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Acute emergencies monthly report: May 2024 Acute emergencies monthly report: May 2024 Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy July 22, 2024 Weekly epidemiological record, World Health Organization Outbreaks, Emergencies, Infectious diseases, International health The WHO Health Emergencies Programme aims to enhance member states' capability to manage health emergencies and coordinate international responses during crises. In May 2024, the programme reported three disease outbreak news (DON) events, including a global dengue outbreak with over 7.6 million cases and more than 3,000 deaths, particularly severe in the Americas, exceeding last year's annual total cases of 4.6 million . Effective control requires robust real-time surveillance to detect and manage cases, co-infections, and misdiagnoses. Additionally, an outbreak of hepatitis E in Chad , linked to inadequate sanitation among displaced populations, saw 2092 suspected cases and seven deaths. Controlling the outbreak involves WHO and multiple partners, emphasizing safe water and hygiene. The report also covered three MERS-CoV cases in Saudi Arabia, stressing the importance of healthcare worker safety and ongoing vigilance. The global cholera situation remains dire, with nearly 195,000 cases reported across 24 countries and the vaccine supply struggling to meet demand. 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

Harnessing nuclear technology for global food safety: Insights from FAO Content Editor: Dr. Prayag June 17, 2024 at 3:39:45 PM Food Safety The Joint FAO/IAEA(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations / International Atomic Energy Agency) Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is organizing the International Symposium on Food Safety and Control. It aims to highlight the role that nuclear techniques in improving agricultural productivity and food safety. Over 400 national and international research institutes and experimental stations are involved in over 25 coordinated research initiatives that are annually coordinated and supported by the Joint FAO/IAEA Center. The symposium, which highlights the enormous influence of nuclear technology on global food and agriculture, is a critical turning point in the continuing cooperation between FAO and IAEA. Click here to re ad more Previous Next

Ethical Concern Arises as Toronto Gynaecologist Investigated for Improper Sterilisation Practices Content Editor: Dr Manu May 19, 2025 at 7:04:40 AM Sterilisation, Blood Borne Infections, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Medical Ethics The Toronto Public Health Services sent a letter to patients of a gynaecologist, Dr. Esther Park’s Clinic in view of a breach of proper surgical tool sterilisation procedures which could lead to a risk of blood borne infections. Patients who underwent endocervical polyp excision, endometrial biopsy and/or an intrauterine device removal/insertion were requested to reach out to a registered medical provider for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS testing . The improper cleaning of surgical tools and failure to properly sterilise instruments could lead to a low risk of infection. Thus, patients were advised to get tested on a precautionary basis Dr. Park has been under investigation previously by the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Ontario in relation to the ‘care of a patient’ and her licence has been restricted since December 2024. Her clinic’s answering machine states that she will not be accepting new patients and is retiring. The clinic is scheduled to close in April 2025. Previous Next

India Leads Traditional Medicine Integration on Global Stage Content Editor: Dr. Shayari May 25, 2025 at 5:43:43 AM AYUSH, Traditional Medicine At the Sixth Meeting of the G roup of F riends of T raditional M edicine (GFTM ) in Geneva, India strongly advocated for the global advancement of evidence-based traditional medicine . Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha , Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH emphasized its vital contribution to Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 3 : ‘Good Health and Well-being’ , and SDG 17: ‘Partnerships for the Goals’. Key Takeaways The GFTM , initiated by India, serves as a key platform for member states to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems. India showcased its initiatives and commitment through national missions, research, insurance coverage, and the application of modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), genomics, and bioinformatics, in traditional practices. A high-level GFTM event is scheduled for May 23, 2025, at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva , during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78 ), to further promote this integration and advocacy. Previous Next

Parliament should take the call for law on uniform marriage age : Supreme Court Parliament should take the call for law on uniform marriage age : Supreme Court February 22, 2023 The Hindu Demography, Laws and Regulations Supreme court on monday dismissed the petition that urged the court to increase the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. The supreme court reasoned that if we strike down 18 years as the minimum age of marriage, we cannot follow it with a law making 21 years the minimum age of marriage. The power to enact law lies with the parliament. The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) bill that proposes to increase the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years is under consideration of the parliament standing committee.

NPCDCS is now NP-NCD to focus on all non-communicable diseases Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary May 8, 2023 at 4:29:08 PM National Health Programmes, Non-Communicable diseases National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in India, which is being implemented under the National Health Mission, is being expanded to include new diseases and initiatives such as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, and STEMI. To reflect this expansion, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has decided to rename NPCDCS as "National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases" (NP-NCD). Additionally, the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare - Non-Communicable disease (CPHC NCD) IT system, which enables screening and management of NCDs, will now be called the "National NCD Portal". This comes in a letter by the Joint Secretary, MoHFW, dated 03.05.2023 which also advises State Governments and Union Territories to use these new names in all future references and correspondences with the Government of India. Previous Next

Dog bite menace in the Rabies capital Content Editor: Dr Pradipta S December 28, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Rabies, Zoonotic diseases Over the last three years, the country has grappled with a rising stray dog menace. There have been approximately six dog bites every minute. As per the WHO Association for the Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI)-2004 study, India contributes 36% to global rabies deaths, earning the title of "Rabies Capital.” Recent data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reveals 24.7 lakh dog bite incidents between January and October 2023. Despite sporadic reports, data indicates a reduction in dog attacks since 2018. In 2018, 75 lakh dog bite cases were reported, decreasing to over 72 lakh and 46 lakh in 2019 and 2020, respectively. However, the number of dog bites per day has been increasing since 2021. The government launched the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination in 2021 to address this concern. Previous Next

India to be the Global Hub for Millets ("Shree Anna") February 13, 2023 at 1:41:47 PM International Year of Millets-2023, Nutrition India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of millets in the world. Referring to millets as 'Shree Anna', the finance minister aims to make India a global hub for millets. The Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad will be supported as the Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research and technologies at the international level. The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program will be launched to boost the availability of disease free, quality planting material for high value horticultural crops like fruits, vegetables, flowers at an outlay of Rs 2,200 crore (Union Budget 2023-24). Previous Next

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