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Mission Mushroom in Assam produces remarkable health benefits Mission Mushroom in Assam produces remarkable health benefits Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal July 22, 2023 The Hindu Mid day meal, Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health, One district One product From 2021 to 2023, the number of underweight, wasted, and anemic children (up to 6 years old) in the Kokrajhar district decreased by 56 percent, 55 percent, and 76 percent, respectively. The district's maternal mortality rate decreased by 72.37 percent to 89.79 per 100,000 live births, which is less than half the Assam average of 205. Similarly, infant mortality fell by 30.56 percent to 15.97 per 1,000 live births. In addition to vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and fish, schools are also cultivating fungi for the midday meals served to students. Simbargaon Higher Secondary School in Kokhrajhar, Assam, is a shining example of how serving high-quality cuisine has resulted in astounding athletic achievements.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: NIV-confirmed Chandipura virus cases rise to 22 Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: NIV-confirmed Chandipura virus cases rise to 22 Content Editor: Dr. Shubham July 24, 2024 Social Trends Outbreaks, Acute Encephalitic Syndromes, Chandipura Virus Since June 2024, the Chandipura virus has been suspected as the cause of an increase in acute encephalitis cases in Gujarat . Thus far, there have been 84 cases and 75 deaths. National Institute of Virology, Pune has confirmed 22 out of 55 samples sent for testing. The virus is mainly harmful to children under the age of fifteen and is spread by mosquitoes, particularly daytime biting Aedes aegypti species , and sandflies ( Phlebotomus species). Historical Context : The virus was initially identified in the Nagpur district of Maharashtra in 1965. Between 2003 and 2004, outbreaks in central India were reported, leading to the deaths of nearly 300 children. Seizures, headaches, elevated fever, and altered sensorium are among the symptoms. Seizures, comas, and even death can result from neurological problems. Response: To comprehend the outbreak, a multidisciplinary team of environmental, entomological, and epidemiological experts from ICMR, Dept of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been deployed. Vector control, hygiene and awareness measures are being taken.

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

Almost two-thirds of the country’s population resides in rural areas. As per the Rural Health Statistics report, the number of health centres has increased in rural areas, but the shortage of doctors in Community Health Centres has rose from 45% in 2005 to 80% in 2022. India's doctor-population ratio is reported as 1:834. Public Health News Analysis 80% Shortage of Specialist Doctors in CHCs: Rural Health Statistics report by Ministry of Health Author: Dr. Madhvi Dhamania Updated on : June 16, 2023 Health Statistics, Rural Health, Doctor-Population Ratio, Human Resource, Sustainable Development Goals, Health Workforce The Rural Health Statistics report published annually by MOHFW provides information on the public health infrastructure and human resources. In rural areas, the number of health centres has increased, but the shortage of doctors in Community Health Centres has jumped from 45% in 2005 to 80% in 2022. The reported doctor-population ratio in India is 1:834. Enhanced investment in Human Resources for Health will bring out a greater change in the health system. What is Rural Health Statistics? The Statistics Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are responsible for publishing Rural Health Statistics annually. It is a critical source of information on the public health infrastructure and human resources across the Rural, Urban and Tribal areas of the country. The report is grounded on data uploaded by States/UTs on Health Management Information System (HMIS) Portal which is published after verification. The latest document provides updated information up to 31st March 2022 . Structure of the document: What’s new in this updated version? A new table containing the number of beds at the health centres functional in India has been newly added. Uses of the document It facilitates the identification of gaps in existing infrastructure. Additional key resources for better management of the public health delivery system are identified. Decision-making and policy intervention by policy planners, researchers, NGOs and other stakeholders working in the field of Health and Family Welfare. Key Statistical Highlights w.r.t CHC There has been an increase of 63.8% in number of Community Health Centres (CHCs) in 2022 as compared to 2005. Currently, there are 5480 and 584 CHCs functioning in rural and urban areas respectively. There is an aggregate of 960 CHCs in the tribal areas as on 31st March 2022. An increase in CHCs from 2005 has been reported especially in Uttar Pradesh (443), Tamil Nadu (350), Rajasthan (290), West Bengal (253) and Bihar (168). Specialists at the CHCs have increased from 3550 in the year 2005 to 4485 in the year 2022. Compared to the requirement, a shortage of 79.5% of specialists at the CHCs was found. There is a shortfall of 83.2% of Surgeons 74.2% of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists 79.1% of Physicians 81.6% of Paediatricians 17348 General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) Allopathic and 661 AYUSH Specialists along with 2971 GDMO AYUSH are available apart from specialists. Also, there are 696 Anaesthetists and 228 Eye Surgeons at CHCs. Despite the fact that in rural areas the number of health centres has increased, the shortage of doctors in Community Health Centres has jumped up from 45% in 2005 to 80% in 2022. In a comparative study of the State-wise status of manpower in 2021 and 2022, there is a marginal increase in the number of Specialists at CHCs. Shortfall vs Vacancy Calculation [1] : Shortfall = Required[R] - In Position [P] Vacancy = Sanctioned [S] - In Position [P] Staffing Pattern Norms and Recommended Doctor-Population Ratio The CHC has 30 in-door beds with one OT, X-ray, labour room, and laboratory facilities, provides obstetric care and specialist consultations and acts as a referral centre for 4 PHCs. As per the IPHS, the essential staffing norm is 46 at the CHC and the desirable is 52.[3] The CHC should cater to a population of 80,000-1,20,000. As per the RHS 21-22, CHC catered to 1,64,027 of the population. A doctor-population ratio of 1:1000 is prescribed by WHO. Also, the WHO Global Strategy on 'Human Resource for Health: Workforce 2030' reported that countries require about 44.5 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10,000 population to be able to attain the median target of the Sustainable Development Goals tracer indicators.[2] As on June 2022, 13,08,009 allopathic doctors have been registered with the State Medical Councils and NMC. Assuming 80 per cent availability of registered allopathic doctors and 565,000 Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and homoeopathic doctors, India’s doctor-population ratio is reported as 1:834. Human Resource for Health (HRH) as a part of SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) SDG Target 3.c targetting health workforce aims to increase the health financing and recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in the least developed countries and small island developing States.[4] Conclusion Almost two-thirds of the country’s population resides in rural areas and yet there is a reported shortfall of specialist doctors at the CHC level. An in-depth exploration of the reasons behind the shortfall in HRH is essential to achieve SDG targets in a timely manner. Also, an enhanced investment in HRH has multiple benefits with the potential for a positive impact going far beyond the health sector . It can help strengthen the health system and improve the accessibility to health workers, thereby reducing out-of-pocket expenses encountered by the masses. Also, employment for health workers and subordinate/support staff can be generated , as well as enhancement of female labour force participation and share of formal employment in total employment can be done. References 1. MOHFW Rural Health Statistics 2021-22: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Available from https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/RHS%202021%2022.pdf 2. WHO (2016). Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030. Available from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241511131 3. MOHFW Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). Guidelines for Community Health Centres Revised guidelines 2012 New Delhi Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India 2012. [Internet] Available at: https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/guidelines/iphs/iphs-revised-guidlines-2012/community-health-centres.pdf 4. SDG Target 3.c :Available from: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/indicator-groups/indicator-group-details/GHO/sdg-target-3.c-health-workforce comments debug Comments Rated 0 out of 5 stars. No ratings yet Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

New prophylactic treatment for contacts of meningitis New prophylactic treatment for contacts of meningitis Content Editor: Dr. Aneesh March 8, 2024 Centre for Infectious Disease Research & Policy Communicable diseases, CDC, Prophylaxis From 2019 to 2021, 29 cases of invasive meningococcal disease—caused by strains of bacteria resistant to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin —were reported in the US; These cases were spread out throughout the country, while some geographic regions showed clusters of the disease. One of the first-line medications that is advised for both treating patients and protecting their close contacts, who are more likely to contract the illness, is ciprofloxacin. There have not yet been any documented cases of prophylactic failure linked to ciprofloxacin resistance. However, the CDC states that there is little need to alter the antibiotic prophylaxis advice due to the significant risk of mortality associated with invasive meningococcal illness and the possibility of prophylactic failure . The CDC recommends other antibiotics be considered under the new guidelines if two or more cases of invasive meningococcal disease caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains are reported in a local catchment area over a rolling 12-month period, and if ciprofloxacin-resistant strains account for 20% or more of the cases of invasive meningococcal disease in that area . For prophylaxis, rifampin, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin are also suggested. According to the CDC, local health agencies can adopt guidelines flexibly. Click here to read more.

Bengaluru among five global cities recognized at the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit Bengaluru among five global cities recognized at the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 22, 2023 WHO News Section Global Health, NCDs, Partnership for Healthy Cities Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of 70 cities committed to preventing non-communicable diseases and injuries held its first-of-a-kind summit hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, World Health Organization, Vital Strategies, and Mayor Sadiq Khan of London. The summit proclaimed the various prevention strategies of local public health policy-making and implementation to prevent the risk factors of NCDs. Five cities received US$ 150,000 to advance their work in the partnership: Athens, Greece - for overdose prevention; Montevideo, Uruguay - for food policy; Mexico City - for road safety; Vancouver, Canada - for surveillance; Bengaluru, India- for tobacco control. The summit recognized the sustained efforts of the city to decrease smoking in public spaces and enforce the existing mandates.

Botulism scare in Moscow: Authorities intervene to prevent further illness Content Editor: Dr. Manu June 27, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Botulism, Outbreak, Food Safety A suspected outbreak of botulism food poisoning affected Moscow as 121 people reported symptoms of the same, with 55 in serious condition and 30 requiring intensive care. Early intervention by antitoxin treatment ensured that, though serious, people’s lives were not in danger, as assured by the authorities. The outbreak is suspected to have been caused by tainted salads supplied by an online food delivery company. The Moscow prosecutor’s office halted operations and opened a criminal investigation against the company. Rospotrebnadzor, the city’s consumer watchdog, has conducted an epidemiological investigation since the first case was reported. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating how the neurotoxin entered the food chain and identifying other compromised food products. This outbreak shows the need for constant vigilance over food sources to ensure such outbreaks do not occur again. Click here to read more. Previous Next