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

COVID-19 Epidemiological Update (3 to 30 April 2023) Content Editor: Dr. Nivetha S May 8, 2023 at 4:29:20 PM Global Health, COVID-19 From 3 to 30 April 2023, WHO reported 2.8 million new COVID-19 cases and 17000 deaths, a decrease of 19% new cases, 30% deaths compared to 6 March- 2 April 23 data. The decrease in numbers may be due to decrease in testing, delays in reporting. The variants of interest (VOIs): XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.6 Variants under monitoring (VUMs): seven variants. Out of 11 South-East Asian countries, eight countries have contributed in large numbers. India holds the maximum contribution (222,784 new cases and 652 deaths), followed by Indonesia and Thailand. Across the 6 WHO regions, the European region had the highest contribution to new hospitalizations and ICU admissions followed by SEAR to new hospitalizations and East Mediterranean regions to new ICU admission. Previous Next

Zombie drug spreading throughout the United States February 25, 2023 at 4:24:32 PM Drug abuse, NDPS Act A drug referred to as Tranq, which contains Xylazine has raised concern across the U.S. because of its increasing presence in the illicit drug market. Xylazine which is normally used as an animal tranquilizer is being increasingly found mixed with opioids like fentanyl and heroin. Xylazine is a sedative and is known to cause increased sleepiness and can lead to respiratory depression. In the market, it is being used as Tranq dope a mixture of xylazine and fentanyl. Xylazine amplifies the high of fentanyl and heroin, because of this the risk of opioid overdose has increased. Xylazine also has the side effect of damaging the user's skin. It produces open sores which convert into eschar and if not treated can lead to amputation. Previous Next

Governments’ self-assessment of the IPHS standards: 80% of the public health facilities below minimum standards Content Editor: Dr. Shubham July 19, 2024 at 3:30:00 PM Health Economics, Public Health Standards, Health System Strengthening Approximately 80% of public health institutions in India do not have enough staff, equipment, or infrastructure to meet basic requirements as per the (Indian Public Health Standards) IPHS guidelines. The statistics were provided by the government's National Health Mission (NHM) self-assessment. Out of more than two lakh establishments, only 40,451 took part in the evaluation. Of the facilities tested (including district hospitals, community health centers, and health and wellness centers), about 20% met IPHS requirements, and 42% received a score below 50%. The IPHS are the set benchmarks for delivering minimum essential healthcare services. The Center hopes to have 70,000 facilities compliant within 100 days, and surprise inspections to verify claims will be carried out . The officials have said that the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) physical assessment is essential in assessing the quality of healthcare provided at hospitals and community health centers . The NQAS team will soon provide a virtual assessment of health and wellness centers. 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

57-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 11-17th February, 2024 Support for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers with range of incentives In a written reply to Rajya Sabha today, Minister of Women & Child Development, Shrimati Smriti Zubin Irani furnished detailed information regarding Anganwadi & Anganwadi workers. As of December 31, 2023, 13,48,135 Anganwadi workers and 10,23,068 Anganwadi helpers were working in the country. Starting October 1, 2018, the Government of India raised the monthly honorarium as follows: Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) at main AWCs from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,500 , AWWs at mini-AWCs from Rs. 2,250 to Rs. 3,500 Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,250. Additionally, it introduced a performance-linked incentive of Rs. 250 per month for AWHs and Rs. 500 for AWWs. Various measures have been introduced to motivate and support Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), including: 1. Promotion : Guidelines have been issued to enhance promotional opportunities. 50% of AWW posts shall be filled by promoting AWHs with 5 years of experience, and 50% of supervisory posts by promoting AWWs with similar experience, subject to other criteria. 2. Leave : AWWs are entitled to 180 days of paid maternity leave, 45 days for abortion/miscarriage, and 20 days of annual leave. 3. Social Security Insurance Schemes : Insurance benefits under schemes like PMJJBY and PMSBY cover life and accidental risks for AWWs/AWHs. 4. Retirement date : States/UTs are encouraged to adopt a uniform retirement date,i.e., April 30 each year, for AWWs and AWHs to ensure proper human resource planning. 4. Others include- Dress code, Insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM), and upgrading mini AWC to AWW read more Content Editor: Dr.Manjeet Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : February 17, 2024 Community Health Empowering Nari Shakti: Finance Minister Unveils Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiled the Interim Budget 2024-25, highlighting a vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 and empowering Nari Shakti. Key proposals include a vaccination drive targeting girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer, with a focus on encouraging participation. Additionally, various maternal and child care schemes will be amalgamated into a comprehensive program, enhancing services at Anganwadi Centers under 'Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0' to boost nutrition and early childhood development. This forward-looking budget also underscores the commitment to digital advancement, with the rollout of the U-WIN platform to streamline immunization management and support Mission Indradhanush's objectives nationwide. read more Content Editor: Dr.Manjeet Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : February 17, 2024 Health Budget Insights from the Climate Conference 2024 Conference Overview: The Climate Conference 2024 in Mumbai focused on the role of the private sector and investors in India's green transition. Key Dignitaries: Notable attendees included Ms. Leena Nandan, Mr. Amitabh Kant, and industry leaders, emphasizing diverse participation. Leena Nandan's Insights: Ms. Nandan stressed the global impact of climate change, highlighted the Green Credits Programme, and emphasized actions like waste management. Amitabh Kant's Key Points: Shri Amitabh Kant highlighted India's challenges, emphasizing renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and proposing a mix of public and private funds for high-risk climate projects. India's Net-Zero Commitment: The Conference outlined India's roadmap to achieving net zero by 2070, focusing on green investments for sustainable development. Financial Mobilization Call: Stakeholders were urged to innovate by expanding accessibility to finance for climate projects, emphasizing collaboration and scale. Sustainable Practices: Discussions included sustainability-linked funds, risk-sharing facilities, and concessional financing to promote sustainable technologies. Collaboration Platform: The event served as a collaborative platform for diverse stakeholders to foster sustainable, climate-resilient technologies and practices. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Pooja Deepak Throat Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, February 17, 2024 Climate Action, SDG, Climate change Role of potassium supplementation in the management of rheumatoid arthritis RA is an autoimmune disease characterized by painful polyarthritis and articular deformities, along with systemic complications. The present study tries to elucidate the role of potassium supplementation in the management of RA. This randomized, assessor-blind, active-controlled drug trial of 16 weeks duration was carried out on 172 RA patients at the Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Pune. There were three treatment arms: Arm A- potassium-rich vegetarian diet Arm B- arm-A diet plus potassium-enriched food supplement Arm C- routine diet The study found a substantial improvement in joint pain and function in patients with chronic RA was observed when a planned vegetarian diet enriched with increased oral potassium intake was added to the ongoing standard of care of management. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr Tanya Tanu British Medical Journal Nutrition, Prevention and Health. Source : Published on : Saturday, February 17, 2024 Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nutrition, Potassium Supplementation, Research Findings Current status of the water and sanitation projects in India Jal Jeevan Mission Milestones: Rural tap connections increased from 11 to nearly 14 crore in 2023. Rs 70,000 crore was allocated for the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2023-24. Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023: 'Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman' was awarded to 36 women WASH champions . Swachh Bharat Mission, Grameen: 90% of villages were declared as ODF Plus by January 2024. ODF Plus villages surged from 1 to over 5 lakh in 2023. Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2023: Over 109 crore people participated in the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign. Water Quality Monitoring: 2,113 labs tested 54 lakh water samples. Over 23.50 lakh women were trained to use field test kits. Potable tap water in JE-AES districts: Tap water connections increased from 8 lakh to 2.09 crore in affected districts. SBM-G and GOBARdhan Initiatives: 90% of villages were declared ODF Plus, with GOBARdhan focusing on bio-waste. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Pooja Deepak Throat Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, February 17, 2024 Water Sanitation Projects, Water, Sanitation Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Act, 2024 Changes in the Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Act passed on 12th February 2024 include: Decriminalizing certain violations of the Act deemed ‘minor’, replacing most of the penalties of imprisonment with fines ranging from ₹10,000 to 15 lacs. In case of an unfair fine, a provision for appeal has been provided in the bill. Empowering the Centre to frame rules to select the chairpersons of State pollution control boards. The text of the Act notes that the amended bill will establish a balance between the severity of the offense and the gravity of the punishment given. However, there were a few points of concern with the new amendment. These include: Absence of deterrent to violating environmental laws due to decriminalization. Limited role of state government in safeguarding the environment. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr Tanya Tanu The Water Amendment Act Source : Published on : Saturday, February 17, 2024 Water pollution, Pollution control Lacunaes of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 The major areas of concern in the existing Epidemic Disease Act, of 1897, were: It does not define an 'infectious disease', 'outbreak', 'epidemic', or 'pandemic'. There are no defined responsibilities for the central, state, or local authorities, hindering the effective implementation of measures. There are no proper guidelines on 'isolation' or 'quarantine'. There is a lack of a proper regulatory framework for who can conduct and regulate diagnosis during epidemics. There is no mention of an information dissemination system In the report released in Feb 2024, the law commission clarifies the above discrepancies, providing newer definitions and standard operating procedures. It also gave the following suggestions: Disease surveillance power is to be given to IDSP. Guidelines for proper disinfection and decontamination under the act. Multi-sectoral measures for emergency relief. The report will help strengthen the law and effectively address public health emergencies Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala Law Commission of India Source : Published on : Saturday, February 17, 2024 Public Health Laws and Acts, Epidemic Preparedness Kerala Economic Review 2023: Cancer related findings Volume I covers the policies, programs, and achievements of Government departments. Volume II provides the corresponding datasets. Findings of Economic Review 2023 : The number of new cases at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram , was 15,324 in 2022-23 with an increase of 36 percent in three years. The review cases reported increased from 1,50,330 in 2020-21 to 2,42,129 in 2022-23 , an increase of 61 percent in the three years. Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC) , Kannur has reported 7,795 new cases in 2022-23, and Cochin Cancer Research Centre had 1,606 new cases in that year. Cancer mortality is extremely high among males in the state compared to the national average. Population-based cancer registry at RCC and MCC reflected that the most prevalent cancers were: Lung cancer among men Breast cancer among women. Strategies adopted: Launching preventive oncology clinics. Population-based screening of non-communicable diseases. Advocating lifestyle changes: decreasing alcohol and tobacco consumption, unhealthy eating patterns, sedentary lifestyle, and high levels of stress. Content Editor: Dr Tanya Tanu Kerala State Planning Board: Economic Review 2023 Source : Published on : Saturday, February 17, 2024 Cancer, Kerala State Planning Board, Population Based Screening Concerns of ash disposal in Delhi The ash generated from Waste-to-Energy Plants contains heavy metals and unburnt toxic chemicals which contaminates the underground water table. To dispose of the ash produced by the WTEPs in Okhla and Tehkhand, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has constructed an ESL facility in Tehkhand. The amount of trash (ash) to be disposed of daily is 100 tonnes, and this ESL has a capacity of 9.23 lakh cubic meters. ESL is projected to live for 6.5 years, according to MCD . Following the filling of ESL, MCD will begin looking for other land and in Delhi, land is an extremely valuable resource. Consequently, bricks and other materials that can be used in construction operations must be made from the ash produced by all of Delhi's current waste-to-energy facilities. Content Editor: Prayag Khandelwal Social Trends Source : Published on : Saturday, February 17, 2024 Environmental Health, Waste disposal Quenching the thirst: The underutilization of oral rehydration solution (ORS) Oral Rehydration Salts are the first-line, inexpensive, and life-saving treatment for Diarrhoea. Wagner Z et al conducted Randomized controlled trials in Karnataka and Bihar to evaluate the three explanations for not receiving ORS in childhood Diarrhoea: Provider's perception of the patient's dislike of ORS. Financial incentive as a cause for prescribing antibiotics by provider. Stock-out of ORS. Wagner Z et al standardized participants (trained actors) as fathers of 2-year-olds with diarrhea. They were randomized into three groups expressing : Preference for ORS Preference for antibiotics No preference The study found that: 28% of providers prescribed ORS in case of no preference. 55% prescribed ORS on expressing ORS preference. (27 percentage points higher) Ensuring no stock-outs led to a 7 percentage points higher provision of ORS. Misperception of the healthcare provider about the patient's preference explained 42% of ORS underprescribing. The study provides evidence that rectifying the provider's perception can help increase the prescription of this life-saving simple treatment. Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala Science Journal Source : Published on : Thursday, February 15, 2024 Research findings, ORS, Diarrhoea Maharashtra grapples with food poisoning outbreaks IDSP's function is to detect and respond early to outbreaks of epidemic-prone diseases through Rapid Response Teams. In the Thane district, 109 out of 250 school students consumed food offered by a family as part of their death anniversary. All of them developed symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea to some degree, initially, 20 were admitted to the hospital. On the other hand, In the Nanded district , following the consumption of food at a religious gathering, 2000 people developed symptoms suggestive of food poisoning. 870 of them were admitted to the nearby government Hospital. No fatality was reported. Most of them have recovered. The Media Scanning and Verification Cell reported communicating the incidents to the respective District Surveillance Units and State Surveillance Unit within 24 hours of receipt of the news. Rapid Response teams are investigating the cases. Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme Source : Published on : Thursday, February 15, 2024 Disease Outbreak, IDSP, NCDC Harnessing private sector power for maternal and child health in low-resource settings 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 Content Editor: Dr. Kishore BMJ Public Health Source : Published on : Thursday, February 15, 2024 Public-private partnership, Health Policy, Public Health Intervention, Health Equity ICMR seeks public input for updating the National Essential Diagnostics List India holds the distinction of being the pioneer in releasing the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) . In 2019, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) introduced the inaugural NEDL, emphasizing the critical role of diagnostics within the healthcare system. The NEDL aims to enhance diagnostic availability across India's healthcare system The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for creating and implementing a National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL). This list aims to enhance the availability of In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) across different levels of the healthcare system, including facilities with or without an on-site laboratory. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) seeks suggestions for revising the existing National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) , emphasizing the addition or deletion of diagnostic tests. Stakeholders, including experts and the public, are invited to propose additional tests based on specific criteria Content Editor: Dr Sathya Prashaath ICMR Source : Published on : Thursday, February 15, 2024 National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL), ICMR AIIMS New Delhi embracing 100% digital payments According to an order released on 17th November 2022, it has been advised that AIIMS smart card system for patients and attendants should be introduced from April 1 2023 in partnership with SBI bank. In follow up to this, a new office order has been issued by the Office of Director at AIIMS which states: A 100% integrated digital billing system is important to ensure that no patient is defrauded and the institute's accounting is also auditable on end to end basis By 31st March 2024, AIIMS smart cards will be used across AIIMS New Delhi for all types of payments Cash payments will not be accepted at any counter other than the AIIMS smart card recharge counters All payments must be accepted at the installed payment endpoints closest to the patient's location Patients or their companions should not be required to go to the central registration counter for any payment Content Editor: Prayag Khandelwal AIIMS, New Delhi website Source : Published on : Thursday, February 15, 2024 DIGITAL HEALTH Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More 10-16th September, 2023 (9) View More 20-26th August, 2024 (20) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) 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 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

Adverse events of special interest following COVID-19 vaccination: Findings from a retrospective study Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy June 3, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM COVID-19 , Immunisation, Adverse events Since 2020, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, more than 13.5 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. Following this, in 2020, the Safety Platform for Emergency vACcines (SPEAC) listed the potential Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESI). A retrospective multi-centric observational study was conducted to estimate the selected AESIs after vaccination. The study compared the observed AESI (OE) rates following vaccination with the expected rates based on pre-vaccine rollout data. The study period ranged from December 2020 to August 2023 and included 13 selected AESIs. Three vaccines with the highest number of administered doses were included, which were as follows: 1. Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 2. Moderna Mrna-1273 3. Oxford/Astra Zeneca ChAdOx1 During the study period, 99 million doses were administered, and 23,168,335 person-years contributed to the OE ratios for the AESI. The following conditions had OEs, that were statistically different from the expected rates: 1. Following the first dose of Astra Zeneca: Guillian-Barre syndrome and Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis 2. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following the first dose of mRNA vaccines 3. Myocarditis and pericarditis following all three vaccines. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Durability of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Insights and implications PHC Editor November 16, 2024 at 2:16:07 PM mRNA vaccines, COVID-19, Vaccine durability, Booster doses Efficacy Over Time : Studies indicate that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, maintain high efficacy shortly after the initial doses but experience a decline in effectiveness over time. Booster Recommendations : Health authorities recommend booster doses to counteract waning immunity. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises annual COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals aged 12 and older , especially those at higher risk. Variant Considerations : The emergence of new variants, such as Omicron, has influenced vaccine effectiveness. Updated vaccines targeting specific variants have been developed to enhance protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Ongoing Research : Continuous studies are essential to understand the long-term durability of mRNA vaccine-induced immunity and to inform future vaccination strategies. Previous Next

Online survey reveals stark details about perception of workplace safety by doctors Content Editor: Dr Manu November 21, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Workplace Safety, Violence Against Doctors, Indian Medical Association The results from an online survey carried out by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on the perception of safety and experience of workplace violence against doctors , specially during night shifts, was released in the Kerala Medical Journal. Following were the findings - 3885 doctors sent their responses, with a majority of the respondents being junior doctors (Interns or Postgraduate trainees) (61%) and women (63%). Almost 71% of respondents were 30 years old or younger . Almost half (45%) of respondents did not have access to a duty room at night while a third of those with access to a duty room, didn’t have an attached washroom (31%) . Meanwhile, 63% of respondents had a duty room far (100-1000 metres) to very far (>1000 metres) from their ward. 35% of respondents reported feeling unsafe (0-3) or very unsafe (0) during night duties while rating safety on a numeric rating scale of 0-10. The results also showed respondents felt more unsafe when they didn’t have access to a duty room at night compared to those who had. While respondents with an attached washroom felt safer compared to those who didn’t have one in their duty room. Respondents in government hospitals and junior doctors felt more unsafe compared to those in private hospitals or senior doctors respectively. (p<0.0001) These results show a stark need for better safety measures to improve the overall working conditions of doctors . Click here to read more. Previous Next

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. 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