Portal to report violations of the PECA and the COTPA act Portal to report violations of the PECA and the COTPA act Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary August 1, 2023 MoHFW Respiratory Health, E-cigarettes, Laws and Regulations The Health Ministry has launched an online portal (www.violation-reporting.in ) to address the ongoing sale of e-cigarettes on e-commerce sites, despite their ban by the Union government in 2019. This portal aims to facilitate reporting of violations under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) , which grants the Union government control over the electronic cigarettes industry. The Act defines electronic cigarettes as devices that heat a substance, with or without nicotine and flavors, to produce an aerosol for inhalation . Concerns about e-cigarettes include their addictive nature due to nicotine content, potential harm to brain development, and the harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols.

Delhi enjoys maximum "Good" to "Moderate" Air Quality Days in 2023. Delhi enjoys maximum "Good" to "Moderate" Air Quality Days in 2023. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal May 2, 2023 Press Information Bureau Environment, Air pollution, Air Quality In comparison to the previous seven years since 2016 (with the exception of 2020, the year of the Covid lockdown ), Delhi also had the fewest days in 2023 with "Poor to Severe" air quality. The year 2023 had the lowest levels of daily average PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in Delhi when compared to the equivalent period for the previous seven years, starting in 2016 (apart from 2020, the year of the Covid shutdown). In comparison to the corresponding period for the previous seven years, starting in 2016, Delhi has also reported its lowest average AQI in 2023 (aside from 2020, the year of the Covid lockdown).

Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention – A step at the National level Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention – A step at the National level Content Editor: Dr. Kishore January 26, 2024 Press Information Bureau Public Health Policy, Drowning, Noncommunicable diseases, Accidents Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Minister of State Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, have unveiled the ‘’Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention ”. Around 38,000 cases of drowning are being reported in the country, warranting an advisory for preventive measures towards water safety. The current strategies emphasize the shift in the focus toward prevention in response to the increase in drowning cases in the country. Strategies included in the document for establishing preventable measures for water safety mechanisms include: Multi-sectoral collaboration, Strengthening public awareness with communications, National/State Drowning Prevention Action Plan Research evidence to action 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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How does use of different antibiotic treatments impact sepsis outcome? How does use of different antibiotic treatments impact sepsis outcome? Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy May 30, 2024 JAMA Internal Medicine Antibiotic resistant, Sepsis, Research findings 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.

Spike in XDR Shigella cases in the United Kingdom Content Editor: Dr. Aneesh January 25, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Drug Resistant , Shigella , Gastrointestinal Infection There has been an increase in 53% of XDR strains of Shigella sonnei cases with non-susceptibility to multiple groups of antibiotics in the UK . The groups of antibiotics that were found to be resistant in the United Kingdom are: Penicillins. 3rd generation Cephalosporins. Aminoglycosides. Tetracyclines. Sulphonamides. Quinolones. Azithromycin. Although Shigellosis is commonly associated with exposure to food or water that human feces have contaminated, cases have been reported across England, mainly in men who have sex with men (MSM). Shigellosis is a highly infectious gastrointestinal condition with mild diarrhea to moderate dysentery symptoms. There is a concerning rise in cases of this antibiotic-resistant strain, which would mean difficulty in treating the patient. The practice of good hygiene after sex is one of the protective factors. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), further cases are very likely to occur, particularly among MSM. This may not be restricted to the affected countries but may also involve other member states because of the interconnected nature of MSM sexual networks in Europe. ECDC is also encouraging member states to ensure that antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Shigella is done for appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Click here to read more Previous Next

Social Injustice and Health: A Global Call for Urgent Action Social Injustice and Health: A Global Call for Urgent Action Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti May 22, 2025 CIDRAP International Health news A recent global report by the World Health Organization (WHO ), as reported by CIDRAP (May 9, 2025), has highlighted the severe impact of social injustice on public health , stating that it is responsible for widespread mortality. The report reveals significant disparities in life expectancy, with individuals in the poorest countries living 33 years less than those in wealthier nations. Furthermore, children in low-income countries face a mortality rate 13 times higher before the age of five compared to their counterparts in more affluent regions. Although there has been a global decline in under-five and maternal mortality since 2000, these disparities persist. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequities by creating unequal access to healthcare and increasing sovereign debt. The report emphasizes that social determinants , such as living and working conditions, are the primary drivers of these preventable health disparities and presents 14 key global recommendations for reform. The report highlights four key areas of focus: Tackling economic inequality by investing in social infrastructure and universal public services, Addressing structural discrimination , Navigating the challenges and opportunities of climate change and digital transformation to systematically advance health equity, and Establishing governance frameworks to enhance the coherence and impact of actions. Click here to read more.

Record breaking high temperature in China Content Editor: Dr. K. Hima Swetha July 31, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Global Health, Climate Change, Environment The temperature in China hit a new record of 52.2 degrees Celsius in the North-western part of the country. The authorities have asked the individuals at Sanbao Village, which lies on the outskirts of Turpan City, to stay at home and have ordered special vehicles to spray water on major roads. In some parts of Turpan City, ground surface temperatures had touched 80 degrees Celsius. Scientists have noted that the temperature in the Northern Hemisphere has continued to be record-setting high, which is further exacerbated by climate change. Furthermore, the Chinese authorities have given warnings about “multiple natural disasters” and advised people to take extra precautions this summer. Previous Next

Obesity: A significant contributor to comorbidities Obesity: A significant contributor to comorbidities Content Editor: Dr Prayag Khandelwal January 23, 2024 Journal of The Association of Physicians of India Obesity, Non-Communicable Diseases More than 650 million people live with obesity across the world. It is predicted that by 2030 that 20% of women and 14% of men will have obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2] implying, over 1 billion people will have obesity. A national cross-sectional study was recently done, which evaluated data from 100,531 adults in a cluster random sample across India. According to the report, the prevalence of obesity in the country is 40.3%, with a higher prevalence in: Women Urban residents, Individuals over 40 years of age. It is estimated that between 2010 and 2040, obesity rates will triple, while the number of overweight people between the ages of 20 and 69 will be more than double. Compared with Caucasians, Asian Indians have a higher risk of developing insulin resistance and cardiovascular problems at lower BMI levels, a well-known concept of thin-fat phenotype. Abdominal obesity is highly prevalent among Asian Indians and is an important cause of the rapid increase in non-communicable diseases and their consequences.

Uniting forces against superbugs: Sanofi-Janssen's power duo to tackle resistant ExPEC Uniting forces against superbugs: Sanofi-Janssen's power duo to tackle resistant ExPEC Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma October 19, 2023 The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Vaccination, Public Health There has been a surge in the multidrug-resistant extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia Coli (ExPEC). Hence, to develop a commercial vaccine for extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), Sanofi partnered with Janssen and invested $175 million upfront. The surge in multidrug-resistant ExPEC strains has led to higher mortality rates, reflecting the challenges in treatment. Rising cases of invasive E. coli disease threaten older adults; Also, multidrug-resistant strains exacerbate mortality, underscoring treatment challenges. Recognizing this pressing issue, Sanofi's partnership with Janssen aims to deliver superior healthcare solutions, including a commercial vaccine for extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC). This collaboration will address the rising impact of ExPEC-related sepsis and mortality. And it also aligns with efforts: To ease the burden on healthcare systems To improve public health To enhance the well-being and longevity of the global elderly population.