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

Public Health Impact of Lack of Guideline-Based Lipid Management Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay July 11, 2025 at 5:03:46 PM Research study, Cholesterol-lowering drugs, Cardiovascular diseases A recent study from Johns Hopkins, using national data from 2013–2020, reveals that tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented annually if cholesterol-lowering therapies were used according to clinical guidelines. Among U.S. adults aged 40–75, 47% qualified for lipid-lowering treatment for primary prevention, yet only 23% received it. In those with prior cardiovascular events (secondary prevention), where 100% should be treated, only 68% were on therapy If guideline-based treatment were fully implemented, it could prevent nearly 100,000 non-fatal heart attacks , 65,000 strokes , and thousands of bypass surgeries and stent procedures each year. This would also save an estimated $30.6 billion in healthcare costs annually. The underuse of these therapies is attributed to several factors: physician knowledge gaps, inconsistent patient preferences, limited access, misaligned financial incentives, and the complexity of applying guidelines in routine clinical settings. To close this gap, the study recommends improving patient education, streamlining guideline use in clinical workflows , and considering non-statin cholesterol-lowering drugs where needed . Overall, better adherence to established lipid management guidelines could significantly reduce cardiovascular disease burden and improve public health outcomes across the United States.Click here to read more Previous Next

Outbreak of West Nile virus in Kerala Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala May 9, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Communicable Disease, West Nile Virus, Outbreak West Nile virus outbreaks have been reported in recent years in Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu in India. The West Nile virus causes a self-limiting illness presenting as fever, headache, and nausea. <1% of the disease presents as acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) or acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). The bite of the Culex mosquito spreads the virus, and the disease usually affects adults. Since May 2024, 6 confirmed cases, 1 death, and 1 suspected case of West Nile virus have been reported at the IDSP by the State Surveillance Unit, Directorate of Health Services, Kerala. A total of 7 cases have been reported this year from the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thrissur. The District Vector Control Units have stepped up the vector control measures, mosquito sample testing, and awareness activities. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Global conclave: Highlighting the need for plastic recycling and sustainability Content Editor: Dr. Dheenadhayalan V July 26, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Waste management, Plastic management, Sustainability The four-day Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) was recently held at Delhi under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizer. The event addressed a few critical issues, with a strong emphasis on intersectoral collaboration to curb the plastic pollution. These issues included : Plastic waste management Plastic recycling Plastic sustainability Currently, only 10% of the global plastic waste is recycled, leading to the increase in plastic pollution. The GCPRS showcased various sustainable recycling solutions and offered a platform for sharing these between the various stakeholders. This initiative is in line with our country’s zero waste goal . Click here to read more. Previous Next

World Health Assembly 2024: Adoption of the historic amendments to international health regulations Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet June 7, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM International Health Regulations, Pandemic, International health In a historic development, the World Health Assembly has agreed on crucial amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) and committed to finalizing a global pandemic agreement within a year. These decisions aim to enhance global health security and preparedness for future pandemics. The amendments include the following: Defining a pandemic emergency Ensuring equitable access to medical products Establishing a coordinating financial mechanism Creating national IHR authorities This initiative underscores a collective commitment to robust international health systems, learning from past crises like COVID-19. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency and importance of these measures in preventing future global health emergencies. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Avian Flu prompts raw milk recall in California by CDFA Content Editor: PHC Editorial Bureau December 26, 2024 at 8:26:51 PM CDC, Avian Influenza, Outbreak Investigation The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has announced a recall of raw milk from Valley Milk Simply Bottled in Stanislaus County after bulk-milk testing detected avian influenza (H5N1) contamination. The recall targets plastic jugs in quart, half-gallon, and gallon sizes with date codes from December 23 to December 30 . These products were distributed to retail stores, farmers markets, and directly to consumers across the state. While no human illnesses have been linked to this recall, there have been instances of cats becoming ill after consuming raw milk from other producers. Health officials continue to advise against consuming raw milk due to potential contamination risks. This recall is part of a larger issue, as avian influenza has been detected in dairy cattle across California's Central Valley since August, affecting both animal and public health . The CDFA is actively monitoring and testing to prevent further spread. Previous Next

Global health check: A trio of troubling trends. Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma November 29, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Cholera, Dengue, Foodborne Disease, Healthcare-Associated Infections WHO warns of alarming disease surges in Gaza due to conflict, overcrowding, and disruptions in healthcare, water, and sanitation. Over 33,000 cases of diarrhea, 9,000 scabies, 55,000 upper respiratory infections, and disruptions in vaccination have been reported since mid-October. WHO urges urgent humanitarian aid and adherence to international law in Gaza. On the other hand, Missouri's Benton County faces an avian flu outbreak at a 16,600-bird broiler breeder farm. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) noted 21 new H5N1 detections in wild birds. Further, Florida recorded 12 new locally acquired dengue cases, totaling 110 this year. Miami-Dade County saw the majority, with additional cases reported in Broward, Hardee, Palm Beach, and Polk counties. Previous Next

The diagnostic gap of Zika virus: Recommendations Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy August 1, 2024 at 1:00:00 PM Vector-borne diseases, Zika, Surveillance, Outbreak Seven cases of the Zika virus were identified in Pune, Maharashtra, in the last month. However, the officials are concerned that the virus might be “silently spreading.” The officials believe the disease is often underdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with other vector-borne diseases. The country has a paucity of CDSCO-approved diagnostic services , which may have contributed to the issue. The officials have recommended the following to proactively reduce this diagnostic gap: Regular surveillance Increase in PCR testing centers Availability of whole genome sequences in public databases. The consequences of Zika during pregnancy are severe, and early diagnosis and prompt treatment must be done to prevent such consequences. Previous Next

FDA approves first Nasal Spray for Emergency Allergic Reactions FDA approves first Nasal Spray for Emergency Allergic Reactions Content Editor: Dr. Shayari September 17, 2024 JAMA Allergy Management , FDA The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Neffy, a novel epinephrine nasal spray, for the treatment of emergency allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This marks a significant advancement in the management of severe allergies, offering an alternative to traditional injectable epinephrine. Key Features of Neffy include: It is approved for adults and children who weigh at least 66 lbs. The FDA fast-tracked the approval based on studies showing comparable levels of epinephrine in the blood after using the spray or injection. Neffy is administered with a single spray in one nostril, with a second dose recommended if symptoms don't improve. Possible side effects include throat irritation, tingling in the nose, and headaches. The FDA's announcement emphasizes the crucial need addressed by neffy, as individuals, particularly children, often delay seeking emergency treatment due to a fear of injections. Click here to read more