Pey Jal Survekshan- an initiative to foster healthy competition among cities Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy March 23, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Environment, Water, Sewage, and Water Quality As a part of mission AMRUT 2.0, P ey J al S urvekshan (PSJ ) was launched to evaluate the achievements in providing the following services: Water supply - quantity, quality, and coverage Sewerage and septage management The extent of reusing and recycling of water Conservation of water bodies In September 2022, a survey was conducted to assess them, and over 5.21 lakh household replies were registered. The first edition of these PSJ awards will focus on the water-linked services in 485 AMRUT cities. A set of nine awards each was awarded to the cities and the states, respectively, for their exceptional performance. The AMRUT Mitra initiative was also launched, wherein the role of women in urban water management was emphasized. This will further help uplift women's socioeconomic status and empowerment. Click here to read more Previous Next

Improvement of accessibility to healthcare in rural Zimbabwe- a cross sectional study. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay Healthcare accessibility, Universal Healthcare A team led by Manenji Mangundu at the University of South Africa (2023) conducted a cross-sectional study to identify strategies and develop a strategic action plan to enhance accessibility to healthcare in rural areas of Zimbabwe. Two districts in two provinces were involved. The Cross-sectional research included four phases. In phase 1, data was collected from professional nurses and healthcare users. In Phase 2, information was collected from a nominal group of national health directors. Development of a strategic action plan in Phase Three based on previous phases, systems model, and literature control. A strategic action plan was finalized and validated by members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health in Phase 4. The strategic action plan focused on- Improving the health infrastructure Providing medical drugs Providing health workers and medical equipment Addressing shortages Improving the capacity of the healthcare system The author concluded that active participation at all levels allowed the development of a strategic action plan. Previous Next

How are sleep and diet implicated in developing type 2 diabetes mellitus? How are sleep and diet implicated in developing type 2 diabetes mellitus? Content Editor: Dr. Aiswarya May 16, 2024 Diabetes and Endocrinology Journal Short sleep duration, risk of T2 Diabetes, Healthy diet habits The cohort study analyzed 2.4 lakh participants, categorizing them based on sleep duration and healthy diet score. 4 sleep duration groups were made as normal [7 to 8 hrs], mild short [ 6hrs], moderate short [5hrs], and extreme short[ 3 to 4 hrs]. Dietary habits were evaluated based on the population-specific consumption of red meat, processed meat, fruits, vegetables, and fish ranging from 0 to 5 (unhealthiest to healthiest). The outcome was the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), obtained from hospital records. 3.2% of those enrolled developed T2D during the follow-up period. Results from the study analyzed in September 2023, indicated a significant increase in the risk of T2D among participants with less than 5 hours of sleep every day. The risk is higher if the sleep is between 3 and 4 hours. Individuals with healthy diet patterns had a reduced risk of T2D (HR: 0.75 [95% CI, 0.63-0.88]). Furthermore, the association between short sleep duration and an increased risk of T2D persisted even for individuals following a healthy diet. The study did not find any interaction effects between sleep duration and a healthy diet on the incidence of T2D. The study did not have enough evidence to conclude that healthy food habits can decrease the incidence of T2D in people with habitual short duration of sleep. To validate these studies further longitudinal studies are needed, incorporating repeated measures of sleep and dietary habits. Click here to read more.

Government of India provides data on current health infrastructure status under NPNCD Content Editor : Dr. Sathya Prashaath January 4, 2025 at 5:50:45 PM Non-Communicable Diseases, NP-NCD, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases Under NP-NCD, 770 District NCD Clinics, 372 District Day Care Centres, 233 Cardiac Care Units, and 6410 Community Health Centre-based NCD Clinics have been set up as of 20 December 2024, as informed by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. As directed in the NPNCD guidelines, these centres focus on curative services, while the community level outreach focuses on the prevention of and screening for common NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles. 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

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

WHO Confirms Kenya’s Elimination of Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) Content Editor :Dr. Sudeep August 30, 2025 at 2:59:10 PM World Health Organization, Kenya, Sleeping sickness, elimination, HAT is the 2nd NTD to be eliminated in Kenya, the 1st being Guinea worm disease (2018) The causative agent of HAT is a parasitic protozoan, namely, Trypanosoma brucei and the disease exists as 2 separate forms (gambiense and rhodesiense). Rhodesiense (r-HAT) is clinically the more dangerous form and it is already known to have a rapid progression (within weeks) and a very high fatality rate as it involves critical organs such as the brain. HAT outbreaks in Kenya were exclusively of r-HAT and of recent origin, with the first recorded case being reported in the early 20th century. After growing awareness and control measures, there has been no indigenous new case reported since 2009. With this achievement, Kenya just became the 10th African country to eliminate HAT. (Though gambiense is the more widely encountered form and accounts for 92% of African disease burden as per WHO 2023 report) Global efforts to control neglected tropical diseases are advancing steadily, with 57 nations now certified as having eliminated at least one NTD—an increase from 54 in December 2024. This achievement places the world over halfway toward WHO’s target of 100 countries reaching at least one NTD elimination by 2030. For further read, click here Previous Next

M. pneumoniae infections on the rise in the United States Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel March 19, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM Infectious disease, International health News, Disease Outbreaks According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae are on the rise in the United States. Among school-aged children, M. pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections. The data collected from the CDC’s National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) and New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN) during three periods – pre-, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic showed that while infections caused by this pathogen decreased during the pandemic period compared to pre-pandemic levels, they were on the rise in the post-pandemic period. The report concluded that healthcare providers should include M. pneumoniae in their differential diagnoses of community-acquired pneumonia during the fall and winter respiratory illness seasons. It also highlighted the need for continued surveillance of such infections and macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae infections in the United States. Previous Next

Update on concomitant treatment of Hepatitis C and tuberculosis Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal April 27, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Treatment guidelines Evidence suggests that concurrent therapy for HCV and MDR/RR-TB is feasible, with potential benefits outweighing the hazards. Co-administration may improve MDR/RR-TB treatment success while decreasing failures, loss to follow-up, and fatalities. These details are provided in the new edition of WHO unified guidelines for the treatment of TB and drug-resistant tuberculosis, with its accompanying Operational Handbook on Tuberculosis: Module 4: therapy. While short-course oral d irect-a cting a ntivirals (DAAs ) have revolutionized HCV treatment , with over 90% sustained virologic response rates, managing chronic HCV in MDR/RR-TB patients remains a difficulty due to differing national policies. This new update further encourages countries to take unified national policies regarding the same. Click here to read more. Previous Next