Deadly Mpox outbreak in the Dominican Republic of Congo Deadly Mpox outbreak in the Dominican Republic of Congo Content Editor: Dr. Niharika April 3, 2024 Center for Disease Research and Policy International Health, Disease Outbreak, Monkey Pox The Mpox outbreak in the DRC , ongoing since 2023, has now spread to 23 of the 26 provinces of the country. The country is also struggling with outbreaks of cholera, measles, anthrax, and plague. The setting of massive floods and the world’s second-biggest human displacement has made the condition more difficult. The DRC outbreak, caused by the Clade 1 virus , differs from the globally circulating strain. It is more virulent and has a higher c ase-f atality r ate (CFR) - a CFR of 7%, much higher than the global rate of 0.2%. It has sexual spread - involving heterosexual transmission. Two-thirds of those affected are children, with a higher CFR of 10%. Meanwhile, diagnostic challenges remain. Only 389 cases in DRC have been lab-confirmed, gene deletions affect the diagnostic abilities of other countries. There is a possibility of geographic extension , hence strict control measures are to be put in place . Click here to read more

A Landmark Shift in Public Health as World Health Assembly Adopts First-Ever Global Pandemic Treaty. Content Editor: Dr. Harshita May 28, 2025 at 3:37:53 PM Pandemic preparedness, Treaty, WHO, Health system strengthening The first pandemic agreement was adopted on May 20, 2025 , following a vote by member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO ), with 124 in favor, none opposed, and 11 abstaining. The Intergovernmental Negotiation Body was set up in December 2021 to create the draft agreement. The agreement establishes key principles for enhanced international collaboration during pandemics. It aims to reinforce the global health infrastructure to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to future health emergencies. A major focus is on equitable and timely access to essential medical tools such as diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments . The treaty addresses disparities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where wealthier nations had an excess supply of vaccines while many faced shortages. The agreement tackles key issues such as intellectual property and pathogen sharing , establishing a benefit-sharing system and promoting stronger pandemic preparedness through the One Health approach . It seeks to build globally distributed research and development and manufacturing capacity , ensuring fair access to health tools, unlike during COVID-19, when production was limited to a few countries. National sovereignty is preserved as the WHO has no authority to override domestic laws or impose specific pandemic measures. Previous Next

Nigeria grapples with newborn antibiotic resistance crisis Nigeria grapples with newborn antibiotic resistance crisis Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal August 12, 2024 Nature Communications Antibiotic Resistance, One Health, Public health Colistin is among the few antibiotics that are still useful in treating illnesses like pneumonia and eliminating microbes. The World Health Organisation considers it to be extremely significant for human medicine. The study, recently published in Nature Communications Journal, surveys the presence of mobile colistin resistance gene (mcr) genes in Nigeria, a country with limited clinical use of colistin. 4907 rectal swabs were collected from mothers and neonates across three hospital sites in Nigeria, 47 of which (40 from mothers and seven from neonates) carried mcr genes across a range of bacterial species. The mcr genes were found in 46 Enterobacter species, and single isolates of Shigella, E. coli, and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae. Although the prevalence during the 2015-2016 collection was low, the diversity of mcr-gene types and the range of bacterial species are concerning. The introduction of colistin in medical settings could rapidly select and expand resistant isolates. Click here to read more.

Outbreak of Diphtheria in Guinea Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy D November 9, 2023 at 1:30:00 PM Global Health, Communicable disease, Vaccination The World Health Organization (WHO) was informed by the Ministry of Health on September 5, 2023 , about an outbreak of diphtheria in Guinea. Between July 4 and October 13, 2023, 538 cases were documented in the Kankan district of Guinea's east-central region. There are 520 suspected cases and 18 confirmed cases , with 58 fatalities , including 13 confirmed cases (an 11% case fatality rate). The bulk of the incidents involved children aged 1-4 years. In total, 58 deaths were reported, 13 of which were among confirmed cases, and 461 contacts are being tracked. Sixty-two percent of the reported cases are female. The 1-4 year age group accounted for the greatest proportion of reported cases (82%), followed by the 5-9 year age group (5%), and those aged 10 and up (5%). None of the 538 cases had been immunized . According to WHO/UNICEF forecasts, immunization coverage with diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine in Guinea is 47% for 2022 and has stayed below 50% since 2014. This falls short of the 80-85% coverage required to keep the community safe. Given the continually low vaccination coverage , WHO considers the risk of diphtheria in Guinea to be high. Previous Next

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Calls for Community Action Nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Calls for Community Action Nationwide Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 12, 2025 Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Drug abuse prevention, Substance use disorder On 26th June 2025, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment held a national event in New Delhi to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse. The Ministry led efforts through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan , active in every district, focusing on youth, schools, and community participation. Over 15.78 crore individuals were reached , supported by thousands of trained volunteers . Digital tools like a mobile app and interactive website enhanced outreach. Mass awareness events and pledges built momentum , transforming the Abhiyaan into a collective movement against substance abuse nationwide.

Silent killer: WHO Highlights global drowning crisis Content Editor: Dr. Dheena January 3, 2025 at 4:14:25 PM Drowning, Preventive Care The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever global report on drowning prevention , revealing that 3 lakh lives were lost to drowning worldwide in 2021, averaging 30 deaths every hour . A disproportionate 92% of fatalities occurred in low- and middle-income countries , with South-East Asia accounting for 28% of the global burden. The report highlights that children under five are most vulnerable , constituting 24% of drowning deaths. Despite a 38% global decline in drowning rates since 2000, the progress has been uneven, with the WHO’s South-East Asia Region witnessing only a 48% reduction. WHO emphasized that nearly all drowning deaths are preventable. Key measures include integrating swimming lessons into school curriculums, improving flood risk management, and training bystanders in rescue techniques. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus urged countries to prioritize drowning prevention, emphasizing its potential to save millions of lives and avert an estimated $4 trillion in economic losses by 2050. Click here to read more Previous Next

Shortage of Adult Hepatitis B Vaccines Affects Tamil Nadu's Private Hospitals Shortage of Adult Hepatitis B Vaccines Affects Tamil Nadu's Private Hospitals Content Editor: Dr. Asma Aftab July 3, 2025 PHC Editorial Bureau Adult Immunization, Hepatitis B Doctors report relying on limited government supplies and using buffer stocks to manage urgent cases. The Chennai Liver Foundation flagged the issue over a year ago , prompting a government response prioritizing pentavalent vaccines for infants. However, adult formulations continue to be inconsistent . As per the recommendation of the World Health Organization, all adults should be tested for and vaccinated against Hepatitis B , particularly those at high risk. Meanwhile, public health officials assure that government stocks are adequate for now and urge the public to seek vaccines at Primary Health Centres , where they remain available free under the UIP.

Updated dietary recommendations for daily fat and carbohydrate consumption Updated dietary recommendations for daily fat and carbohydrate consumption Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay July 31, 2023 WHO News section Nutrition, Diet, Lifestyle modifications WHO (World Health Organization) has revised the recommendations on the daily total fat and carbohydrate intake. The new recommendations include- Reaffirmation that the daily fat intake should be <30% of the daily total energy intake. For children ≥2 years, fat intake should mostly consist of unsaturated fatty acids, with restriction of saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids to <10% and <1%, respectively. Fiber consumption should be at least 15g, 21g, and 25g per day for children 2-5 years, 6-9 years, and adults, respectively. The recommended vegetable and fruit intake should be at least 250g, 350g, and 400g per day for children 2-5 years, 6-9 years, and adults, respectively. Furthermore, new guidelines with respect to the intake of PUFA and low-sodium salt intake will also be included soon. Click here to read more

WHO Raises Alarm Over Yellow Fever Surge in Five American Countries Content Editor: Dr. Aditi June 12, 2025 at 5:46:01 PM International Health News, Yellow fever, vaccination coverage The World Health Organization (WHO) documented a sharp rise in yellow fever cases across five American Countries from late December 2024 to April 26, 2025. A total of 212 confirmed infections and 85 related deaths have been documented, indicating a 40% case fatality rate. Brazil has recorded the highest toll , with 110 cases and 44 deaths, followed by Colombia with 60 cases and 24 deaths. Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia have also reported confirmed cases, with fatalities occurring in each country. Unlike in 2024, when cases were mostly confined to the Amazon region, 2025 has seen the spread into new areas such as São Paulo in Brazil and Colombia's Tolima department. National health authorities have ramped up responses, including immunization drives, stronger surveillance, and preventive strategies. WHO has classified the situation in the Americas as a serious public health concern, citing the spread beyond the hotspots, uneven vaccination coverage, and limited vaccine availability. The organization stresses the urgency of enhanced surveillance, prompt diagnostics, cross-border cooperation, and expanding vaccine access to curb the disease's reach. Vaccination remains the key tool in preventing yellow fever outbreaks. Previous Next

World AMR awareness week 2024: "Educate. Advocate. Act Now." World AMR awareness week 2024: "Educate. Advocate. Act Now." PHC Editor November 8, 2024 Social trends AMR Awareness Week, Antimicrobial resistance, Global health, Education, advocacy World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR ) Awareness Week is scheduled for November 18–24, 2024. 2024 Theme : The theme "Educate. Advocate. Act Now." emphasizes the urgent need for global education, advocacy, and action to combat AMR. Global Health Threat : AMR poses a significant threat to human and animal health, food production, and the environment, necessitating immediate and coordinated efforts. The campaign urges stakeholders to educate communities about AMR, advocate for strong commitments, and implement concrete measures to address this pressing issue. The 2024 United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on AMR and the fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR present critical opportunities for political and financial commitments to tackle AMR.