MeDevIS: WHO launches global platform for medical device information Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet July 18, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Health System innovation, Newer Update, Medical devices MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System), the WHO’s new online platform, is a comprehensive repository of information on 2301 types of medical devices, providing a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. MeDevIS is designed to aid governments, regulators, and users and covers a range of health issues, from reproductive health to non-communicable diseases and infectious diseases like COVID-19. Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General, emphasized the platform's role in navigating the growing complexity of medical technologies. MeDevIS consolidates data from various international sources, offering a user-friendly interface for checking device specifications, required infrastructure, and supported healthcare levels. By referencing international naming systems like EMDN (European Medical Device Nomenclature ) and GMDN (Global Medical Device Nomenclature) , MeDevIS simplifies device nomenclature, aiding in regulatory approval and procurement processes, ultimately contributing to improved global health technology access. 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

Mental Health Risks in Cancer Survivors Persist Long-Term Content Editor: Dr. Dr Ghurumourthy October 19, 2024 at 7:24:47 AM Mental Health, Cancer Survivor A recent study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that cancer survivors face elevated risks of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, non-fatal self-harm, and suicide, compared to cancer-free individuals. Researchers conducted a cohort study using UK electronic health records from over 853,000 cancer survivors and 8.1 million cancer-free individuals. The study focused on survivors of the 20 most common cancers and examined mental health outcomes over short, medium, and long-term follow-up. The methodology involved matching cancer survivors with cancer-free individuals based on age, sex, and general practice, and analyzing their risks for new mental health episodes using Cox regression models. The results showed that survivors of cancers with poorer survival rates, such as lung and pancreatic cancers, experienced significantly higher risks of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. These risks were highest within the first year after diagnosis but persisted for more than five years for many cancer types. The study concludes that cancer survivors need enhanced psychological support, especially those with poorer prognosis cancers. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the long-term mental health impacts of cancer survivorship. Click here to read more Previous Next

Impact of extreme heat in Delhi: An increase in nephrolithiasis cases Content Editor: Dr. Shubham July 19, 2024 at 3:30:00 PM Heat waves, Kidney Stones, Climate Change Kidney stone cases among young adults (20-40yrs) in Delhi have increased by 30–40%, which is related to the city's extreme heat and dehydration. Evidence has shown that global climate change, with extremes of temperature, affects vulnerable population groups differentially, with higher rates of dehydration and subsequent episodes of nephron—or urolithiasis. Urine's chemical content can cause stones due to dehydration from higher temperatures. Some causes are genetic susceptibility and high oxalate consumption (found in foods like chocolates, berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables). Overindulgence in foods high in protein and sodium, hyperuricosuria, and hypercalciuria, like metabolic diseases, can increase patients' risks. Severe back or abdominal discomfort, frequent urination urges, and even blood in the urine are common complaints. Officials stress the importance of staying hydrated, drinking lots of fluids, and making dietary changes. Previous Next

Illegal drug trafficking escalating in Iraq Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy August 7, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Drug abuse, Global health, Drug trafficking, Narcotics Methamphetamine , commonly known as crystal meth, is one of the most abused narcotics in Iraq today, along with Captagon. Iraq which shares borders with Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, serves as a transit country for the burgeoning illegal trade of amphetamine-like drugs in the middle east region. Currently, the Iraqi security services report almost daily about drug seizures and arrests , thanks to intelligence operations backed by joint efforts with neighboring countries suffering the same problem. This dramatic spike in drug abuse situation has also prompted the nation to open up centers/ clinics to help recover and prevent relapse. Previous Next

Avian influenza (H5N1): An outbreak report Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Gupta April 11, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM International Health, Outbreak, Surveillance The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) mentioned in its epidemiological outbreak report mentioned cases of avian influenza. They also emphasized the need to establish measures for prevention and response to curtail the spread. An outbreak of cases was seen in Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, the Falkland Islands, Mexico, Peru, and the United States. The report was published at the end of March 2024 and emphasized the need for: Intersectoral coordination to promote epidemiological and virological investigations Preparedness for emergencies and especially for the pandemic potential of the outbreak Delegation of teams for Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCE) and collecting relevant information to look for patterns Public messaging and social communication for preventive behavior change Surveillance of Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and Influenza Syndrome (ILI) 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

Importance of public health service satisfaction on electoral priority - Study findings February 25, 2023 at 4:24:32 PM Public Health Services, Research findings, Satisfaction Indicators Lokniti - Centre for Study of Developing Societies, has come up with the level of voter satisfaction with public health services - An interview based survey. Access to health schemes like Ayushman Bharat, State Health Insurance Programmes, JSKK, JSY and Mission Indradhanush and degree of benefit from those schemes were evaluated. The findings revealed :- Schemes for women and children had the least access. The quarter of people who availed the health schemes , around half were more likely to be satisfied than those who did not benefit. The duration of waiting hours for medical treatment has been shown to have an inverse relation with the level of satisfaction. The quality of interaction of the public with health services has significant influence in voter satisfaction which in turn are critical in guiding policy making. Previous Next

Prostate cancer projections by 2040 Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel April 25, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Prostate Cancer, Disease Projections, Cancer The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer released its report on the projection of the disease burden of prostate cancers in 2040 based on current demographic changes and life expectancy. Following were its findings - The number of cases is expected to rise to 2.9 million in 2040 from 1.4 million in 2020 . This surge will need government strategies to deal with the burden. Most of the cases are projected to be seen in Low and Middle-Income countries (LMICs ) with a significant number coming from High-Income countries (HICs) as well. The report prioritizes the need for research among African descent , who experience twice higher rates of prostate cancer compared to the European race. Early diagnosis will help improve prognosis and outcomes and reduce the societal cost. This will require a change in the diagnostic pathway. These interventions will include education about these cancers and shift the burden from late diagnosis to earlier-stage disease. The report also suggests innovations utilizing smartphones as a tool for communication. Click here to read more. Previous Next

SPArc Therapy as a Safer Alternative in Head and Neck Cancer Therapy Content Editor: Dr. Asma Aftab July 7, 2025 at 5:41:50 PM Oncology, Medical Innovation For the first time, a team of doctors in the United States, have treated a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma using step-and-shoot spot-scanning proton arc therapy (SPArc) —a precise form of proton therapy that spares healthy tissue. Conducted at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, this technique was found to reduce radiation exposure to critical areas like the brainstem, spinal canal, and oral cavity by up to 90% compared to standard methods. Published in the International Journal of Particle Therapy, the study involved a 46-year-old woman treated with 33 SPArc sessions. She experienced minimal side effects and continued working throughout treatment. Various experts have praised the method’s precision, especially for tumours near vital organs. Though a more advanced dynamic version of SPArc is still under development, this marks a major step in treating complex head and neck cancers with reduced collateral damage. Cost and accessibility, however, still remain key concerns.Click here to read more Previous Next