WHOeyes: One step closer to Universal Health Coverage WHOeyes: One step closer to Universal Health Coverage Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal October 30, 2023 WHO News Section WHO, Eye health, Universal Health Coverage At least 2.2 billion people worldwide have a near or far vision impairment. At least one billion of these instances could have been avoided or treated easily with eyewear or cataract surgery. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched "WHOeyes," a free app for the public to test how well they can see things close up and at a distance. This app will also help them learn how to safeguard their eyes. The app assesses visual acuity, which is the most often used assessment of visual function. It is a basic, non-invasive test used to assess if someone has a vision impairment. WHOeyes aims to reach out to the entire population over the age of eight, encouraging people to seek out eye care. All six UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish) are supported in this app.

Afghanistan's healthcare: Breaking point or turning point? Afghanistan's healthcare: Breaking point or turning point? Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 31, 2023 World Health Organization News Section Global Healthcare, Universal Health Coverage WHO addresses the limitations in Afghanistan’s healthcare and urges stakeholders to shift efforts to strengthening. The WHO issued an alert highlighting the urgent need for additional healthcare investment in Afghanistan owing to the humanitarian situation and neglected areas. Afghanistan faces a prolonged crisis with limited access to health and food, especially for women and girls. The revised plan indicates that 28.8 million people need immediate aid, 14 million are targeted for health assistance, and 8.4 million have been aided so far in 2023. Despite efforts, insufficient funding threatens access to essential health services, risking lives and mental health support. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros urges donors to support lifesaving work , and the Regional Director Dr. Al Mandhari calls for global unity to address the crisis. WHO Representative in Afghanistan, Dr. Luo, stresses urgency, acknowledges partners' support, and emphasizes underfunding and ongoing work to deliver effective health services. In late 2023, WHO and its exceptional partners will persist in addressing vital health crises, delivering essential interventions, and advancing from their 2022 achievements. Further efforts are required to fulfill WHO's strategic goals: Daily protection Global access Maternal-child focus Sector leadership Impactful Afghan healthcare.

Gut fungi exacerbate severe COVID-19 lung inflammation even after a year Gut fungi exacerbate severe COVID-19 lung inflammation even after a year Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma November 20, 2023 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy COVID-19, Fungal Infection, Long Covid A recent study published in Nature Immunology discovered heightened inflammation in severe COVID-19 due to gut fungi. Blood sample analysis reinforced this discovery when researchers found IgG antibodies against gut fungi and increased lung neutrophils in severe COVID-19 patients. Further, mouse models validated the role of gut fungi, particularly Candida albicans , in triggering increased neutrophils in both the blood and lungs. In COVID-19 patients, the long-term effects were noticeable. A year after the infection, activated stem cells continued targeting fungi, and antifungal antibodies remained in the bloodstream. Neutrophils and antibodies were reduced by IL-6 blockers and antifungal medications, especially in tocilizumab-treated individuals, suggesting possible treatment options. Though guidelines stand, findings suggest tailored treatments using antifungal antibodies, which could also be considered a marker of increased risk of COVID-19.

Report on the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission Content Editor: Dr. Akhila Nandan August 3, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM 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 Previous Next

In search of a fix to the primary health care chasm in India In search of a fix to the primary health care chasm in India Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy July 24, 2023 The Lancet Universal Health Coverage, Public Health Cadre, Primary Health Care, Alma-Ata declaration A recently published article examined the methods that can be utilized to close the gap in India's public health system. The Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978 emphasized the importance of primary health care for universal health coverage, but many countries have not achieved these targets. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the issues in primary health care, Among the gaps that still exist include workforce inequalities between rural and urban areas, non-compliance with IPHS standards, vacant posts and absenteeism, unqualified practitioners, and inadequate medical doctor training. A public health cadre is necessary to allow medical officers to focus on clinical aspects without undue stress, provide workforce reinforcements for the public health system, and increase the efficiency of outbreak investigation, surveillance, and reporting. The government's "Public Health Management Cadre" initiative could strengthen primary health care in India.

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

Recent trial finds Metformin beneficial as a cancer-preventive agent Recent trial finds Metformin beneficial as a cancer-preventive agent Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy May 25, 2024 Blood Advances journal, American Society of Hematology Publications Research findings, Oncology, non-communicable diseases, clinical trial A case-control research was undertaken to explore benefits of metformin use for MPN, using population registries of Denmark. People diagnosed with MPN between 2010-2018, were taken as cases and controls were selected from the Danish general population matched for age and sex. Metformin use data was secured from the country’s National registry of prescriptions. History of Metformin use in Cases before their diagnosis of MPN was determined and compared with the age-sex matched control group to estimate adjusted odds ratio to check association between metformin use and MPN. The study concluded that odds of MPN was significantly lower in those with a history of metformin use. [OR: 0.84 (0.73-0.96)] Furthermore, the strength of association displayed a significant dose-response relationship with rising treatment durations and these results were consistent in both sexes and all age groups. 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