Enhancing folate levels: The impact of fortified salt on women's health in rural India Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 9, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Fortified salt, Maternal nutrition, Women’s health, Nutrition A nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted in four rural villages in southern India from July to November 2022. Nonpregnant, nonlactating women aged 18-45 years were enrolled and participants consumed the study salt (folate-fortified iodized) exclusively , and serum folate concentrations were measured at baseline and post-intervention. The results of the study are as follows: Serum folate levels increased significantly post-intervention (median: 14.6 nmol/L to 54.4 nmol/L, P < .001). Over 90% of participants experienced higher folate levels. Study salt remained stable for eight months , maintaining iodine and folate content. The study showed a 3.7-fold increase in serum folate with 300 µg folic acid daily from fortified iodized salt. Folic acid fortification of iodized salt can prevent spina bifida and anencephaly by improving folate levels. Some of the strengths of this study were that it was conducted in remote villages that had minimal external influences and that there was a high adherence and participant retention. Few of the limitations of the study included a small sample size and a lack of control group. Also, the study tested a single dose formulation of folic acid without exploring other various concentrations. The authors concluded that f olic acid–fortified iodised salt presents a viable strategy for enhancing folate levels and preventing neural tube defects in high-risk populations. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Action against violence in hospitals: The recent mandates Action against violence in hospitals: The recent mandates Content Editor: Dr. Sumana September 5, 2024 Press Information Bureau Occupational health, Safety and security The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a memorandum addressing the rising incidents of violence against doctors and healthcare staff in government hospitals. The directive, released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), highlights that many healthcare workers face physical violence and verbal threats , often from patients or their attendants, while on duty. To combat this issue, the memorandum mandates that the Head of the Institution must file an Institutional FIR within six hours of any violent incident against healthcare workers. This move aims to ensure prompt legal action and enhance the safety and protection of medical professionals in government facilities. Click here to read more.

BU-LABNET to Skin NTD LABNET: Expansion of services. BU-LABNET to Skin NTD LABNET: Expansion of services. Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma November 29, 2023 WHO News Section Skin disease, Buruli ulcer The fifth annual meeting of the Buruli ulcer PCR laboratories (BU-LABNET) network at Noguchi Memorial Institute marked a pivotal moment in addressing Buruli ulcer and skin NTDs. Transitioning to Skin NTD LABNET signified an expanded collaborative focus in the WHO African Region. This will help enhance skin disease diagnosis, management, and health access in endemic regions. BU-LABNET was formed in 2019 under WHO. The BU-LABNET unites 13 labs across nine countries to advance Buruli ulcer diagnosis using standardized PCR protocols. They are supported by global organizations with a broader aim, encompassing skin NTDs for cost-effective, quality diagnosis expansion. Recommendations for BU-LABNET include: Harmonizing procedures Implementing quality assessment Advocating for new labs Creating training tools Promoting collaborative research National programs are advised to do the following: Enhance lab collaboration Conduct training Explore integrated sample transport Partners were urged to support integration goals, assist in sample collection, and identify funding sources. BU-LABNET envisions expanding its molecular platform to include additional skin NTDs and laboratories. Thereby optimizing cost–effectiveness and increasing access to quality-assured diagnosis.

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

Rise in mumps cases: Do we need to add MMR vaccine in the NIS? Rise in mumps cases: Do we need to add MMR vaccine in the NIS? Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal May 29, 2024 Social Trends Re-emerging infections, Mumps, Outbreak, Communicable diseases 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.

₹2,232 crores fine levied by NGT to the Delhi government as per the “Polluter Pays Principle” ₹2,232 crores fine levied by NGT to the Delhi government as per the “Polluter Pays Principle” February 20, 2023 The Hindu National Green Tribunal, CPCB , Wate Management NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asked the Delhi government to pay the fine of ₹2,232 crore government for damage caused to the environment due to improper solid and liquid waste management. The compensation pattern in respect of other States (at the rate of ₹2 crores per million liters per day of untreated sewage and ₹300 per tonne of untreated legacy waste), compensation of ₹2,232 crores is liable to be levied on Delhi govt as per NGT order. Currently, National Green Tribunal across the country works on the “Polluter Pays Principle” as it is mentioned in its governing law: National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. “Polluter Pays Principle” means that the absolute liability for harm to the environment extends not only to compensate the victims of pollution but also to the cost of restoring the environmental degradation. To know more about CPCB, Waste Management Guidelines - Click here

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

02. Almost 10.71 Crore rural households have tap water supply 02. Almost 10.71 Crore rural households have tap water supply December 19, 2022 Press Information Bureau Drinking water and Sanitation Drinking Water being a State subject, States plan, design, approve and implement drinking water supply schemes. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance. To enable every rural household in the country to have potable tap water supply by 2024, Government of India, in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)-Har Ghar Jal, since August 2019.

Report on the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission Report on the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission Content Editor: Dr. Akhila Nandan August 3, 2023 Press Information Bureau Jal Jeevan Mission, Water, Sanitation The Government of India has been implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission-Har Ghar Jal initiative since 2019 in partnership with the states. This initiative aims to provide tap water supplies to every rural household in the country. As of 2019, only 19% of rural households were equipped with a tap water supply, which has increased to 64.95% as of July 2023. This progress has been mirrored by the North-Eastern states, where 57.43% of the rural households were equipped with tap water supply as of July 2023. Additionally, under the mission, 10% weightage has been given to the population residing in the areas affected by chemical contaminants during the fund allocation. The states have also been advised to plan and implement piped water schemes for villages with water quality issues. Click here to read more