'Har Ghar Jal' on a progressive streak: 60% Rural homes get Clean & Safe drinking water 'Har Ghar Jal' on a progressive streak: 60% Rural homes get Clean & Safe drinking water Content Editor: Dr Nivetha S May 22, 2023 Press Information Bureau Drinking water supply JAL JEEVAN MISSION (JJM ), was launched in 2019 to ensure safe and clean drinking water to more than 12 crore rural households in India. Currently, JJM has ensured the availability of safe drinking water in 60% of rural households. A cent percent coverage has been achieved in 5 States & 3 UTs and Gram Sabhas of "Har Ghar Jal" certified states/ UTs ( Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Puducherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ) have ensured tap water supply to all households public institutions schools, and Anganwadis. Safe drinking water is now available even in Arsenic/fluoride-affected habitations. Pipeline Action plans at the Village level by Village Water Sanitation Committees (VWSC )/ Pani Samitis include: Drinking water source augmentation , Grey water treatment & reuse , and Regular water supply system maintenance .

India launches National Medical Register to bolster digital healthcare India launches National Medical Register to bolster digital healthcare Content Editor: Dr. Prachi September 10, 2024 Press Information Bureau Digital health, National Medical Register The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, has recently inaugurated the National Medical Register (NMR) Portal of the National Medical Commission (NMC) for the registration of all eligible MBBS doctors in India The NMR is a comprehensive digital database of all allopathic (MBBS) doctors registered in India, mandated under the NMC Act 2019 The NMR is linked to doctors' Aadhaar IDs to ensure authenticity , and will be integrated with the broader digital healthcare ecosystem The online registration process allows doctors to easily update credentials , while State Medical Councils and medical institutions can verify applications through a single platform The NMR aims to provide transparent, up-to-date data on medical professionals, strengthening India's digital health infrastructure and enhancing public trust in the healthcare system The government sees the NMR as a crucial step towards its vision of reforming, performing, and transforming the healthcare sector. Click here to read more

Education Ministry Renews Push for Tobacco-Free Schools Education Ministry Renews Push for Tobacco-Free Schools Content Editor: Dr. Shayari June 12, 2025 Press Information Bureau COTPA, Tobacco, Education The Ministry of Education is intensifying its efforts to establish Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) through a new nationwide enforcement drive. This initiative, prompted by recent high-level discussions of the Narco Coordination Centre / National Narcotic Coordination Portal (NCORD) chaired by the Home Secretary, aims to bolster existing regulations that protect students from substance abuse. The drive focuses on the strict implementation of existing laws, like banning tobacco sales within 100 yards of schools and to minors. It addresses rising tobacco use among young people, recognising them as a crucial demographic for India's future. The Ministry of Education had launched an "Implementation Manual of ToFEI" in May 2024. This new drive is about actively putting that manual and its nine specific activities (such as marking yellow lines and ensuring no shops) into practice with renewed vigor. Running from 31st May 2025 to 26th June 2025, the initiative will focus on implementing Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines.

Climate-Induced Heat Waves Linked to Pregnancy Health Risks Climate-Induced Heat Waves Linked to Pregnancy Health Risks Content Editor: Dr. Asma June 20, 2025 Climate Central Climate change, Maternal Health, Pregnancy Climate change is increasingly linked to the risk of pregnancy related complications worldwide due to greater exposure to extreme heat. A recent analysis by the U.S based group Climate Central examined the levels of heat exposure faced by pregnant women since 2020 and determined the extent to which climate change is responsible. The study’s findings indicate that heatwave exposure may increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications by 1.25 times. In the past five years, the number of heat-risk days affecting pregnant women in India has risen by an average of six days annually. Among the most impacted states are Sikkim with 32 such days, Goa with 24, and Kerala with 18. Panaji led the cities in terms of impact, with 39 days, trailed by Thiruvananthapuram at 36 days. Worldwide, climate change has caused the number of high-risk heat days for pregnant women to at least double in 222 of 247 countries. Experts emphasize the urgent need for action, including reducing fossil fuel emissions, increasing urban green spaces, and incorporating pregnancy-specific heat warnings in public health initiatives.

Promoting women’s leadership in Disaster Risk Management Promoting women’s leadership in Disaster Risk Management Content Editor: Dr Shayari December 26, 2024 Press Information Bureau Diaster Management, Women empowerment The Government of India is actively promoting women’s leadership in disaster risk management, aligning with the Prime Minister’s 10-point agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction. Key initiatives include: National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP ) 2019 focuses on empowering women and promoting their leadership in disaster management. Under Aapda Mitra Scheme , 20% of the one lakh trained volunteers are women i.e. “Aapda Sakhi” The Agenda ensures 50% participation of women i n managing and maintaining cyclone shelters. Women contribute to disaster preparedness, rescue operations, and training programs. National Institute for Disaster Management (NIDM ) provides special training and shares examples of successful women-led disaster management. Women in the Central Armed Police Forces are trained and deployed in National Disaster Response Force (NDRF ) for disaster relief. These women rescuers from NDRF played a significant role in earthquake relief efforts in Turkiye.

Mental Health Initiative by the Delhi Government for healthy minds among School Children Mental Health Initiative by the Delhi Government for healthy minds among School Children Content Editor: Dr. Swathi September 17, 2024 Social trends Mental health, Healthy mind, Adolescents The Mental Health Initiative” was launched by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights in June 2020 for school students. The initiative aims to provide better health services to school students, contributing to a healthy mind, society, and a healthy nation. The Education Minister has assigned the Directorate of Education to draft a blueprint for including comprehensive counseling services in schools. A pilot involving 20,000 children was conducted across 20 government schools, wherein the children received counseling. Educational and Vocational Guidance Counselors (EVGC) and school psychologists provided support to help students maintain their mental health. Through these efforts, it has been observed how timely counseling can meet students’ mental health needs and reconnect them with their studies.

India set to host the prestigious Antarctic Treaty meetings in 2024 India set to host the prestigious Antarctic Treaty meetings in 2024 Content Editor: Dr Shayari Nag May 7, 2024 Press Information Bureau Environment, Climate Change, Environment Research. India's Ministry of Earth Sciences will host a key environmental summit , the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20-30, 2024. Nations and stakeholders will address crucial issues in Antarctica, like sustainable management, governance, climate change, tourism regulations, and biodiversity conservation . India's role as host reflects its growing commitment to safeguarding Antarctica for future generations. India maintains two permanent research stations on the continent, Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012), to conduct annual scientific expeditions . Over 350 delegates from more than 60 nations are anticipated to attend the meeting, with Ambassador Pankaj Saran being nominated to chair the proceedings. The upcoming Antarctic Treaty meetings in India are critical for international efforts to protect Antarctica's environment and foster scientific research. 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. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

Public Health 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