USDA launches probe into mysterious disease affecting dairy cows USDA launches probe into mysterious disease affecting dairy cows Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy April 1, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy One health, Avian flu, Livestock, Public health A H igh P athogenic A vian I nfluenza V irus [HPAI] is under epidemiological investigation in the US. So far, tests reveal that it is a H5N1 subtype virus and wild birds are the source. The USDA has called upon all dairy farmers to monitor vigilantly and promptly contact a vet if they find any viral symptoms in their livestock, like Decreased milk production Loss of appetite Fever Altered consistency of manure As of March 29, 2024, no human transmission has been reported. The USDA also clarified that milk and meat were safe for consumption after pasteurization and proper cooking. Click here to read more

Ongoing Cholera Outbreak - Report Ongoing Cholera Outbreak - Report January 27, 2023 WHO News section Outbreak, Global Health The ongoing cholera outbreak has resulted from a massive influx of Internally Displaced Population(IDP) in Nyiragongo and other territories, due to ongoing armed conflicts opposing DRC security and defence forces. The likelihood of the situation getting worse is high if the conflict continues to intensify over time with more people arriving in IDP camps. Although the CFR remains low, the proportion of moderate and severe cases is concerning, perhaps inferring late detection and referral of cases. Additionally, there is a high risk of further spread of the disease to other Health zones and provinces of the country, given population movements due to the ongoing crisis, poor WASH conditions and very limited access to health care services in those areas, and the current rainy season. There is also a major risk of spread to neighbouring countries considering population movements between DRC and Rwanda or Uganda. Cross-border collaboration and surveillance should be enhanced, accordingly. The outbreak of cholera was declared on 14 December 2022.

Current status of Ayushman Bhav campaign Current status of Ayushman Bhav campaign Content Editor: Dr M Swathi Shenoy December 28, 2023 Press Information Bureau Universal health coverage, Global health The Ayushman Bhav campaign was launched on September 13, 2023, to ensure last-mile delivery of services. This campaign was initiated to saturate every town/village with select healthcare services. The campaign components consist of: Ayushman aapke dwar 3.0 Ayushman Melas Weekly health melas conducted at the CHCs As of December 2023, the status of the campaign is as follows: A total of 9.96 lakh melas have been conducted with a footfall of 705.69 lakh 6.81 lakh yoga/meditation sessions have been conducted 468.81 lakh individuals received free drugs 372.61 lakh individuals received free diagnostics A total of 26793 CHC health melas were conducted.

The government implements comprehensive welfare measures for ASHA workers The government implements comprehensive welfare measures for ASHA workers Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath December 7, 2024 Press Information Bureau ASHA, Frontline health workers, Health system The government proposed support in the following manner: Monthly Incentive : ₹2000 for routine activities. Performance-Based Incentives : Additional incentives for various National Health Programmes. Team-Based Incentives : Up to ₹1000 per month after the launch of Ayushman Arogya Mandir. Non-monetary Incentives : Uniforms, identity cards, cycles, mobile phones, CUG SIMs, diaries, drug kits, and restrooms. Cash Award : ₹20,000 and a citation for ASHAs serving at least 10 years. Social Security Schemes : Coverage under PMJJBY(Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana), PMSBY(Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Beema Yojana), and PM-SYM(Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan) Healthcare Coverage : ₹5 lakhs annual coverage under AB-PMJAY. This decision recognized the remarkable role of ASHAs in our health system and aims to strengthen their capacity further. Click here to read more.

Silent Pandemic: Even low levels of arsenic from food and water can impair cognitive function Silent Pandemic: Even low levels of arsenic from food and water can impair cognitive function Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal May 27, 2023 The Hindu Arsenic poisoning, Cognition, Safe drinking water, environment health, food toxins Chronic exposure to Arsenic could lead to a silent pandemic affecting people globally. The study reiterated that the effects of arsenic poisoning on cognition are more severe in the undernourished and poor. Urine samples of study participants were tested for arsenic content and results were correlated to the performance of the participants in computerized tests of cognition and brain imaging. The study was conducted among 1014 participants from across 5 regions of India. Arsenic exposure was closely correlated with food intake for study participants, in many parts of India outside of those where arsenic exposure from groundwater is known to be high. Since the 1990s, both the Central and State governments of Bihar and West Bengal (2 of the most arsenic-prone areas of the country along with Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Manipur) have actively strived to curb arsenic contamination . A common strategy implemented included: 1. Restricting groundwater extraction 2. Encouraging piped water supply . 3. Arsenic removal plants where groundwater extraction was inevitable.

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

AIIMS achieves first ever milestone in skin donation: A historic landmark for India’s capital AIIMS achieves first ever milestone in skin donation: A historic landmark for India’s capital Content Editor: Dr. Priyasha Panda November 9, 2023 The Times of India Organ Donation, Information Education Communication, Quality of Life, Global Health, Medical advances India’s capital attains a historic success in harvesting the skin of a deceased at AIIMS, New Delhi. A 42-year-old woman succumbed to death at AIIMS Trauma Centre due to severe injuries after an accident, and her husband consented to her skin and eye donation after the counseling of the ORBO Transplant Coordinator. Dr. Maneesh Singhal, Head of the Plastic Surgery Department at AIIMS, explained the skin transplantation process: Harvesting: within 8-10 hours of death Processing: minimum of 6 weeks Storage: 5 years Preservation: 85% glycerol under 4-5 degrees Celsius No blood group or HLA matching is required. Eligibility criteria include: Children < 18 years old are not eligible Elderly >80 years: skin suitable for donation only within 6 hours of demise Individuals with infectious diseases, severe infections, or skin cancer are ineligible India witnesses burns among 70 lakh people and burn-related deaths in 1.5 lakh patients, and it is challenging to acquire skin for patients with >40% burns. This success is a silver lining for those who have suffered burns and accidents and will encourage individuals and families to donate skin.

Statement from the 40th meeting of Polio-IHR Emergency Committee: Addressing Global Poliovirus threat Statement from the 40th meeting of Polio-IHR Emergency Committee: Addressing Global Poliovirus threat Content Editor: Dr Soundher December 25, 2024 WHO News section Emerging disease, Disease Outbreak, Polio, International health The Emergency Committee reviewed data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV) with context to the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and cVDPV2 elimination by 2029. Data indicate global transmission of WPV1 is geographically limited to two endemic countries , but there was intensifying transmission within these countries in 2024 i.e. Pakistan and Afghanistan . The committee noted much of cVDPv outbreaks are linked to lack of house to house vaccination campaigns, inaccessibility, insecurity, and high concentrations of zero-dose and underimmunized children with continued population displacement. The committee unanimously agreed that the risk of international spread of polio virus is a public health emergency of International Concern (PHEIC ) and recommended the extension of temporary recommendations for another 3 months. Click here to read more.