The shield against injustice to women and children shall not be lowered. The shield against injustice to women and children shall not be lowered. Content Editor: Dr.Sivanthiga February 2, 2024 Press Information Bureau Social Justice The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in October 2019. The Prime Minister of India has approved the continuation of FTSCs for three years as a centrally sponsored scheme with financial implications. The Nirbhaya Funds will be used as central shares for the scheme. The Criminal Amendment Act of 2018 led to the establishment of Fast Track Special Courts under a centrally sponsored scheme to dispose of cases related to rape and the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Through these courts, certain cases of a heinous character, civil cases involving women, children, elderly people, people with disabilities, people suffering from terminal illnesses, etc., and property-related issues that have been standing for longer than five years were all expeditiously tried. Including 414 exclusive POCSO courts in districts with more than 100 POCSO Act cases, 761 FTSCs have been operationalized in thirty states/union territories . They have so far resolved over 1,95,000 cases. The motto is to ensure a substantial reduction in pending cases of rape and the POCSO Act by ensuring speedy access to justice for victims.

First Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) under Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan First Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) under Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti April 1, 2023 Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy Literacy, Education The New India Literacy Programme launched in the FY 2022-2027, aligned with SDG goal 4, aims to deliver Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. Reading, Writing, and Numeracy to non-literates; Critical Life Skills; Basic Education; Vocational skills; Continuing Education; to all above 15 years of age, Priority groups: women, differentially abled persons, minorities, and marginalized communities. The term "Education for all" replaces "Adult education " to include 15 to 18 years with adult learners. Ten states participated in the first Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) on 19th March 2023 to assess Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, where Madhya Pradesh showed maximum participation. The scheme will be voluntary-driven in an online mode. After completion of the study on the course, the learner may register for an assessment test. For further reading - click here

Mortality rates among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Analysis of the pre-vaccine data Mortality rates among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Analysis of the pre-vaccine data Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar May 27, 2024 Centre for Infectious Disease Research Research and Policy COVID-19, International health, Mortality rates 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.

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. 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Union Minister celebrates the medical education initiatives by NBEMS Union Minister celebrates the medical education initiatives by NBEMS Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay July 24, 2023 Press Information Bureau Medical Education, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, District residency program , Health Ministry On the 42nd foundation day of NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences), Health Minister Dr. Madaviya congratulated the institutes for the success and initiatives taken toward medical students. Nine new educational initiatives were launched, along with the commendation of health experts in various categories and toppers of NEET-PG and MDS. Newer initiatives as part of the golden era of medical education include- ● Addition of PG seats ● Newer medical colleges ● Competency-based curriculum ● District residency program for residents ABHA card enabling healthcare to the grassroots level and the importance of medical education was applauded by prof S.P Singh Baghel.

H5N1 Avian Flu detected in a pet dog in Canada H5N1 Avian Flu detected in a pet dog in Canada Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur April 14, 2023 Cidrap Outbreaks First dog infection in the country with H5N1 avian influenza, clade 2.3.4.4b. The case is detected on 1st April in Oshawa, Ontario. The dog died after falling sick after eating a dead goose. Necropsy revealed the involvement of the Respiratory system. Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Public Health Agency confirmed the details. They told that the prevalence of H5N1 infection outside avian species is very low. Isolated reports of H5N1 infection in farm dogs and cats are present in some countries including Thailand, during 2005 and 2006 H5N1 avian outbreaks in Asia. Pet owners are advised to not feed raw meat from game birds or poultry and prevent accidental consumption.

Themes reflective of self-driven solutions and resilience of persons with DR-TB Themes reflective of self-driven solutions and resilience of persons with DR-TB Content Editor: Dr. Anamika May 21, 2024 The Lancet Self-driven solutions, Tuberculosis A new research study published in the Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal shows distinctive themes explanatory of the self-driven solutions and resilience exhibited by PwDR-TB and their caregivers. A qualitative study using a positive deviance framework was conducted among adult PwDR-TB (7 women, 13 men) who completed a shorter treatment regimen (including injections) with maximum treatment adherence. It also included their caregivers and health providers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad between June 2020 and December 2022. Interviews were conducted in the local language and asked about practices, behaviors, experiences, perceptions, and attributes that enabled maximum adherence and resilience of PwDR-TB. The themes found were as follows: Self-adaptation towards drugs through nutritional practices Home remedies and self-plans for ameliorating injection pain Mind diversion practices Reinforcement of bodily recovery It was also found that caregivers aid them with intensive and participatory care, and healthcare providers support them with their conventional standard of care. Synthesized findings on self-driven solutions and resilience towards the multi-dimensional DR-TB challenges provide opportunities for developing and testing new interventions for their effectiveness in DR-TB care settings globally in the future. Click here to read more.

Tussle between Union Government and Punjab government over rebranding of AB-HWC Tussle between Union Government and Punjab government over rebranding of AB-HWC February 23, 2023 The Hindu Laws and Regulations, Union vs State Government The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has warned the Punjab government from rebranding Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Center (AB-HWC) to Aam Aadmi Clinics. According to MoHFW, the Punjab government has violated the National Health Mission MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the Union government and states which prescribes a standard design for AB-HWC. MoHFW has asked the Punjab government to restore the standard design of all AB-HWCs (yellow and brown buildings with red NHM logo) by February 28, otherwise, the Union government will stop its share of funding (60%) under the National Health Mission.

Policy to curb trans-fat: Progress report from the WHO Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy July 1, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Nutrition, Fats, Health policy UN World Health Organization (WHO) report reveals that 53 countries now have best practice policies to eliminate industrial trans fats, protecting 3.7 billion people, or 46% of the global population. This is a substantial increase from 2018, when only 6% were covered. Despite progress, over four billion people remain at risk, mainly in the WHO African and Western Pacific Regions. New policies in countries like Egypt and Mexico could save 183,000 lives annually. In January 2024, the WHO awarded validation certificates to Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand for their progress. WHO urges all nations to adopt and enforce these policies and calls manufacturers to remove trans fats from products and supply chains. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Inequalities in the impact of universal health coverage according to the wealth quantiles. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana May 18, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Universal health coverage, Inequalities, Mortality rates The article investigates the impact of expanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on infant mortality rates in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs). It finds that while UHC expansion is linked to reduced infant mortality, the benefits are often skewed towards wealthier populations. The analysis emphasizes the importance of the UHC service coverage index in affecting infant mortality rates across different wealth quintiles The study included over 4 million births in 60 LMICs (2000-2019) and found that each one-unit increase in the UHC index reduced infant mortality by 1.2% (0.57 fewer deaths per 1000 live births), preventing an estimated 15.5 million infant deaths. Initially, UHC expansion benefited poorer populations more, but this advantage decreased with broader coverage. That is, early UHC expansion led to larger mortality reductions in the poorest quintile (0.84 fewer deaths per 1000) compared to the wealthiest (0.59), but as coverage increased, reductions became more similar across both groups (quintile 1: 0.64; quintile 5: 0.57). Significant disparities in antenatal care coverage and quality exist across 63 LMICs, underscoring the need to improve maternal healthcare to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. Click here to read more. Previous Next