Nipah Virus Outbreak in Bangladesh Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal March 9, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Disease outbreak, Zoonotic diseases Two instances of NiV infection that are not epidemiologically related were reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) by the Bangladesh National Focal Point (NFP) for the International Health Regulations (IHR) on January 30 and February 7, 2024. In Bangladesh, Nipah virus (NiV) infections are seasonal; cases often arise from December to April in tandem with the harvest and ingestion of date palm sap. The first patient was a 38-year-old man from the Dhaka division's Manikganj district, while the second was a 3-year-old girl from the Dhaka division's Shariatpur area. Both of which had a history of consuming date palm sap. Since there is currently no vaccine for NiV, which is a deadly disease, the World Health Organisation prioritizes: Reducing or preventing infection by enhancing contact tracing and early detection surveillance Increasing public awareness of risk factors Providing support to individuals in reducing their exposure to NiV Previous Next

New Parliamentary report highlights the escalating menace of Drug abuse in India New Parliamentary report highlights the escalating menace of Drug abuse in India Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 10, 2023 The Tribune Public health, Drug abuse, Addiction, Adolescent health Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, NCT of Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are among the worst affected states wherein the drug problem was widespread among children and adults alike. Nearly 7 lakh children (10-17 years) are abusers of substances like tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioids, sedatives, and inhalants. The most common substance abuse among school and college goers was tobacco, additionally- Over 3 lakh children are using opioids Over 72000 consuming inhalants Over 18000 cocaine The problem is also similarly widespread among adults, with over 66 lakh total abusers. 21 lakh people are addicted to various kinds of opioids, including heroin.

June 5, Against Illegal, unreported and unregulated Fishing Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad UN Observances, Fisheries • Fisheries have emerged as a crucial resource for achieving food security since they are a vital source of food, employment, recreation, trade, and economic well-being for people all over the world. • However, one in five fish captured comes from IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing methods. • The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) claims that IUU fishing practises cause the loss of 11–26 million tonnes of fish annually, at an estimated economic value of US$10–23 billion. • Target 4 of Sustainable Development Goal 14 particularly calls on the international community to control harvesting and end IUU fishing to mitigate this loss. • In 2009, the FAO Conference adopted the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, which was enforced on 5th June, 2016. • In observance of this, The UN General Assembly designated June 5 as the "International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing" in December 2017 and declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture. Previous Next

Household energy insecurity and Diabetes prevalence among US adults, 2020 Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar October 26, 2024 at 7:44:06 PM Non communicable disease, International Health, Energy insecurity Study used data from 2020 Residential Energy consumption survey(RECS) and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s US Diabetes Surveillance system to obtain 2020 state level diagnosed diabetes prevalence. Study stated that states with high prevalence of energy insecurity had higher prevalence of diabetes mainly among southern states. Additionally it found that reducing or forgoing food or medicine to pay energy costs was the most common form of energy insecurity. Low prevalence of ever receiving energy assistance gives opportunity to lower energy insecurity in states with high disease burden. Even though there are programmes they have been underfunded and subjected to budget cuts in giving energy related assistance programs for low income households. Click here to read more Previous Next

Statistics Day 2024: Advancing India's development through data-driven policies Content Editor: Dr. Sumana July 10, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Technology, Innovation, Statistics On June 29, 2024, India celebrated Statistics Day , honoring Professor P.C. Mahalanobis's contributions to statistics and economic planning. The theme was "Use of Data for Decision-Making ." Secretary MoSPI highlighted recent initiatives to reduce survey data time lags, such as implementing Computer-Aided Personal Interviews (CAPI), introducing new surveys, and engaging users. The event also featured technical sessions and presentations on global data usage practices. MoSPI released the SDGs-National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024, and two related handbooks. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the eSankhyiki portal, enhancing data accessibility and management. This portal includes two modules: · The Data Catalogue, offering major datasets and · The Macro Indicators provide time series data with advanced visualization features. These initiatives aim to support evidence-based decision-making, aligning with the event's theme. Click here to read more Previous Next

India to be the most populous country in 2023 January 25, 2023 at 5:24:40 AM Demography As per the World Population Prospects 2022 report, India is projected to exceed China as the world'smost populous country in 2023. According to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Population of China in 2022 —1.4118 billion (declined by 850,000 from 2021). Birth rate in 2022 — 6.77 births per 1,000 people (declined from 7.52 in 2021). The death rate in 2022 — 7.37 per 1,000 people, Natural growth rate at negative 0.6 per 1,000 people The last time China reported a population decline was in 1961. India is projected to have a population of 1.668 billion in 2050. Previous Next

WHO urges Southeast Asia to prioritize rehabilitative and assistive technology services Content Editor: Dr. Anamika August 28, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Rehabilitative services, Assistive technology, Quality of life WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed urged South-East Asian countries to prioritize access to rehabilitative and assistive technology services. Rehabilitation services aim to restore dignity, hope, and societal participation , addressing needs such as low back pain, vision loss, fractures, and COPD. 590 million people in the region require rehabilitation services, which often face challenges such as inadequate coverage, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and insufficient services in primary health centers. Emphasis was placed on engaging and empowering communities, addressing inequalities faced by persons with disabilities, and strengthening the rehabilitation workforce to transform health and well-being for marginalized populations. Click here to read more. Previous Next

What to Eat to Lower Cancer Risk Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav October 30, 2024 at 12:22:44 PM Cancer, Lifestyle modification, Dietary practices Vegetarian, pescovegetarian, and Mediterranean diets are the best since they are high in fibre and plant-based proteins , which are very different from the Standard American Diet, or SAD , which is primarily composed of red meat and refined sugars. The average person's chance of developing cancer is reduced by 8–9% when they switch to a healthier diet . 6 eating habits that can reduce risk for developing cancer: Consuming whole foods high in fibre Consuming less red meat Consuming a variety of vibrant vegetables and nutritious grains , such as barley or red lentils, brussels sprouts and broccoli. Walnuts and almonds contain anti-cancer properties Alcohol and soda raises the chance of liver and breast cancer as well as cancer of the entire digestive tract. Reduction in consumption of processed condiments such as mayonnaise and sauces. 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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Mapping asthma hot spots: Uncovering urban trends and pandemic impacts in New York State Mapping asthma hot spots: Uncovering urban trends and pandemic impacts in New York State Content Editor: Dr Ghurumourthy October 3, 2024 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Epidemiology, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Asthma Asthma, a chronic lung condition, can be managed through proper clinical care and self-management. The New York State Department of Health analyzed asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits from 2016 to 2022 using Esri’s Emerging Hot Spot Analysis. The study revealed urban areas like Buffalo, Rochester, and NYC had significant asthma hot spots , with ED rates decreasing during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. While many persistent hot spots became sporadic, some areas in NYC, particularly in the Bronx and Manhattan, saw intensifying hot spots. This method enhances traditional mapping by identifying emerging geographic patterns and can be used to evaluate the impact of local-level interventions for asthma and other chronic conditions. Click here to read more.