Lung cancer: A growing concern for healthy Indians Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal July 25, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM Lung Cancer, South-East Asia, Smoking, Narrative review 24 studies were reviewed to understand the profile of lung cancer in Southeast Asia. The results were recently published as a narrative review in The Lancet Journal. These included 13 case-control studies, eight cohorts, two meta-analyses, and one cross-sectional study. Lung cancer incidence and mortality varied significantly between Caucasians and Asians , affecting epidemiology, genomics, therapies, and outcomes. A significant proportion of lung cancer patients in Southeast Asia are never-smokers (40-50% of cases in India). The most common causes in South Asian countries among non-smokers were as follows: Air pollution in urban areas; Occupational exposures of workers in industries dealing with asbestos, cadmium, chromium, coal, etc; Household biomass fuel burning for cooking. Adenocarcinoma was found to be the most common histopathological subtype, present in about one-third of the patients. EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations were found in 23-30% of patients, while ALK rearrangements were present in 5-7%. Although therapies align with global standards, access to newer treatments and drugs remains challenging. The study identified that to achieve optimal cancer prevention and treatment, guidelines based on data generated within the country rather than relying on global data are essential. Collaborative research, political commitment, policy changes, and patient advocacy are essential to improve the region's lung cancer treatment and outcomes. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Millets are one group of food that are nutritious and also one of the hardiest crops that can be grown in extremes of climate. Because of their nutritive value, they are also called “Nutri-Cereals”. International Year of Millets is celeberated with an objective . . . Public Health News Analysis International Year of Millets 2023 – Significance & Relevance in celebrating "Millets" Author : Dr Gaurav Singh Updated on : February 17, 2023 International Year of Millets, FAO, United Nations Indian government in the year 2018 proposed to observe 2023 as an International Year of Millets, which was approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations General Assembly. Millets are one group of food that are nutritious and also one of the hardiest crops that can be grown in extremes of climate. Because of their nutritive value, they are also called “Nutri-Cereals” . Promotion of millets can help us to attain many of the objectives of sustainable development goals. Considering the importance of millets, the I ndian government in 2018 proposed to observe 2023 as an International Year of Millets , which was approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) and the United Nations General Assembly. What are Millets? These are a group of small-seeded grasses. There are different types of millets: Pearl millet (Bajra) Finger millet (Ragi) Foxtail millet (Kakun) Proso millet (Cheena) Barnyard millet (Sanwa) Kodo millet ( Kodo) Sorghum (Jowar) Little millet (Kutki) Buckwheat (Kuttu) Amaranth (Chaulai) These crops can tolerate drought, high temperatures and poor soil conditions , where many crops fail to grow. They also require very little input and are cost-effective for the farmers. With climate change and a growing population, there is a need to increase food production. They can also be grown with minimal environmental impact, unlike crops like rice grown in areas of Punjab, and Haryana which have led to a fall in the water table and also act as supplementary food sources where there is over-reliance on a single staple crop like wheat and rice and can help to tackle any crop failure. In terms of nutritional values, they are rich in B vitamins like niacin, thiamine, and minerals like iron, manganese. According to NFHS-5, more than 50% of women in the reproductive age group suffer from anaemia. These can play an important role in reducing anaemia in the country. Millets are also low in glycemic index, therefore this can also be used in the management of diabetes.Being nutritionally rich they can help India in tackling hidden hunger and can possibly help the country in improving its rank in Global Hunger Index. History of Millet consumption in India and the present status: Millets have been an important part of the Indian diet for thousands of years in the form of flatbread, porridges etc. Especially in dry, arid areas of Rajasthan, Maharashtra. But over time, their consumption has declined. Reasons for decreased Millet consumption Lower yield as compared to other crops like rice, and wheat (IARI - Indian Agricultural Research Institute has developed Pusa-1201, which has a higher yield) Rice and wheat consumption were once associated with status symbol Ease of processing wheat and rice, gluten present in wheat makes the dough elastic and cohesive Government intervention during the Green Revolution, policies like Minimum Support Price promoted the production of wheat and rice Because of these factors, millet production over the years has decreased. It has decreased from 21.32 million tonnes in 2003-04 to 15.92 million tonnes in 2021-22. What are the objectives of the International Year of Millets? Increase awareness about the role of millets in food security and nutrition Improve sustainable production and quality of millets Increase investment in research and development in the area Possible ways through which millet production and consumption can be increased By investing in R&D to increase the yield of millets Making millets a part of decentralised procurement by states at minimum support prices (centre can incentivise states) Introducing millets to fight hidden hunger through the Public distribution system, Saksham Anganwadi and Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme. Private companies can utilise the nutritive value of millets to market their product Though at present they may not be as widely consumed as other crops. But their importance is likely to increase in future considering the threat of climate change and food security challenges. 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

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Calls for Community Action Nationwide Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 16, 2025 at 11:53:41 AM Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Drug abuse prevention, Substance use disorder On 26th June 2025, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment held a national event in New Delhi to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse. The Ministry led efforts through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan , active in every district, focusing on youth, schools, and community participation. Over 15.78 crore individuals were reached , supported by thousands of trained volunteers . Digital tools like a mobile app and interactive website enhanced outreach. Mass awareness events and pledges built momentum , transforming the Abhiyaan into a collective movement against substance abuse nationwide. Previous Next

Selenium-Contaminated Wheat Linked to Baldness in Buldhana Content Editor: PHC Editor March 22, 2025 at 2:16:00 PM Selenium, Wheat, Zinc, Baldness, Heavy-Metal Poisoning Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar, a Padma awardee physician, led a month-long investigation into a sudden outbreak of severe hair loss in Buldhana. It was found that wheat from Punjab , supplied to ration shops in Buldhana, contained dangerously high levels of selenium . Excessive selenium intake is linked to widespread baldness observed among residents. Experts revealed that the risk was further intensified by low zinc levels in individuals, a deficiency known to worsen hair loss. The incident has prompted investigations into the supply chain and quality control measures at local ration shops. Health officials are urging immediate testing and nutritional interventions to mitigate further health impacts. The case highlights the urgent need for stringent monitoring of food quality in public distribution systems . Ongoing investigation aims to clarify the impact and prevent future occurrences of similar issues. Previous Next

‘Ayurveda for One Health’, the Global Campaign Content Editor: Dr.Sivanthiga.G December 11, 2023 at 4:00:00 PM One Health, AYUSH, World Ayurveda Day World Ayurveda Day was organised by The C entral C ouncil for R esearch In A yurvedic S cience (CCRAS ) in early Novemver, 2023. The CCRAS was instrumental in developing a micro website for connecting people globally via the global campaign ‘Ayurveda for One Health’. The global success of the campaign was celebrated on having reached 90 Countries and 12 crore people with 14 lakh participating in nearly 15 thousand activities. The holistic idea of Human, Plant, Animal and environmental welfare through Ayurveda to the public by engaging youth, farmers etc. Previous Next

First deadly Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak - in Equatorial Guinea. February 20, 2023 at 7:25:47 PM Outbreak Investigation, Communicable diseases According to the ongoing investigation, the cases presented with fever, weakness, vomiting, and blood-stained diarrhea. As of this week, February 2023, the cumulative number of cases is nine, including one confirmed case, four probable, and four suspected cases. All the cases have died , one in a health facility and the other eight in the community. 34 contacts are currently under follow-up. Marburg virus disease (MVD) fruit bats are considered natural hosts and have a case-fatality ratio of up to 88%. The incubation period varies from 2 to 21 days and spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with the blood or other bodily secretions. Laboratory confirmation by ELISA or RT PCR is needed. No vaccines or antiviral treatments are approved to treat the virus, supportive care – rehydration, and treatment of symptoms improve survival. The last reported outbreak of MVD was in Ghana in 2022 (three confirmed cases). To read the full article @ WHO website - Click Here Previous Next

From Outbreaks to Endemic - How Aedes albopictus is bringing Dengue and Chikungunya to Europe Content Editor: Dr. Jahnvi May 23, 2025 at 10:00:13 AM Infectious disease outbreaks, Vector-borne disease, Global Health, Dengue, Chikungunya A recent Time-to-event analysis on the establishment of Aedes albopictus and Dengue and Chikungunya found that these tropical diseases may soon become endemic in the European region . Key drivers: Rising temperatures, increased trade and travel, urbanization. Outbreaks in this region occur due to importing of cases followed by autochthonous aedes-borne transmission . Case numbers have increased exponentially - 304 cases of Dengue occurred in 2024 alone, compared to a total of 275 cases in the previous 15 years. A majority of cases have occurred in urban, southern parts of Europe, during the summer. These trends highlight the need for stricter vector control , enhanced entomological and disease surveillance , early case detection systems etc. 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

A revolutionary step for increasing accessibility for the PwD Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy March 23, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Accessibility, Rehabilitation, Person with Disabilities Recently, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, took a striding step by signing 3 MoUs . These MoUs will help transform the way information regarding persons with disabilities is accessed and disseminated. This collaboration will help in delivering a platform that will provide the following services: Facilitate registration and follow-up of accessibility issues Provide information and important links related to legal issues Provide a platform for information related to government schemes Provide access to various documents Each of the MoUs signed was in partnership with the following: I-STEM , D hananjay S anjogta F oundation, and the N ational A ssociation for the B lind- will provide the technical support for the platform V ision D ivyang F oundation- to offer guidance regarding eligibility for various government schemes N ational A ssociation for the B lind- to make documents related to PwD accessible to them At the same time, an MoU was also signed between CSIR-CSIO and ALIMCO for designing, developing, and manufacturing various rehabilitative and assisted technologies. These steps will ensure inclusivity and aim for the rehabilitation of PwD . Click here to read more Previous Next

The Association of Untreated Mental Health Problems with Alcohol and Tobacco use Among New York City Taxi Drivers Content Editor: Dr. Nivetha S July 17, 2023 at 12:05:18 PM Mental Health, Tobacco use, Alcohol use #A cross-sectional study was conducted recently in New York among 1105 Taxi drivers to check if there was an association between untreated medical health condition and alcohol & Tobacco use, using Logistic regression modelling. #Evidently , there existed an association where the drivers with untreated mental health problems had 1.9X the odds of reporting current Tobacco use and 1.6X the odds of reporting current alcohol use( 95% confidence interval) than those without untreated health problems. #The need for timely screening of mental health problems among taxi drivers was certainly insisted Previous Next