools like the U‑WIN digital registry , alongside community outreach in high-risk areas , underpin this public-health success.

Anthrax alarm in Zambia Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami December 21, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM One Health, Infectious Disease Zambian authorities notified WHO about an Anthrax outbreak in humans on 1st November 2023. The first human cases were reported from the Sinazongwe District on 5 May 2023 . In June 2023, human and animal cases were reported elsewhere in the same district. By 20th November 2023, there were 684 suspected human cases, including four deaths. A case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.6% was reported in 44 out of 116 districts in 9 out of 10 Zambian provinces affected, with the Sinazongwe district as the epicenter. The last large-scale outbreak in Zambia was in 2011 with 511 suspected cases. Response to the outbreak is being done from both the human and animal side. The risk of the event spreading within Zambia is assessed to be high due to unrestricted animal and carcass movement there. The regional risk is also considered high due to the frequent movement of animals and people between Zambia and neighboring nations. 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

Are we doing enough to stub out smoking? Are we doing enough to stub out smoking? Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy August 8, 2023 The Hindu Smoking, Laws and Regulations, Noncommunicable diseases Smoking kills 8.7 million people every year, making it one of the leading preventable causes of death. The UN health agency urged nations to increase their use of recognized tobacco-use prevention strategies, such as: Enforcing advertising bans Plastering health warnings on packages Raising tobacco taxes Assisting those who want to quit Globally, only 4 countries have successfully adopted all the WHO-recommended anti-tobacco measures. Currently, 71% of the world’s population is protected against smoking by at least one tobacco control measure, 5 times more than in 2007. However, 2.3 billion people still remain unprotected. Regarding the control measures on e-cigarettes , 121 countries have adopted some, and a total of 74 have no regulations in place for the same.

One in Six People Worldwide Affected by Infertility - WHO Report Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur April 12, 2023 at 10:48:11 PM Global Burden of Disease, Infertility The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that one in six people worldwide is affected by infertility, and access to affordable care is insufficient . Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, and the WHO's report reveals that 17.5% of the adult population experience infertility in their lifetime. This report provides data on global and regional infertility prevalence by analyzing all relevant studies from 1990 to 2021. The search identified 12,241 records of potentially relevant studies across the world and finally, 133 studies were included in the analysis for the report. Pooled estimates, for lifetime and period infertility prevalence were reported. The prevalence of infertility highlights the need to widen access to fertility care, and ensure safe, effective, and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Read the complete report - Click Here Previous Next

Are Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 violative of the Forest Right Act, 2006? Are Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 violative of the Forest Right Act, 2006? Content Editor : Dr. Yamini Singh March 9, 2023 The Hindu Global Health, Deforestation The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change in June 2022 , notified the Forest (Conservation) Rules 2022, which prescribed the mechanism for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. New Rules omitted a clause (present in 2014 and 2017 Rules) that required any proposal to mandatorily have the consent of local tribespeople and other traditional forest dwellers of the area , before proceeding for Stage 1 clearance (approval of central government). This was pointed out by National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) highlighting violations of rights like pushing the State and Union Territory governments for diversion of forest land at the earliest and unfair FRA compliance reports. NCST says the requirement for consent and recognition of rights prior to stage 1 clearance provided a legal space for the completion of the process for recognition of rights under FRA. For further reading about forest conservation rules - click here

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

Public health alert: Dangerous substances found in gummies in the US COntent Editor: Dr. Chinmay August 3, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Hallucinogenics, Public health hazard, International health news. Food safety The MMWR study details the discovery of Schedule I drugs, including psilocybin and psilocin, in nootropic gummies that were sold in Virginia between late 2023 and early 2024 and contained Amanita muscaria or other mushrooms. After consuming these gummies, tachycardia, confusion, and nausea were reported by five individuals, one of whom was a youngster. According to laboratory testing, these candies also had additional ingredients like caffeine, ephedrine, and mitragynine. Because customers are unaware that these chemicals could cause severe sickness, their presence risks public health. Healthcare professionals and the general public are advised by the report to exercise caution while using nootropics that contain mushrooms because they may contain hazardous and hidden components. It is advised that anyone having symptoms after consumption seek medical assistance right once. Click here to read more. Previous Next

"Easy and cheap" reasons cited by patients for nonprescription antibiotic use Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy November 1, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Antimicrobial stewardship, AMR, Public health, Pharmacovigilance, Public health A study conducted in Texas aimed to understand the motivations of people for using antibiotics without a doctor's prescription . The patients' responses revealed that the main reason for taking antibiotics was quick resolution of symptoms and non-prescription medications were cheaper than getting a consultation and prescription from a physician. The main reasons were flu, UTI, diarrhea, allergies and main sources of non-prescription medications were found to be internet, outside countries, leftover antibiotics from a family member. The findings of the study can drive the antibiotic stewardship programs in a new direction and findings also highlights need for improving access to healthcare services and alternative treatment options for common ailments Previous Next