11 critical interventions for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups 11 critical interventions for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti December 6, 2023 Press Information Bureau Tribal Health, Intersectoral Co-ordination, PM JANMAN The Union Cabinet, under the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) has approved The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). India has Scheduled Tribe population of 10.45 crore as per the 2011 census, out of which 75 communities located in 18 States and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Targeting the PVTG, the mission aims at improving their socioeconomic conditions using 11 interventions with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water, and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. An overall budget of ₹24104 crore is allocated for the mission, with specific cost norms for each activity.

U.S. to Withdraw From WHO Over Alleged Bias and Funding Disparities U.S. to Withdraw From WHO Over Alleged Bias and Funding Disparities Content Editor: Dr Mohammed Kasif February 4, 2025 PHC Editorial Bureau Global health, Health funding, Pandemic response, World Health Organisation President Donald Trump declared that the United States would exit from the World Health Organization (WHO ) within 12 months of January 20, 2025, citing concerns over its political influence and financial structure. Trump accused the WHO of acting under the “inappropriate political influence” of certain member states, particularly China. He claimed the organization mishandled global health crises, including COVID-19, by failing to act independently. The U.S., contributing 18% of WHO’s $6.8 billion budget, was its largest financial backer. Trump has criticized the unequal financial burden on the United States of America. This decision mirrors Trump’s attempt in 2020 to withdraw, citing similar concerns. The WHO denies allegations of bias and continues pressing China for data pertaining to the origin of COVID-19. The U.S. exit raises concerns about future global health funding and cooperation.

Update on concomitant treatment of Hepatitis C and tuberculosis Update on concomitant treatment of Hepatitis C and tuberculosis Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal April 27, 2024 WHO News Section Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Treatment guidelines Evidence suggests that concurrent therapy for HCV and MDR/RR-TB is feasible, with potential benefits outweighing the hazards. Co-administration may improve MDR/RR-TB treatment success while decreasing failures, loss to follow-up, and fatalities. These details are provided in the new edition of WHO unified guidelines for the treatment of TB and drug-resistant tuberculosis, with its accompanying Operational Handbook on Tuberculosis: Module 4: therapy. While short-course oral d irect-a cting a ntivirals (DAAs ) have revolutionized HCV treatment , with over 90% sustained virologic response rates, managing chronic HCV in MDR/RR-TB patients remains a difficulty due to differing national policies. This new update further encourages countries to take unified national policies regarding the same. Click here to read more.

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.