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

Genetic clues: Research links specific viruses as risk factors for major psychiatric conditions Content editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal May 29, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Mental disorders, Retrovirus, Research Findings Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) were conducted to analyze HERV(Human Endogenous Retroviruses) expression, and RNA sequencing and genetic data from 792 post-mortem brain samples were utilized. The major focus was on precise genomic locations of HERV expression. The main findings of the study include: 1. 1238 HERVs were identified in Europeans, and 26 were associated with psychotic disorders. Of these, two signatures were specific to the risk of schizophrenia, one for major depressive illness and 2 for shared risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. 2. No significant HERV expression signatures were found for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Autism Spectrum Disorder among Europeans. Overall, the study suggested the potential for further exploration of neurological HERV expression in understanding complex neuropsychiatric traits. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Status of teleradiology and technological advancements in radiology in India Content Editor: Dr. Prayag May 21, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Telemedicine, Teleradiology, Universal health coverage Over the past 20 years, Indian teleradiology firms have been providing services to foreign nations , despite the shortage of radiologists in India. This has helped to understand and bring home the necessary tools and infrastructure to provide high-quality teleradiology services in the country. There is a growing trend of hospitals outsourcing their radiology services to teleradiology firms, reflecting the challenges of hiring and maintaining radiologists at a competitive wage. A healthy balance between services meeting India's requirements and those serving other nations must be maintained. Training for technicians in the teleradiology workflow is closely related to the quality requirements of teleradiology. It may be necessary to provide them with training to fill in gaps in service engineers' availability to handle minor troubleshooting duties related to the teleradiology process and equipment. However, AI can improve image quality and shorten scan times, distinguish between normal and abnormal chest X-rays, and identify specific diseases with high accuracy. AI can also help with common imaging procedures in general care, such as mammography, CT brain, obstetric ultrasound, and chest X-rays. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms into the diagnostic workflow represents paradigm shifts in healthcare delivery in the future. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Avian Flu spreads its wings across the US Avian Flu spreads its wings across the US Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami December 21, 2023 CIDRAP One Health, Avian Influenza The US Department of Agriculture (USDA )- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS ) reported that the outbreak has struck seven states in the last few days. H5N1 first turned up in US poultry in early 2022 and has led to the loss of 68.4 million poultry across 47 states. There have been outbreaks in 24 states in the last month alone. Affected premises include commercial farms in Arkansas, Ohio, Minnesota, Dakota, California, and Colorado. The virus also affected backyard poultry in seven states: Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, and South Dakota.

Unveiling the gender snapshot of our world Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay October 20, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Gender Equality, SDG The Gender Snapshot report alerts that if ongoing patterns persist, over 340 million women and girls could be living in poverty by 2030, constituting 8% of the female population globally. Nearly one in four women may need to tackle food insecurity , with a substantial gap in unpaid care and domestic work. The next generation of women is projected to spend 2.3 more hours per day on such tasks than men. The report also emphasizes the ingrained gender gap in leadership roles. It calls for collective action to address these disparities and achieve a world where every woman and girl enjoys equal rights, opportunities, and representation. Older women are at greater risk of poverty and violence, along with the strong impact of climate change on restricting women’s development. The report estimates that an additional $360 billion annually is required to advance gender equality across key SDGs. Gender equality is considered foundational for an ideal and equal society and is an integral component for achieving all other SDGs. Previous Next

Launch of the WHO Online Repository of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM) Tools. Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti September 6, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM laws and regulations The WHO Online Repository of Evidence-informed Decision Making (EIDM) is a platform developed by the Evidence-informed policy network. It highlights tools utilized by WHO to facilitate knowledge translation and partner organizations involved in planning, managing, monitoring, and evaluating the process of evidence use and implementation. However, it adds to the existing WHO Evidence, policy, and impact framework. The repository is continuously updated and enables users to access EIDM methods and tools corresponding to the policy /action cycle. Transforming knowledge into action and thereby achieving the Triple Billion targets is the goal of the WHO 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

From Poverty Reduction to TB Control: The Success of Brazil’s Bolsa Família Program Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad January 25, 2025 at 6:23:52 PM Cash Transfer, Tuberculosis A landmark study conducted by Jesus GS, Pinto PFPS, Silva AF et al. involving 54.5 million low-income Brazilians demonstrated that conditional cash transfer programs like Brazil’s Bolsa Família Program (BFP) can help achieve global tuberculosis (TB) targets. Implemented in 2004, the BFP provides financial support to poor families on the condition that they meet specific health and education requirements. The study analyzed TB incidence, mortality, and case fatality rates between 2004 and 2015, comparing BFP beneficiaries (23.9 million) with non-beneficiaries (30.6 million). Results showed a significant reduction in TB cases and deaths among beneficiaries , with a more than 50% decrease in extremely poor individuals and 60% among indigenous populations. The improved access to food , reducing food insecurity and malnutrition —a key TB risk factor—was identified as a major reason for these outcomes. The study underscores the role of social protection programs in reducing TB burden , highlighting their potential to support global health goals, including the END-TB strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals . Previous Next

Headlines of the day (List) Public Health News Snippets 3- 8th June, 2024 The AusDiab Study: Unveiling the impact of vegetables and potatoes on Diabetes Type 2 risk The AusDiab (Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle Study), conducted over 12 years, reveals a complex relationship between vegetable consumption and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. The research, which tracked the dietary habits of Australian adults, found that a higher intake of vegetables (recommended daily intake of at least 5 servings ), particularly green leafy varieties, is associated with improved markers of T2D, such as lower fasting plasma glucose and better insulin sensitivity. These vegetables, rich in essential nutrients, play a protective role against the onset of diabetes. Conversely, frequent consumption of potato fries and chips correlates with an increased 31% risk of poorer insulin sensitivity, a 25% lower acute insulin response, increased glucose tolerance, and T2D. Vegetables, particularly cruciferous ones, were found to be linked to a 25% lower risk of developing T2D over the follow-up period. The study underscores the importance of incorporating a variety of vegetables into the diet for better health outcomes and suggests that diet plays a crucial role in managing and potentially reducing the risk of diabetes. However, the study's limitations include recall bias, inaccuracies in dietary assessment, and the observational nature of the study. Click here to r ead more Content Editor: Dr. Shubham The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Source : Published on : June 17, 2024 Diet, Diabetes Mellitus, Endocrinological disorders, Metabolic Disorders Harnessing nuclear technology for global food safety: Insights from FAO The Joint FAO/IAEA(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations / International Atomic Energy Agency) Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is organizing the International Symposium on Food Safety and Control. It aims to highlight the role that nuclear techniques in improving agricultural productivity and food safety. Over 400 national and international research institutes and experimental stations are involved in over 25 coordinated research initiatives that are annually coordinated and supported by the Joint FAO/IAEA Center. The symposium, which highlights the enormous influence of nuclear technology on global food and agriculture, is a critical turning point in the continuing cooperation between FAO and IAEA. Click here to re ad more Content Editor: Dr. Prayag Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Source : Published on : June 17, 2024 Food Safety CDC fights Tobacco disparities through NTCP The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National and State Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) aims to reduce tobacco-related diseases and deaths through comprehensive tobacco control programs. Despite a decline in overall tobacco use, significant disparities remain among various U.S. populations, prompting targeted interventions at multiple levels.. The program provides technical assistance and funding to states and territories, supporting comprehensive tobacco control initiatives and quitline services. Recipients of the NTCP funds must implement evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies. The four main goals are to prevent youth initiation of commercial tobacco products, promote quitting among all ages, eliminate secondhand smoke exposure, and advance health equity by addressing tobacco-related disparities. Grounded in CDC’s Best Practices, core components include state and community interventions, mass-reach health communication, tobacco dependence treatment, surveillance and evaluation, infrastructure support, and enhanced quitline systems. Click here to r ead more Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : June 17, 2024 Tobacco control, International Health News Liquid Nitrogen use prohibited in restaurants The Food and Safety Department of the Delhi government may soon take action against outlets that are unlawfully utilizing "liquid nitrogen," as there have been a few reports of the chemical being consumed and causing injuries in eateries in other areas of the country. Officials claim that restaurants frequently utilize liquid nitrogen to give food products a smokey appearance, occasionally injuring customers in the process. This stuff is great for quickly chilling ice cream, mocktails, cocktails, and baked goods. Various such incidents have recently been reported where people had to be rushed into hospitals after consumption of liquid nitrogen: 1. A 12-year-old girl in Bengaluru required emergency surgery after consuming liquid nitrogen-infused paan at a wedding, resulting in perforation peritonitis—a hole in her stomach . 2. A young businessman from Gurgaon several years ago had to get nearly half his stomach removed after consuming a cocktail containing liquid nitrogen, highlighting the dangers of this practice. 3. In Gurgaon, 5 consumers suffered burns after using a liquid nitrogen mouth freshener. Alarmed by reports of injuries, the FSSAI( Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) banned the direct addition of liquid nitrogen in food service, citing non-compliance as grounds for legal action under the FSS Act. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Social trends Source : Published on : June 17, 2024 Liquid nitrogen, Food Standards Shifting priorities from necessities to luxuries: Rural non-food item expenditure in HCES 2022-23 The Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 employed the CSQ (Consumption Survey Questionnaire) and DGQ (Durable Goods Questionnaire) to assess non-food item expenditure. The HCES included a comprehensive range of non-food items to capture an accurate picture of household spending. The broad categories evaluated included pan, tobacco and intoxicants, fuel and light, education, medical, conveyance, consumer services excluding conveyance, miscellaneous goods, entertainment, rent, taxes and cesses, clothing, bedding, footwear and durable goods . The expenditure pattern on non-food items in India is as follows ; Rural : 54% of MPCE of which Conveyance (7.55%), Medical (7.13%), Durable goods (6.89%), Fuel and light (6.66%), Clothing and miscellaneous (6% each). Urban : 61% of MPCE of which Conveyance (8.59%), Durable goods (7.17%), Miscellaneous goods, entertainment, and rent (6.56% each). Key takeaways The share of non-food items has increased for both urban and rural households in comparison with previous surveys. Non-food expenditure constituted a major part of total MPCE in urban areas. Urban and rural households spend significantly more on conveyance. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation Source : Published on : June 17, 2024 Well-being, Non-food items, Health economics, Research findings Food expenditure trends from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-2023 The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) compiles the average Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE), an indicator of living standards. MPCE is defined as the total monthly consumption value of household goods and services divided by household size. Expenditure Patterns on food items are as follows: Rural : Constitutes 46% of MPCE, of which Beverages, refreshments, and processed foods (9.62%), Milk and milk products (8.33%), Vegetables (5.38%), and Cereals (4.91%). Urban : Constitutes 39% of MPCE, of which Beverages, refreshments, and processed foods (10.64%), Milk and milk products (7.22%), and Fruits and vegetables (3.8%). State-wise variations in food and cereal expenditure: Food Expenditure (as % of MPCE) Rural: 39% in Kerala to 54% in Bihar and Assam. Urban: 35% in Telangana to 47% in Assam and Bihar. 2. Cereal Expenditure (as % of MPCE) Rural: 3% in Haryana, Kerala, and Punjab, and 7% in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Urban: 3% in Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu, and 6% in Bihar and Jharkhand. The key takeaways include the following: The share of expenditure on food has gradually declined in rural and urban households compared with previous surveys. Urban households spend more on food in absolute terms, constituting a smaller percentage of their total expenditure. Beverages, refreshments, and processed foods receive the highest food budget allocation in both rural and urban areas. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation Source : Published on : June 14, 2024 Standard of living, Well-being, Socio-economic status, Research findings Partnership for equitable access to vaccines The two global organizations, namely, CEPI and GAVI, have again partnered to accelerate progress toward global health . These organizations were part of the COVAX multilateral mechanism (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access), which expedited global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. This partnership will include: Promote rapid development, production, and access to vaccines against other diseases with outbreak potential. Develop policies to advocate for and enhance the global pandemic preparedness architecture. The main aim is to provide equitable access to these vaccines , irrespective of people’s ability to pay, which aligns with their motto, “No one is safe until everyone is safe.” Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy GAVI The Vaccine Alliance Source : Published on : June 14, 2024 COVID-19, Vaccine, Equitable distribution Recommendation from the 6th meeting of India Expert Advisory Group on Measles and Rubella (IEAG-MR) Some important recommendations following the 6th meeting of the India Expert Advisory on Measles and Rubella (IEAG-MR ) are as follows: Ensuring children under two years of age are vaccinated with two doses of MR vaccine Ensuring active case searches for all sporadic cases Regular State Task Force and District Task Force meetings on immunization should be held. Updating the MR outbreak preparedness and response plans Readiness assessments and outbreak simulation exercises should be regularly conducted at the subnational level, and in the event of an outbreak, ensure outbreak response immunization Every district needs to achieve a coverage of >95% with both the doses of MR vaccine with an NMNR (Non-Measles Non-Rubella) of >2/100,000 population and zero transmission of the virus in the community. Following the implementation of these recommendations, currently, 198 districts have achieved >95% coverage for both doses of the vaccine, and 610 districts have achieved the desired benchmark of NMNR. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Source : Published on : June 14, 2024 Vaccination, Measles, Rubella, Elimination 2026: The year of the Woman Farmer The year 2026 has been declared the year of Women Farmers by the FAO. This platform will help adopt policies and address the barriers and challenges women farmers face in agrifood systems. This will help promote gender equality and empowerment among women in agriculture. According to these reports, women still face discrimination and difficulties despite making up 39% of the global agriculture workforce: The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems The Unjust Climate This initiative aims to increase awareness and develop policies that will help build an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable food system. Click here to read more . Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Source : Published on : June 14, 2024 Agriculture, Gender equality, Nutrition Mediterranean diet and risk of mortality among women: Findings from a cohort study The Mediterranean diet consists of: 1. Nutritional Elements: fruits, nuts, whole grains, legumes, salmon, nuts, and vegetables (but not potatoes). 2. Fats :healthy fats, such as olive oil, are preferred as the proportion of monounsaturated is higher than saturated fatty acids. 3. Meat Intake : contains less red and processed meat than the median (80g/day). The Mediterranean diet is frequently cited as a beneficial eating style that can enhance the results of cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic health. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet affects mortality rates among women, according to a 25-year-long cohort study, conducted in the US among 25315 women as part of the Women’s Health Study. The key findings include: A 23% lower risk of death from all causes is linked to a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The decreased risk is largely explained by biomarkers associated with inflammation, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, body mass index, and small molecule metabolites. The study examines various mediators that could account for this correlation, taking into account elements such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic well-being. These findings demonstrate the Mediterranean diet's potential health advantages in lowering women's mortality risk . The study highlights how crucial it is to take dietary trends into account when evaluating long-term health effects. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Shubham The Journal of the American Medical Association Source : Published on : June 14, 2024 Diet, Mortality, Cohort Study, Nutrition The 2024 Cholera crisis: Epidemiology, challenges, and the response As of April 2024, there were 27,696 new cholera cases reported globally, with a 31% increase in cholera-related deaths compared to the previous month. Regional Highlights : The Eastern Mediterranean Region had the highest number of cases , followed by the African Region, the European Region, and the South-East Asia Region. The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized the global reemergence of cholera as a grade 3 emergency , signifying an extremely high worldwide risk. There is a severe shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV), with 82 million doses requested but only 3.2 million doses available as of May 2024 WHO continues to support countries with coordination, surveillance, laboratory support, and vaccination campaigns despite challenges such as natural disasters, data quality, and resource limitations. The WHO has outlined steps for addressing these as these outbreaks are complex due to factors like population mobility and climate change. This is aggravated by key challenges that include natural disasters, data quality, and insufficient OCV stocks. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay WHO News Section Source : Published on : June 13, 2024 Cholera outbreak, Global Epidemiological update, International Health News Chennai authorities crack down on unauthorized human breast milk sales Food safety officials in Chennai cracked down on a warehouse selling breast milk bottles and sachets following an order by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India warning against the commercialization of such products. Three hundred eighty-eight bottles of Neolacta Pasteurized Human Breast Milk (Neolacta PHBM & Neolacta PHBNM 70) , 450 sachets of milk powder, and human factors (Neolact powder & NeoLact MMF) were seized from the store. Meanwhile, 51 bottles of standardized and pasteurized human breast milk were seized , and a freezer and a room in the distributor’s office were sealed. The officials received a tip from officials in Tiruvallur , who raided a shop in Madhavaram after the Neolacta Life Sciences Private Limited company complained about a staff member who had recently quit to start a human breast milk distribution unit. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manu Social Trends Source : Published on : June 13, 2024 FSSAI, Food Adulteration, Breast Milk Commercialisation CDC guidelines for K-12 schools: Preventing infections in the upcoming school year The CDC has released new guidelines to help K-12 schools prevent infections in the 2024-2025 school year, balancing health with in-school learning. The key strategies for implementation are as follows Teach handwashing and hygiene Improve ventilation Maintain clean environments Encourage vaccinations If children fall sick, the following measures are to be followed, including: Sick individuals stay home PPE for staff caring for sick students Continue hygiene practices A few additional measures are also highlighted in case of need: Masks during high illness rates Increase student spacing Implement cohorts Conduct screening/testing Schools should also update emergency plans and collaborate with local health departments. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : June 1, 2024 School preparedness, infectious diseases, international health news Rising deaths by drowning in the US: The need for safety measure According to new CDC Vital Signs research released today, drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States after decades of reduction. Between 2020 and 2022, there were about 4,500 drowning deaths annually —500 more annually than in 2019. In the US, drowning is the leading cause of mortality for children aged 1-4. These can be reduced by providing accessible swimming instruction. In the US, about 40 million adults (15.4%) lack basic swimming skills, and more than half (54.7%) have never taken a class. Further, 36.3% of blacks in the US do not know how to swim. This may also be associated with an inability to access affordable swimming lessons and other cultural factors, such as discomfort in traditional swimwear. The report also suggested a few other measures to reduce the fatalities, including: Constructing and renovating public pools and Encouraging reasonably priced swimming and Water safety instruction should be offered by affiliated organizations like the YMCA and the American Red Cross. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : June 1, 2024 Drowning, Mortality, International health, Accidental deaths Privatization of healthcare services: Boon or bane? A literature review conducted by researchers at the Department of Social Policy and Intervention in Oxford, UK , studied the effects of privatization on the quality of healthcare-related services. They analyzed 13 longitudinal studies in high-income countries that compared privatized to non-privatised points of care before and after the transition. The overall effect of privatization was negative. The studies showed worse performance in markers with worse performance in hospitals that outsourced healthcare services. These markers include: Inpatient hospital infections Staffing percentages Trust in healthcare staff Mortality rates The authors mention that further analysis is required as the comparison groups were not randomized, data was taken from high-income countries only, and only a few factors of overall quality indicators were assessed. However, they state that scientific evidence for further privatization of healthcare services is weak . Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manu The Lancet Journal Source : Published on : June 1, 2024 Privatisation, Healthcare Delivery, Literature Review Social media - a new avenue for drug dealing A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released a report looking into the use of the dark web and social media for the procurement of drugs. The findings are as follows: - While sales on the dark web have been rising for the past few years, they have seen a decline based on studies in the year 2022 . However, these still outnumber sales at online shops and sales of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Though the number of individual transactions has decreased, the amount per transaction has increased , which might indicate that drugs are being sold wholesale on these platforms. Social media is increasingly becoming attractive as a platform for sale. This is because there is greater privacy, easier access, and less surveillance on these apps . Thus, it is essential to monitor the use of these platforms for the sale of drugs as well. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manu United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Source : Published on : June 1, 2024 Substance Abuse, Drug Surveillance, Social media Boosting organ donation in India: The critical role of brain stem death certification and reporting To increase organ donation rates, which are presently extremely low in India—with less than one donor per million population annually—the Indian Health Ministry has highlighted the significance of discovering brain stem deaths in hospitals. Brain Stem Death Certification: To raise the rate of organ donation, hospitals are urged to record brain stem deaths in great detail. The National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is acknowledged as being instrumental in promoting organ donation by pressuring medical facilities to report brain deaths. Though there are over 150,000 possible occurrences of brain stem death in India each year, mostly from accidents, there were only 1,028 confirmed organ donors as of 2023. The health ministry is trying to increase awareness through the "Required Request Display Boards" and hospital data collection for analysis and improvement. It is recommended that hospitals set up procedures for notifying families about the possibility of organ donation and for announcing brain deaths. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Shubham National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization Source : Published on : June 1, 2024 Organ Donation, Public policy, Health awareness Is Air pollution too a cause of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? The winter months are the most polluted times of the year in India, with some Indian towns being among the most polluted worldwide. The primary sources of air pollution in urban areas are motor cars, industrial plants, and construction activities. In rural regions, the primary source is the combustion of biomass. Due to the prevailing wind patterns, pollution can easily migrate from rural to urban areas and vice versa. The negative consequences of unclean air primarily affect the respiratory system, but recent research indicates that the impacts extend far beyond the lungs. Numerous US and European studies have shown a clear connection between type 2 diabetes and air pollution. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies from these nations revealed that risk was highly related to females and increased by 8–10% for every 10 μg/m increase in exposure. Research conducted in developing nations like China and India, where the air quality is far worse than in developed nations, has linked diabetes to an increased risk of complications and fatalities from baseline. After learning that there is a connection between diabetes and air pollution, efforts should be made to reduce air pollution at the source. Government and non-governmental organizations, education campaigns, and legislative initiatives can accomplish this. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Journal of the Association of Physicians of India (JAPI) Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Air Pollution, Diabetes Mellitus Timelines for organ transplant authorization committees Approximately 85% of the yearly 16,000+ organ transplants performed in India come from living, unrelated, or related donors. The Union Health Ministry's guidelines: A maximum of eight weeks have been granted to hospital and state permission committees to make decisions regarding live-linked organ transplants. Transplant Timelines: Applications must be processed in ten days , and any inaccuracies in documentation must be corrected in seven days After receiving all documentation, interviews must be scheduled within seven business days to communicate the committee's conclusion. Within 24 hours of the last meeting, the committee's final judgment must be posted on the hospital's website, and the tehsildar's documentation must be sent within 14 days after the application's submission. The aim is to prevent endless waiting for donors and recipients. Thanks to these deadlines, the organ transplant decision-making process will go quite quickly. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Shubham NOTTO : National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation. Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Organ Transplantation By 2050, global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years Study indicates that due to the shift in the burden of Non-communicable diseases(NCDs) and from years of life lost (YLL) to years lived with disability (YLDs), more people are expected to live longer with but with poor health. Global life expectancy is expected to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years by 2050. And, Global Healthy Life Expectancy will increase from 64.8 to 67.4 in 2050. In addition to these studies, the GBD 2021 risk factor study found that the total number of years lost due to poor health and early death(DALY) attributable to metabolic risk factors had increased by 50% since 2000. Globally, effects are strongest for ‘Improved Behavioral and Metabolic Risks’ with a 13.3% reduction in disease burden in 2050. And also, ‘safer environment’ and ‘Improved Childhood Nutrition and vaccination’ scenario too showed reductions in disease burden. The study concludes that there is an emergent opportunity to influence global health by reducing and eliminating the various metabolic and dietary risk factors. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Science Daily Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 International health, Research findings HeartSmiles initiatives to tackling adolescent food insecurity in baltimore A recent article highlights the pressing issue of food insecurity among adolescents in the United States, with a particular focus on Baltimore. Nearly 13% of US children and 26% of Baltimore's youth face food insecurity, severely impacting their health and development. Adolescents' higher calorie needs and limited access to food make them especially vulnerable, often pushing them towards risky behaviors to obtain food. Existing food assistance programs fall short of addressing their unique needs, and stigma further discourages them from seeking help. HeartSmiles, a nonprofit affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Center for Adolescent Health, is making strides with initiatives like an online food pantry and the Granny Project cooking show, which will provide essential food support to Baltimore's youth . The article calls for policymakers to better consider adolescents in food assistance programs and highlights the need for research into solutions such as Instacart cards for SNAP benefits. It emphasizes the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships to combine food access with services like job training and community gardening. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Adolescent health, Food insecurity, International Health News WHO prequalifies new Dengue vaccine TAK-003 On May 10, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) granted prequalification to TAK-003, a new dengue vaccine developed by Takeda. TAK-003, the second dengue vaccine to receive this status, is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened forms of all four dengue virus serotypes. The WHO prequalification list also includes CYD-TDV, a dengue vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur. WHO advises administering TAK-003 to children aged 6-16 years in regions with a high prevalence and transmission rate of dengue. The vaccine will be given in a two-dose regimen, with a three-month gap between doses. Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification, emphasized that TAK-003’s prequalification marks a significant advancement in broadening global access to dengue vaccines, making it eligible for purchase by UN agencies such as UNICEF and PAHO. He hoped that more vaccine developers would seek assessment to ensure vaccines reach all communities in need. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy WHO News Section Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Vaccine, Infectious Disease How does use of different antibiotic treatments impact sepsis outcome? A retrospective cohort study at the University of Michigan examined hospital admissions from July 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018, including a piperacillin-tazobactam shortage from June 12, 2015, to September 18, 2016. The study focused on adult sepsis patients treated with a combination of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam, or cefepime. Primary and secondary outcomes included the following: 90-day mortality Organ failure-free days Ventilator-free days Vasopressor-free days The study involved 7,569 patients, with 4,523 receiving vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and 3,046 receiving vancomycin and cefepime. Analysis showed no significant differences in patient demographics or initial health status between the groups. However, piperacillin-tazobactam was linked to a 5.0% absolute increase in 90-day mortality and fewer days free of organ failure, ventilator use, and vasopressor use. The findings suggest that for patients with suspected sepsis and no apparent need for anti-anaerobic coverage, piperacillin-tazobactam is associated with higher mortality and longer organ dysfunction compared to cefepime. This raises concerns about the broad use of empirical anti-anaerobic antibiotics in sepsis treatment. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy JAMA Internal Medicine Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Antibiotic resistant, Sepsis, Research findings Study reveals trends and challenges in tracking long COVID in England With approval from NHS England, the study analyzed clinical data linked to COVID-19 test results, hospitalizations, and vaccinations. The analysis focused on trends in 16 clinical codes related to long COVID from November 2020 to January 2023. The research team calculated rates per 100,000 person-years and compared them using statistical models for different demographics and vaccination statuses. The study identified 55,465 recorded cases of long COVID, including 20,025 diagnosis codes and 35,440 assessment codes. The incidence of new long COVID records has increased throughout 2021 but declined in 2022. The long COVID rate was 177.5 cases per 100,000 person-years in women and 100.5 in men. The researchers concluded that recorded cases of long COVID were low between 2020 and 2023, with a notable decline in 2022. The study highlighted significant limitations in using EHR data to accurately identify and time the long COVID cases, suggesting that current diagnostic and referral codes may not adequately capture the true prevalence of the condition. This study underscores the need for improved methods to track and understand long COVID through health records , as current systems may not fully capture the scope of the issue. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet The Lancet Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 COVID-19, Long-COVID, Complications Funding for the development of maternal vaccine against sepsis in newborns Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) has granted $3.96 million to the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. This has been granted to develop a maternal vaccine against sepsis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in newborns. The team is led by Dr. Sharon Tennant, who will collaborate with Auro Vaccines of India . The vaccine aims to protect infants by transferring antibodies from vaccinated mothers . Neonatal sepsis, a significant cause of infant mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries, kills 2.5 million infants annually. The vaccine could prevent 80-90% of these infections if successful. This funding is part of CARB-X's global initiative to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Vaccines, Immunisation, Communicable diseases, Mortality Homeownership and its association with prevalence of chronic health conditions: Study findings Researchers analyzed data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, including 401,958 participants. They assessed the association between homeownership and self-reported diagnoses of diabetes, asthma, cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and kidney disease. Logistic regression was used to adjust for variables such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, employment, and income, computing odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of the analysis are as follows: Influencing Factors: Age, marital status, education, and income significantly influenced homeownership. Odds of Homeownership: Increased with age, peaking at 17.45 (95% CI, 16.21–18.79) for adults aged 65 or older. Non-Hispanic White adults had the highest odds (OR = 3.34; 95% CI, 3.18–3.52). Chronic Health Conditions: Homeowners had a lower prevalence of chronic health conditions, especially among those aged 45 to 64 years. After accounting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, renters were more likely to have chronic health conditions compared to homeowners. The study reveals that- homeownership predicts the lower prevalence of several chronic health conditions . Public health initiatives should prioritize housing-related interventions to improve overall population health. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Center for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Research finding, Chronic disease, Socioeconomic status WHO highlights climate change's impact on malaria and neglected tropical diseases This scoping review, which includes 42,693 articles , has been published in collaboration with Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) , and is published in the Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. The key Findings by the WHO task force on Climate change, NTDs & malaria are- Climate Impact on Disease Spread: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are expanding the geographic range of disease vectors like mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria and NTDs in new regions. Vulnerable Communities: Shifts in disease prevalence and intensity are most acutely felt in communities already disproportionately affected by these diseases. Urgent Need for Comprehensive Models: Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of WHO’s Global NTD Programme, emphasized the necessity for standardized models to predict climate change effects on these diseases. However, a few research gaps were found, which include- Focus on Low-Disease Burden Countries: Most research has been conducted in countries with high access to quality healthcare, neglecting regions with significant disease burdens. Lack of Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies : Only 34% of the studies reviewed addressed mitigation strategies, and a mere 5% focused on adaptation methods. This critical and timely review highlights alarming trends and serves as a call to urgent action. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet WHO News Section Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Neglected tropical diseases, Research, Environment, Climate change "All for Health, Health for All" anchors the seventy-seventh World Health Assembly The WHA , which started on May 27 and is expected to run until June 1, has brought together ministers of health and high-level country representatives to address pressing global health challenges. Key Themes and Anticipated Moments : Pandemic Preparedness Accord : A pivotal moment is expected with discussions on the pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response accord, along with amendments to the International Health Regulations, aiming to strengthen global preparedness and response mechanisms. Approval of WHO's 2025–2028 Strategy , known as GPW 14, is anticipated. This strategy aims to tackle health challenges stemming from megatrends like climate change, aging, migration, and advancements in science and technology , focusing on realigning health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Crucial decisions on various health priorities, including climate and health, health emergencies, access to transformative tools, communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health, women's health, and WHO reform . Also, On May 31, 2024, the Health Assembly President will present eight laureates with six 2024 public health awards for their remarkable contributions to public health. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet WHO News Section Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 International health organizations, World Health Assembly, Pandemic preparedeness India’s lymphatic filariasis challenge: Bridging disability inclusion and welfare gaps India accounts for 40% of the world’s second-largest cause of physical disability i.e lymphedema and hydrocele due to lymphatic filariasis. In 2018, GOI officially enabled its inclusion to physical disabilities enabling them to be beneficiaries of various national and state-level schemes designed for the betterment of persons with disability. some of the schemes of GOI are Saksham Scholarship, Post matric scholarship etc., More than five years down the lane the state governments are unable to provide proper data on beneficiaries of the same which underscored that mere recognition and inclusion had not been translated to actual welfare. The Indian Council of Medical Research proposed a few strategies to overcome the barriers : 1.Inter-sectoral convergence involving disability rights department ,public health and social welfare etc. 2.Awareness and community engagement 3.Use of digital tools for record keeping ,development and usage of mobile apps etc. 4.Public Private Partnership to screen Lymphatic Filariasis patients and disability assessment 5.Advocacy needed for resource mobilization ,engagement of local and national stakeholders etc 6. Regular reviews and updates to review and overcome bottlenecks 7.Helplines and Information center establishment to improve LF patients’ access to support. Content Editor: Dr. Sivanthiga The Lancet Regional health Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 Physical disability, Rehabilitation, Filariasis Genetic clues: Research links specific viruses as risk factors for major psychiatric conditions Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) were conducted to analyze HERV(Human Endogenous Retroviruses) expression, and RNA sequencing and genetic data from 792 post-mortem brain samples were utilized. The major focus was on precise genomic locations of HERV expression. The main findings of the study include: 1. 1238 HERVs were identified in Europeans, and 26 were associated with psychotic disorders. Of these, two signatures were specific to the risk of schizophrenia, one for major depressive illness and 2 for shared risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. 2. No significant HERV expression signatures were found for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Autism Spectrum Disorder among Europeans. Overall, the study suggested the potential for further exploration of neurological HERV expression in understanding complex neuropsychiatric traits. Click here to read more. Content editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal Nature Communications Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 Mental disorders, Retrovirus, Research Findings Rise in mumps cases: Do we need to add MMR vaccine in the NIS? Doctors have concluded that there is a resurgence of mumps in Tamil Nadu city as more youngsters visit clinics with symptoms such as fever, headaches, swollen jaws, and puffy cheeks. Though seen as "self-limiting," it is forcing an increasing number of kids with severe consequences into hospitals. Mumps cases have risen to at least 25 a month, according to a statement by a doctor from a government hospital. Physicians have reported that they also observe long-term hearing loss, pancreatitis, and, in rare cases, pneumonia , as well as male testicular inflammation or orchitis (which raises the risk of infertility). While the MR (measles and rubella) vaccine is currently administered, it is crucial that we take a proactive approach. Doctors are pleading with the Union government to add the mumps immunization to the schedule and create the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. This comprehensive vaccine is our best defense against these preventable diseases. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal Social Trends Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 Re-emerging infections, Mumps, Outbreak, Communicable diseases FSSAI clears the air around Indian spices Spice factories across India were inspected, and domestic products were tested following export recalls of MDH and Everest spices. Authorities collected samples from both MDH and Everest manufacturing facilities to ensure the safety and quality of spices consumed in India. These samples, 25 from MDH and nine from Everest underwent comprehensive testing across various parameters, such as potential contaminants like insect and rodent infestations, heavy metals, and harmful toxins like aflatoxins . Additionally, moisture content, pesticide residues, and the presence of microbes were all scrutinized to guarantee the spices met safety standards. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) declared that samples of spices taken from MDH and Everest facilities across the nation contained no evidence of the carcinogen ethylene oxide (EtO). According to the food regulator, no similar levels were discovered in 300 samples of other Indian spices taken from manufacturing facilities. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal Social Trends Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 Food safety, Food Standards, Carcinogens, Public Health FSSAI to ensure the prohibition of calcium carbide in fruit ripening. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted traders, fruit handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly comply with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, focusing on its excessive use during the mango season. FSSAI also advises the Food Safety Departments of States and UTs to take strict actions against person(s) indulging in such practices as per the provisions of FSSAI. Due to the dangers, calcium carbide used for ripening fruits has been banned under the Regulation of the FSSAI. The authority permits the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative to Calcium carbide for fruit ripening . The ethylene gas treatment of unripe fruits accelerates the natural ripening process until the fruit naturally starts producing ethylene in required quantities. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Aiswarya Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 Artificial Fruit ripening, Natural ripening, harmful calcium carbide. Mortality rates among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Analysis of the pre-vaccine data A study published on May 15, 2024, in Emerging Infectious Diseases, is based on 2,479,423 COVID cases from 21 jurisdictions reported to the CDC from May 1, 2020, to December 1, 2020. They also analyzed 4,708,444 cases from 22 jurisdictions for a death dataset during the same time frame. The case hospitalization dataset covers 25.5% of the US population, and the case-fatality dataset covers 43.7% of the US population. Overall case-hospitalization rate among patients was 5.7% and the rate by sex for males was 6.2% and 5.2% for females. It was lowest for children aged 5-14 years and highest for 75 years and older. In the death dataset, overall case fatality was 1.7%. Higher rates were seen in infants, lowest in children of 5-14 years of age and it increased steadily with age. The fatality rate was 0.6% in non-hospitalized patients, 17.6% among hospitalized and 44.2% in patients admitted to ICU. The study reiterates the findings of previous studies that have shown a 50% mortality among patients admitted to the ICU during the pandemic. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Centre for Infectious Disease Research Research and Policy Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 COVID-19, International health, Mortality rates Indoor air pollution - A study on NO2 emissions from gas stove The study found that Americans living with gas stoves are exposed to NO2 at higher levels than the World Health Organization and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deem safe. Compared to the national average, NO2 exposure from gas stoves is 60% higher in American Indian and Alaska Native households. It found that 50,000 current cases of childhood asthma were traced to NO2 exposure from gas stoves. And when other pollutants from gas stoves, such as carbon monoxide are factored in, the impact may go up to 200,000 cases. Researchers also noted that NO2 exposure is also linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, preterm birth, and diabetes. People living in small homes (less than 800 sq. Feet) face quadruple the long-term NO2 exposure than people living in large homes(more than 3,000 sq. Feet) Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Harvard School of public health Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 International health, Health research, pollution Do heart failure patients benefit from COVID-19 vaccination: Findings from a South Korean study A comprehensive study conducted on heart failure patients in South Korea has revealed that COVID-19 vaccination has had a significant impact in reducing the risk of mortality, hospitalization, and various cardiovascular complications. The study, involving 651,127 patients from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, found that vaccinated patients had an advantage as follows: 82% lower risk of death 47% lower risk of heart failure hospitalization 13% reduced risk of COVID-19 infection over six months Furthermore, the research also indicated a diminished risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. This is the first major study on vaccine effectiveness in heart failure patients and suggests strong benefits for vaccination. Nevertheless, the researchers caution that the findings may not be universally applicable to all heart failure patients, and individuals with unstable conditions are advised to consult with their healthcare provider to thoroughly evaluate the associated risks and benefits. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 COVID-19, Vaccination, international health news 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 24-30th September, 2023 (5) View More 01-09th September, 2023 (11) View More 13 - 19 th August , 2024 (5) View More 23-31st July, 2023 (28) View More 17-23rd September, 2023 (10) View More 27-31st August, 2024 (16) View More 6-12th August, 2024 (16) View More 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) View More 10-16th September, 2023 (9) View More 20-26th August, 2024 (20) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) View More 1-8th July, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

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