Emerging arboviral disease in America: The need for comprehensive measures Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy July 1, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Outbreak, Vector-borne diseases, Arbovirus WEEV (Western equine encephalitis virus) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus that infects birds and can indirectly transmit to humans and equids, causing severe encephalitic conditions. Historically responsible for significant epidemics, WEEV has resurged in Argentina and Uruguay since November 2023 . As of April 2024, 103 human and 47 equine cases were reported in South America (Argentina and Uruguay). WEEV maintains a natural cycle between birds and mosquitoes, with horses and humans as dead-end hosts . Outbreaks can result from conducive environmental conditions and vector-host interactions. America has seen a rise in arboviral diseases, highlighting the changing geographical distribution and frequency of outbreaks. Recent increases in malaria, West Nile fever, dengue, and Oropouche virus cases underscore the need for vigilance. Climate change, deforestation, urbanization, and global travel contribute to the spread of arboviruses. Understanding vector and host ecology, alongside advanced spatial epidemiology tools, is crucial. Preventive measures within a One Health framework, including vector control, vaccination, and personal protection, are essential for mitigating WEEV's impact. Click here to read more. Previous Next

03. National Bioenergy Programme - Union govt allocates total budget outlay of Rs 1715 Crores February 12, 2023 at 3:33:37 PM Environment & Climate Change The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified the National Bioenergy Programme on 2nd November, 2022. This programme has a provision of Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for various components related to Power generation, Biogas/BioCNG generation and Briquette/Pellet manufacturing, wherein Biomass is one of the major feedstock material, which primarily shall be sourced from rural areas. The following components are proposed under the following components: Waste to Energy Programme Biomass Programme Biogas programme Previous Next

63-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 25-31th March, 2024 Does Morel mushroom exposure cause gastrointestinal illness? The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MTDPHHS) and Gallatin City County Health Department (GCCHD), with the support of the CDC, conducted a case-control study to identify illnesses that are associated with food and to assess the dose-response relationship. Questionnaire data were collected by state and county health department staff members using Jotform software, and those deidentified were sent for analysis to CDC, where matched and unmatched logistic regression analysis was conducted using SAS software. The odds of consuming a special sushi roll with morel mushrooms among cases were 15.78 times higher than those of control patients and 10.77 times higher among cases for eating any morels. The FDA has published information on morels and other mushrooms that can be cultivated. The MTDPHHS and GCCHD gave recommendations on proper storage and preparation to reduce the illness risk. Findings from the investigation suggested uncooked or undercooked morel mushrooms were the source of the outbreak and there was a clear association between the consumption of morels and gastrointestinal illness. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Center for Disease Control Source : Published on : March 30, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Public health outbreak, International health news. Updates in polio The polio advocate, Paul Alexander, who contracted polio at age 6 and spent over 70 years in an iron lung, has passed away. Alexander became a lawyer, author, and tireless advocate for ending polio through vaccination efforts worldwide. Also, o n International Women's Day, the global polio eradication program recognized the crucial contributions of female health workers, leaders, and partners to progress against the disease. Their advocacy, vaccination work, and collaboration have been instrumental to their success. Though polio vaccination campaigns continue globally, several countries have reported new cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), which can emerge in under-immunized communities: Angola: 1 cVDPV2 sample Côte d'Ivoire: 4 cVDPV2 samples Mali: 1 cVDPV2 case Nigeria: 1 cVDPV2 case Sierra Leone: 1 cVDPV2 sample Yemen: 3 cVDPV2 cases In response to the detection of cVDPV2 in wastewater samples from September 2023 to January 2024, Sudan's health ministry will launch a polio immunization campaign in April 2024. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Kelkar Global Polio Eradication Initiative Source : Published on : March 30, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Polio eradication, International health news, WHO Ensuring hospital safety: Best practices for fire prevention The Union Health Ministry and NDMA advised States/UTs to take measures to prevent hospital fires during the summer heat. Hospitals are instructed to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations through comprehensive inspections, electrical load audits, and obtaining valid fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to rectify any identified discrepancies and prioritize safety measures. Some of the comprehensive instructions that were released to conduct the activities are as follows - Regularly inspect fire equipment for expiration dates, accessibility, water pressure, and audibility. A maintenance schedule involving monthly checks for extinguishers, and quarterly tests for alarms/hydrants. Implement no-smoking policies and controls in oxygen areas And staff Training regarding risks. Install smoke detectors and fire alarms, test them monthly, and replace batteries annually. Avoid overloading of power sources. Installation of water sprinklers and accessible Hosepipes. Review/update hospital infrastructure and renew the fire safety NOC to comply with fire safety standards. Implement continuous training on fire prevention and emergency procedures with bi-annual fire drills, including evacuation drills Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : March 30, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Climate change measures, Fire safety Inclusive education: A step ahead to ensuring social equity The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has made efforts to break social barriers in education, which is evident from the following: 1. A financial allocation of Rs. 165.81 crore for accommodating 5456 students, with 6 hostels for OBC and 28 for SC students. 2. As far as student enrolment was concerned: For SC students, there has been 44% surge since 2014-15 For OBC students, an overall expansion of 45% since 2014-15 was noted. A significant surge in the enrollment of female students was witnessed in both categories. 3. This reflected in a substantial increase in the Gross Enrollment Ratio as compared to the previous year and a remarkable leap as compared to 2014-15. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sivanthiga Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : March 30, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Social equity, Educational Intervention Expansion of District Disability Rehabilitation Centers The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, recently virtually inaugurated 35 additional District Disability Rehabilitation Centers (DDRC). These are spread over the country as follows: 1. Madhya Pradesh-13 2. Andhra Pradesh- 07 3. Odisha- 06 4. Tripura-04 5. Maharashtra- 02 6. Assam -01 7. Nagaland-01 8. Manipur-01 These DDRCs emphasize the government’s commitment to providing the best services to the divyangjans. This initiative will ensure that rehabilitative services are provided at the grassroots levels to the divyangjans. The centers will provide comprehensive care, which includes, but is not restricted to the following: 1. Medical provisions and rehabilitative services 2. Education and skill training, 3. Early identification, 4. Assistive device fitment, prosthetics, and orthotics 5. UDID Registration Facilitation These centers will also ensure awareness generation and provide information regarding the various government schemes. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : March 29, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Rehabilitation, Universal health coverage, Divyangjans Phenome India: To provide advancements in precision medicine The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently initiated its novel health camp, named “Phenome India.” The camp was organized for the staff of the institute, and its main objective was to ensure “Swasthya Bharath. Viksit Bharath.” The camp was held at its Delhi campus and a total of 98 individuals participated in the camp. It was organized by the National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, which is one of the laboratories under CSIR. The camp aimed to understand the diverse population of India to provide insights and further advance precision medicine. This camp was undertaken as part of a larger cohort study named, Phenome India- CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CHeCK), which was designed to identify India-specific cardiovascular risk factors. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : March 29, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Cardiovascular, NCD, Precision medicine Halving snakebite related deaths: India's vision for prevention and control The inauguration of the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) by Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, marks a pivotal milestone in India's battle against snakebite-related morbidity and mortality . With the vision of halving snakebite deaths by 2030 , the NAP-SE offers a comprehensive framework for states for action plans, employing a 'One Health' approach that integrates various sectors. IEC materials, including educational booklets, posters, and videos, were unveiled to raise awareness and empower communities effectively to manage snakebite emergencies. The notable initiatives include - The piloting of a Snakebite Helpline number 1540 The launch of a National Rabies Control Programme Website for progress monitoring and vaccination reminders. NAPSE identifies key stakeholders, support organizations, and strategic actions for human, wildlife, and animal health components. The NAP-SE underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration to strengthen surveillance systems, improve emergency care services, and promote intersectoral coordination in combating snakebite envenoming. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : March 29, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Snakebite Prevention, One health approach MTBVAC- In the quest of TB vaccine trials in India Tuberculosis has claimed millions of lives since ancient times. Despite having effective treatment, the complexity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has hindered progress towards disease control. Numerous tuberculosis vaccine candidates are in the pipeline of development. Prediction modeling studies have found that preventing the disease among adolescents and adults is one of the quickest means to achieve global tuberculosis control . Among those in the Phase III clinical trial, MTBVAC is the first live, genetically- attenuated vaccine developed by Biofabri , a Spanish biopharmaceutical company. Bharat Biotech in partnership with Biofabri is conducting an efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety trial in India aiming for: Prolonged effect in newborns compared to the BCG vaccine Prevention of disease among adolescents and adults. The vaccine is under trial in different countries on safety and immunogenicity in HIV-infected and non-infected populations. The limiting step is the cost of conducting trials on late-stage efficacy and the long post-vaccination follow-up. Following the successful trial, vaccines would be required to obtain WHO policy recommendations for roll-out, globally. C lick here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Bharat Biotech Source : Published on : March 29, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Vaccine, Tuberculosis, Communicable Disease New rules on habeus corpus petitions Responding to a ruling by the Kerala High Court, a three-bench judge of the Supreme Court comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued guidelines advising High Courts of the following points - Refrain from ordering counseling or paternal care for the individual in cases of illegal detention . The court may simply ascertain the wishes of the person. To prioritize habeas corpus petitions or petitions for protection filed by partners, friends, or a member of the natal family. To ensure that the wishes of the corpus are not influenced by the court, police, or their parents. The concept of family is not limited to the ‘natal family’. It may include friends, partners, etc. which are of greater significance in such cases. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel Supreme Court Judgement Source : Published on : March 29, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM LGTQIA+, Indian Jurisprudence, Sexual Orientation and Identity, Equal Rights Pollution in Yamuna - A sorry state of affairs In a meeting held by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) , the following points were discussed - A study will be conducted aiming to determine the pollution sources of the Yamuna River. The need for a revised protocol for testing water samples was stressed. A gap of 222 MGD (million Gallons/ day) in sewage treatment needs to be addressed. Further, DPCC will install 10 online continuous monitoring stations (OLMS) in Yamuna to collect real-time data on water quality. Decision to implement Common Bio-Medical waste treatment facility(ies) (CBWTFs) Renewal of Operation and Maintenance contract of Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Situations (CAAQMS) Strengthening of staff from the UPSC merit list To increase the number of NABL-accredited labs, empanelled by MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forestry) & NCBC Extension of medical facilities to the employees of DPCC Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr Dr. Shubham Gupta Delhi Pollution Control Committee Source : Published on : March 28, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Health & Sanitation, Water pollution Advancing food safety: Insights from FSSAI's AMR action plan The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) unveiled its action plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the 43rd Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The discussions focused on raising farmers' awareness about the responsible use of antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture as part of the AMR National Action Plan-II. States and Union Territories' Food Safety Commissioners were urged to work on developing 100 'Healthy and Hygienic Food Streets'. Emphasis was placed on surveillance sampling , with states directed to prepare surveillance plans and hold regular meetings with state labs on anti-microbial susceptibility in food. The following efforts were highlighted- 1. Clean marketplace 2. App-based awareness models 3. Fortified rice kernels (FRK) 4. Training food handlers in canteens of educational institutions Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : March 28, 2024 Food safety, Antimicrobial resistance 'Wheels are not just limbs but wings’: Let them be cherished. International Wheelchair Day is celebrated every year on March 1 since its inception in 2008 to acknowledge the empowerment of wheelchair users. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and other organizations celebrated International Wheelchair Day by raising awareness and conducting training sessions for wheelchair users. Under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities works to improve the Quality of Life of individuals with mobility challenges through the following agencies and organizations: ALIMCO provided wheelchairs to the beneficiaries of the ADIP scheme at various centers. They also provided training sessions on how to use the wheelchairs . The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, Secunderabad , conducted practical demonstrations of various wheelchairs and training programs. Composite Regional centers , which usually provide preventive and promotional aspects of rehabilitation, organized training programs, sports activities, and awareness rallies to celebrate empowerment, freedom, and unity. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sivanthiga Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : March 27, 2024 People with Disability, Rehabilitation, Tertiary Prevention National conference on accelerating SDGs- An example of cooperative federalism A 2-day national conference was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan in the 1st week of March. The conference, titled, “National Conference on Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals ”, was organized by NITI Aayog in collaboration with UNDP, UN, and the government of Rajasthan. The conference's objectives included: To motivate States and UTs to evaluate the localization of the S ustainable D evelopment G oals (SDGs) , Share insights on how to institutionalize the SDGs at the subnational level . Examine the national and subnational context for SDG financing Outlining a strategy for quickening the 2030 SDG agenda's progress. The conference also included technical sessions on the second day and covered various topics related to the SDGs. On the occasion of the conference, three knowledge portals were also launched: UNDP ‘SDG Knowledge Hub’ ‘Food and Nutrition Security Analysis Dashboard’ of the Government of Rajasthan ‘SDG -2 (Zero Hunger) Dashboard’ of the Government of Rajasthan The conference was a perfect example of cooperative federalism. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : March 26, 2024 SDGs, Cooperative Federalism Will household-level interventions help combat the problem of TB and NCDs? Recently, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the bi-directional linkage between NCD and NCD risk factors among TB contacts. The SRMA included national and sub-national TB surveys which included at least one NCD or NCD risk factor. The results were presented as participants with NCD or NCD risk factors and were divided into 3 groups as follows: People with TB Members of households with a TB patient Members of households with no TB patient The outcome variable was the prevalence of NCD or NCD risk factors , which included smoking, alcohol intake, DM, hypertension, and BMI. The findings of the SRMA are as follows: The members of households with TB had a higher chance of smoking when compared to those with no TB On sensitivity analysis, the members of households with TB had higher odds of alcohol use when compared to those with no TB There was no significant association between the other NCD such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension However, the study underscores that the national-level surveys included self-reporting of NCDs, which might have led to the underreporting of NCDs and hence the findings. The study concluded that household-level interventions addressing smoking can help reduce the risk of NCD and TB in households. Click here to r ead more Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy PloS One Source : Published on : March 26, 2024 Tobacco, Tuberculosis, NCD Calls for action: committee recommends ban on deadly dog breeds To outlaw specific breeds as pets, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying formed an Expert Committee under the direction of the Animal Husbandry Commissioner. The recent deaths served as the impetus for this choice. The committee identified hazardous breeds such as Pitbull Terriers, Tosa Inu, Rottweilers, and many more. Also, a prohibition on the import, breeding, and sale of identified breeds , including crossbreeds, has been proposed. The local bodies and the Animal Husbandry Department were instructed to enforce license-issue restrictions and sterilize existing pets . This was regarded as an urgent action urged to ensure the safety of humans and animals . The Central Government has also emphasized strict enforcement of the existing animal welfare regulations- Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017, and Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying letter Source : Published on : March 26, 2024 Rabies Control, Dog bite, Animal control Report on progress to end female genital mutilation FGM assaults girls’ and women’s human rights , having lasting physical, psychosocial, and social consequences. On this International Women’s Day , a report released by WHO revealed that progress toward ending FGM remains slow to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal to eliminate the practice. According to the report, more than 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM. It is most prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The most challenging aspect of eliminating this practice is that more and more girls undergoing FGM are under the age of 5 years , leaving little time for intervention. 4 in 10 of all the survivors of FGM are from conflict-affected areas- where population growth is fast, and education and health services are disrupted, making it more challenging to tackle FGM due to diversion of resources towards crises. However, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Egypt provide a ray of hope, with declining rates of FGM, and changing attitudes towards FGM. The report concluded that greater investment in services for girls and also a provision of laws and policies to safeguard their rights should be put in place to eliminate such practices . Way ahead : the eradication of FGM requires leaders and communities to make focused efforts to end gender-based discrimination, greater investment in services for girls and laws and policies to safeguard their rights and better track the prevalence of FGM through better quality data. Content Editor: Dr. Niharika UNICEF Press Release Source : Published on : March 26, 2024 Human Rights, Women Health, International Health News Waterborne disease outbreaks associated with drinking water - A surveillance by the United States, 2015-2020. NORS was launched by the CDC in 2009 as a web-based platform, where public health departments from the United States can voluntarily enter information regarding the outbreak. Through NORS, enteric as well as non-enteric disease outbreak data are reported. During 2015-2020, 214 outbreaks were associated with drinking water, and health officials reported 454 contributing factors from 28 states. Public water was the most common source of these outbreaks, leading to 172 outbreaks. Among enteric illnesses, Norovirus, Shigella, and Campylobacter, or multiple etiologies including these pathogens, resulted in 94% of cases, and often the cause was the source of drinking water. In biofilm-related outbreaks, 98% were Legionella, and the rest were non-tuberculous bacteria and pseudomonas. NORS enhances the efforts of the CDC to estimate the healthcare cost impacts of waterborne and drinking water-associated diseases. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Center for Disease Control Source : Published on : March 26, 2024 Disease Outbreak, Public Health Action, International Health News Evidence-based psychological interventions for non-specialists addressing mental health conditions. Globally, 1 in 8 people grapples with a mental health condition, yet a substantial treatment gap persists due to stigma and limited service accessibility. Integrating these interventions into existing health services promises to enhance mental health care quality. This integration approach involves: Developing implementation plans, Adapting interventions to fit specific contexts, Preparing the workforce, Identifying, assessing, and supporting potential beneficiaries, Monitoring and evaluating service delivery. These interventions were rolled out by the WHO in March 2024 , to address the treatment gap in mental health care, fostering collaboration with community stakeholders. Content Editor: Dr. Ravisankar WHO News Section Source : Published on : March 26, 2024 Mental Health, International Health News, New Update Factors that played a role in Swachh Survekshan 2023 clean city rankings Vijayawada processes about 520 tons of garbage per day (TPD) and is backed by a committed team consisting of over 4,000 sanitation personnel and 300 wet waste workers. The VMC's sophisticated processing capabilities, which have contributed to its standing as the sixth cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 rankings, are as follows: For dry waste management: A Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) plant and a Waste-to-energy plant Vermicompost plants-6 Windrow compost plants-4 1 bio-methanation plant to process wet waste at low cost An information park to raise awareness. 200-TPD capacity processing plant where construction & demolition (C&D) waste generated is and converted into bricks and paver blocks. The 25- acres of reclaimed land that were created by eliminating waste dumpsites have been repurposed into a park. Thermocol processing facility 3 permanent Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR) centers The Wall of Kindness and plastic collection centers encourage citizens to donate waste/unused items. 6 Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) where waste is collected through a network of underground waste drainage systems and repurposed for agricultural irrigation, road cleaning, and watering plantations. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Tanu Social Trends Source : Published on : March 25, 2024 Waste Management, Swachh Bharat, Swachh Survekshan 2023 Surge of psittacosis cases in Europe There has been a surge in the cases of psittacosis in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands since late 2023, leading to increased fatalities. The source of infections is usually infected birds, which can include both domestic and wild birds. In Austria, the surge was not associated with wild birds , whereas in Denmark, the source of infection was found to be wild birds. In contrast, the surge in Germany and Sweden was found to be due to increased contact with infected domestic birds and small birds, respectively. However, no such association was found in the Netherlands. The countries are now investigating and testing wild birds to understand better. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the situation and says the overall risk is low. The following measures have been suggested by the WHO: Testing sick people, Keeping new birds separate, and Checking wild birds for signs of the disease to prevent psittacosis from spreading further. Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma WHO News Section Source : Published on : March 25, 2024 Zoonotic Diseases, Disease Outbreak, International Health News Which is superior- Covishield or Covaxin? A non-randomized, single-blinded (laboratory) study was conducted among the healthy general population across four sites (Bangalore & Pune) between June 2021 and Jan 2022. No sample size was determined. Recruited participants were grouped into two groups based on serostatus [positivity/negativity] at baseline. The clinical sites integrated unbiased enrollment with pre-screening for anti-spike antibodies to ensure equitable recruitment within each serostatus. Seroconversion rates due to Covaxin after the first and second vaccination doses were 36.6% and 74.4%, respectively. Whereas Covishield resulted in 93.2% and 98.3% seroconversion in the baseline seronegative population . Hence Covishield was proved superior to Covaxin , as interpreted from both: Seroconversion rate and Anti-spike antibody levels in both groups of participants. Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy Lancet Regional Health- South East Asia Source : Published on : March 25, 2024 Healthcare Research, COVID, Vaccines, Covishield, Public Health The rise of the billionaire raj: A report by the World Inequality Lab The study brought together: National income accounts, tax tabulations, Wealth aggregates, billionaire rankings, rich lists, Surveys on wealth, consumption, and income- within a unified framework to provide long-run homogeneous wealth and income inequality series that extended back to 1961 for wealth and 1922 for incomes According to the publication, "the British Raj, led by the colonialist forces, was less unequal than the 'Billionaire Raj ,' headed by India's modern capitalists." It also says, "Without significant social and political upheaval, it is unclear how long such inequality levels can be sustained." The wealthiest in India are getting richer, while the poor are getting impoverished. The paper's authors also placed India's income and wealth inequality levels (as of 2022) in a global context by contrasting them with those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, South Africa, and France. India comes in second place for income shares in the top 10% while topping the list for shares in the top 1% . To address the growing disparities, the authors proposed implementing a super tax on Indian billionaires and multimillionaires and restructuring the tax schedule to include both income and wealth, which could be effective. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi World Inequality Lab Source : Published on : March 25, 2024 Economic inequality, Socioeconomic status 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 24-30th September, 2023 (5) View More 01-09th September, 2023 (11) View More 13 - 19 th August , 2024 (5) View More 23-31st July, 2023 (28) View More 17-23rd September, 2023 (10) View More 27-31st August, 2024 (16) View More 6-12th August, 2024 (16) View More 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) View More 10-16th September, 2023 (9) View More 20-26th August, 2024 (20) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) View More 1-8th July, 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

UN Climate Conference: Addressing Climate Resilience in the Himalayan Region Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay Climate Change , SDG Discussion on Climate Resilient Development in the Indian Himalayan Region took place at a UN Climate Conference COP 28 side event hosted by India on December 3, 2023. Dr Anita Gupta from the Climate Change and Clean Energy Division led discussions, emphasizing the urgency for action in light of deteriorating climate change effects. Two sessions covered the following topics: India's Climate Change Initiatives , Regional Perspectives on Cryosphere. Climate Risk Assessment for Sustainable Development. The second session, co-hosted with the Government of Himachal Pradesh, highlighted initiatives under the National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem and climate policy interventions. COP 28 in Dubai saw representatives from 197 countries assessing progress under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement , focusing on adaptation and mitigation efforts for vulnerable regions like the Himalayas. Previous Next

Harnessing private sector power for maternal and child health in low-resource settings Content Editor: Dr. Kishore February 15, 2024 at 2:15:00 PM Public-private partnership, Health Policy, Public Health Intervention, Health Equity Public health sectors face limitations in the form of shortage of human resources, inefficient frameworks, and inadequate quality of maternal and child health services. Increasing private sector involvement can improve the quality of maternal and child health services. Utilization of private providers varies high for children's diarrhea and fever(67%), lower for pregnant women's institutional delivery(38%) and antenatal care(30%) . Outpatient care is equally accessed by the poor and wealthy, while the wealthy prefer private inpatient care. High out-of-pocket expenditure, especially for medicines in public facilities. Effective engagement strategies include voluntary or mandatory partnerships at the macro, meso, and micro levels. Key strategies involve financing, regulatory approaches like licensing, and policy development. Intermediary mechanisms include NGOs enhancing private provider service quality and regulatory compliance 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

How does parity affect the cardiovascular risk of a woman? Content Editor: Dr.Sumana Mukhopadhyay March 14, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Maternal and child health, Cardiovascular risk Recent research by Erico et al assessed the link between women's parity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk to discern if it's directly from pregnancy or related to child-rearing factors. The investigators utilized data from two National Health Surveys in Italy, comprising 20,904 men and 25,246 women, tracking CVD incidence until 2014 through record-linkage with national mortality and hospitalization archives. The results noted that CVD incidence significantly increased among men with 3 or more children, and among women with 2 or 3+ children, compared to those without children. However, no significant gender differences were observed . Subjects with lower socioeconomic position (SEP) displayed stronger associations with parity and a higher number of children for both genders, with no modifying effect of employment status observed. Hence the study concluded that child-rearing may contribute to CVD risk, especially among disadvantaged families, although the simultaneous effect of pregnancy cannot be entirely excluded. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Proposed U.S. Drug Tariffs May Worsen Shortages, Raise Cost Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti July 6, 2025 at 1:32:08 PM International Health News President Trump plans to implement 25% tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals from April 2025 to enhance domestic production and strengthen national security. The value of pharmaceutical imports rose from $73 billion to over $215 billion between 2014 and 2024. While branded drugs comprise 15% of prescriptions, they account for 90% of drug spending. Americans pay several times more for medications than other developed nations, and these tariffs may increase costs further. Manufacturers could absorb tariffs or move production to the U.S., potentially raising insurer costs and Medicare premiums. Tariffs on generics from India and China could worsen shortages , with 323 drugs already in short supply in early 2024. Experts favor targeted incentives over tariffs. These tariffs could disrupt global supply chains, increase medicine prices worldwide, and impact access to generic drugs. Previous Next