Can cats and dogs transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans? Content Editor: Dr Anubhav Mondal May 3, 2024 at 3:30:00 PM Antimicrobial Resistance, One health, Zoonotic The University of Lisbon examined samples from dogs and cats with community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), as well as their healthy owners. They concentrated on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)/AmpC- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, which could be transmitted from pets to their owners. They discovered carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in a single dog (1 of 43 companion animals, 2.3%) in Portugal and in one dog (1 of 22, 4.5%) in the United Kingdom. Though researchers were unable to completely confirm the path of transmission, they believe the findings indicate that the bacteria were carried from pets to their owners. Further studies in this gray area need to be done. These findings highlight the necessity of enrolling pet-owning households in national programmes that track antibiotic resistance. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Next pandemic will not wait for global treaties to be made: Union Health Secretary Next pandemic will not wait for global treaties to be made: Union Health Secretary Content Editor: Dr. K. Hima Swetha June 29, 2023 The Hindu Global Health, digital health, universal health coverage, NITI Aayog At the third Health Working Group of G20 India, at Hyderabad, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan cautioned that the next pandemic would not “wait for us to make global treaties ” and called on countries to work together as billions of lives and livelihoods will be at stake. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergency Programme, stated that its time countries came together to ensure drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics reached people in need in an equitable manner. During the event, Alain Labrique, Director of the Department of Digital Health and Innovation, WHO, said that digital health is about : strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving universal health coverage timely and relevant data for decision-making and resource allocation. He stressed that no one should be left behind and that digital health is a proven route to achieving universal health goals. Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, V.K. Paul expressed that digital health enabled universal health coverage through the continuous exchange of health information amongst providers, systems, patients, policymakers, and so on. “Let us envision a world where a comprehensive package of digital health tools and services are accessible to all, where digital health is for all by 2035, ” Dr. Paul said.

Zika virus action plan: The country's comprehensive efforts to combat the outbreaks Content Editor: Dr. Sumana August 8, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Viral disease, Vector-borne disease, Outbreak The Government of India has unveiled an ‘Action Plan for Managing Zika Virus Disease ,’ outlining comprehensive public health strategies for combating outbreaks. The plan includes technical guidelines for vector management and community engagement. Under the National Health Mission, funds are allocated to states for preventive measures like breeding checkers, fogging, and training. Under the action plan, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) will monitor and respond to Zika outbreaks and the other 33 outbreak-prone diseases. Each state will have designated labs, such as DPHLs and SRLs, for disease investigation and surveillance. From 2017 to July 2024, India reported 537 Zika cases. The recent updates show 13 cases in 2024 , with the state-wise distribution as follows: Maharashtra-10 Karnataka-3 From 2017 to 2024, the key states with the highest burden include Madhya Pradesh (260), Kerala (97), and Uttar Pradesh (150). Additionally, the Ministry supports state health infrastructure and provides technical assistance and integration with various schemes. Click here to read more. Previous Next

2023: Sizzling into the record books as the hottest year in 174 Years 2023: Sizzling into the record books as the hottest year in 174 Years Content Editor: Pradipta S December 20, 2023 World Meteorological Organization Global Warming, Greenhouse Gases The WMO confirmed that 2023 would be the warmest year on record, soaring above 1.4°C above the pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). This surpasses the previous warmest years 2016 and 2020, as told by the provisional State of the Global Climate Report 2023. The ten years from 2014 to 2023 are anticipated to be the warmest recorded, a rise of around 1.19°C above the 1850 to 1900 average. The levels of the three greenhouse gases: CO2, Methane and N2O , reached unprecedented heights in 2022 and continue to rise. The other concerning indicators are ocean heat content, global mean sea level and Antarctic sea-ice extent . Extreme weather conditions are looming, which will have significant socio-economic repercussions ranging from wildfires, food security concerns and population displacements.

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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Regulation of medical products- A MoU between countries Regulation of medical products- A MoU between countries Content Editor: Dr Sathya Prashaath January 27, 2024 Press information bureau (PIB) The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has been informed about a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU was signed between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the governments of the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. The cooperation outlined in the MoU pertains to the regulation of medical products. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to enhance the mutual understanding of regulatory matters between the two parties, leading to increased collaboration in the regulation of medical products and improved coordination on international platforms. The alignment of regulatory practices due to the MoU could potentially boost India’s medicine exports, thereby creating more job opportunities for professionals in the pharmaceutical sector. The MoU is also expected to aid in the export of medical products, resulting in earnings from foreign exchange. This aligns with the vision of a self-reliant India, or “Atmanirbhar Bharat” .

Ban on tobacco products upheld by Delhi High Court Ban on tobacco products upheld by Delhi High Court Content Editor: Dr. Siddharth Singh April 14, 2023 The Times of India, Delhi Public Health laws and regulation Upholding the recent notification of the state government to prohibit manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale of scented/flavored tobacco, pan masala, gutka and similar products in the national capital. The high court bench observed that the ban is a "policy decision" in the "interest of public health". This becomes especially important as Tobacco and tobacco related products have been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Lower and Middle Income Countries.

Launch of the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ Initiative Launch of the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ Initiative Content Editor: Dr. Sathya September 13, 2024 Press Information Bureau Water conservation, Rain water harvesting Prime Minister Modi stressed that conserving water is a vital responsibility and is deeply ingrained in India’s cultural values. He underscored the importance of public involvement in these efforts. The government has made notable progress in water conservation through programs such as Jal Jeevan Mission , Jalshakti Abhiyan , and Namami Gange . These initiatives leverage community partnerships and modern technologies to achieve their objectives. Future Vision : Prime Minister Modi called for immediate action on water conservation, advocating the principles of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle ’ to ensure a sustainable water future for the nation. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing water sustainability in India. Click here to read more.

Supreme Court questioned lack of protection officer in One Stop Centers Supreme Court questioned lack of protection officer in One Stop Centers February 28, 2023 The Hindu Human rights, domestic violence, Mission Shakti Under Mission Shakti, One Stop Centers were established in each district to provide comprehensive help to women who are victims of violence. Under section 8 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, there should be a protection officer, ideally a woman who can help victims of domestic violence in the provision of legal support. According to the government report, there are 4.4 lakh cases of domestic assault pending across 801 districts, by this number each protection officer will be handling approximately 500 cases, which makes the provision a dead letter. Supreme Court has asked the Ministry of Women and Child Development secretary to meet with other stakeholders, record the current status of Mission Shakti, whether any common portal launched or not, and submit an action taken report in 6 weeks.