ICMR seeks public input for updating the National Essential Diagnostics List ICMR seeks public input for updating the National Essential Diagnostics List Content Editor: Dr Sathya Prashaath February 15, 2024 ICMR National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL), ICMR 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

Newer tetravalent vaccine for Dengue Newer tetravalent vaccine for Dengue Content Editor: Dr.Sakshi Aggarwal March 2, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Recent advances, Adult Immunization According to the phase 3 trial data, individuals who have never had dengue before will receive 80% protection from the single-dose tetravalent Butantan-Dengue vaccine , whereas those who have previously had dengue will receive 89% protection. The phase 3 trial began in February of 2016 and included 16,235 participants in Brazil; roughly 10,000 were vaccinated with the one-dose vaccine, and about 6,000 received a placebo. As of now, the World Health Organisation has approved and recommended the use of two further dengue vaccines: TAK-003 (2 doses) and Dengvaxia (3 doses). However, dengue-naive recipients may experience antibody-dependent enhancement if they receive a vaccine before a natural infection. Dengvaxia is only advised for use in individuals aged 9 to 45 who have at least one recorded case of dengue.

WHO urges Southeast Asia to prioritize rehabilitative and assistive technology services WHO urges Southeast Asia to prioritize rehabilitative and assistive technology services Content Editor: Dr. Anamika August 28, 2024 Social trends 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.

“People Power – Intention to Action” by WHO- A Publication series “People Power – Intention to Action” by WHO- A Publication series Content Editor: Dr. Ranjitha R April 21, 2023 WHO news section Global Health, NCDs, Mental Health WHO launched a new publication series dedicated to lived experiences of people living with NCDs, Mental health conditions, and neurological conditions. Employing Participatory Research Action methods case studies developed on basis of specified themes. This publication will help provide insights about overlooked topics like informed decision-making, health literacy, diversities in best practices, advocacy and individual rights in different countries, etc. It will help the policymakers and public health professionals understand the in-depth experiences better.

Can we break the chain of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus getting passed on from generation to generation? Can we break the chain of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus getting passed on from generation to generation? Content Editor : Dr. Yamini Singh March 11, 2023 Press Information Bureau Maternal and Child Health, NCDs, Diabetes Mellitus Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, a nationally renowned Diabetologist while addressing the Annual Conference of DIPSI (Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India), said Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus has already assumed epidemic proportions in India and prevention of Diabetes in Pregnancy is critical to the well-being of India's future generation. He said that a woman who gets Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is likely to pass on to her progeny a higher preponderance to develop Type-2 diabetes and that too at a relatively younger age. He praised Dr. V. Seshiah and his team who recommended conducting a "Spot Test" for blood sugar in every pregnant woman and today they have developed a "Single Procedure Test in Pregnancy ”. The preventive project of diabetes in pregnancy taken up by Dr. V. Seshiah is in tune with the preventive healthcare preferences of the government to ensure the health and well-being of the youth whose energy and productivity are crucial for the next 25 years.

Durability of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Insights and implications Durability of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Insights and implications PHC Editor November 7, 2024 Social trends 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.

Mental Health Assistance in Shelter Homes Mental Health Assistance in Shelter Homes Content Editor: Dr Jasmin Nilima Panda March 24, 2023 Press Information Bureau Mental Health, Maternal and Child Health The Ministry of Women and Child Development has implemented various schemes for providing shelter homes, medical care and mental health counselling to the underprivileged women and children. Shakti Sadan : an Integrated Relief and Rehabilitation Home for women in difficult circumstances, formed by the combination of Swadhar Greh & Ujjawala Homes . Mission Vatsalya Scheme : support is provided to States and UT Governments for delivering services for children in difficult circumstances. Child Care Institutions (CCIs) are established to monitor & support age-appropriate education, vocational training, recreation, health care, counselling etc to both urban and rural children. The scheme supports 1098, a 24x7 outreach toll-free child helpline and the setting up of a Suggestion Box for complaints and redressal for children. SAMVAD : Support, Advocacy & Mental Health Interventions for Children in Vulnerable Circumstances and Distress established jointly by MoWCD and NIMHANS(in 2020) provides training, guidance and technical support to child protection functionaries working in children’s shelter homes. One Stop Centre(OSCs) : provides medical aids, psycho-social counselling, police facilitation, legal aid, etc. for the distressed women. Under the Stree Manoraksha project , these staff are trained to handle the psycho-social and mental health care needs of women facing violence and distress.

Chad battles its first-ever Dengue outbreak Chad battles its first-ever Dengue outbreak Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy October 31, 2023 WHO Disease outbreak news Disease outbreak, Public health, Global health, WHO, Communicable diseases The 2023 dengue outbreak in Chad is the country's first encounter with the disease. The serotype responsible hasn't been confirmed yet. The age group of 15 to 34 years old accounts for 27% of the confirmed cases, making them the most impacted by this outbreak. With assistance from the WHO, the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention has launched several significant response initiatives, as follows: Mobilizing resources and managing logistics of drugs and samples Enhancing entomological surveillance, active case finding, and in-depth epidemiological investigations Developing SOPs for the treatment of suspected and confirmed dengue cases Community mobilization to spread essential knowledge about dengue transmission and management, including integrated vector control strategies

Does Morel mushroom exposure cause gastrointestinal illness? Does Morel mushroom exposure cause gastrointestinal illness? Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar March 30, 2024 Center for Disease Control Public health outbreak, International health news. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MTDPHHS) and Gallatin City County Health Department (GCCHD), with the support of the CDC, conducted a case-control study to identify illnesses that are associated with food and to assess the dose-response relationship. Questionnaire data were collected by state and county health department staff members using Jotform software, and those deidentified were sent for analysis to CDC, where matched and unmatched logistic regression analysis was conducted using SAS software. The odds of consuming a special sushi roll with morel mushrooms among cases were 15.78 times higher than those of control patients and 10.77 times higher among cases for eating any morels. The FDA has published information on morels and other mushrooms that can be cultivated. The MTDPHHS and GCCHD gave recommendations on proper storage and preparation to reduce the illness risk. Findings from the investigation suggested uncooked or undercooked morel mushrooms were the source of the outbreak and there was a clear association between the consumption of morels and gastrointestinal illness.