An outbreak of swine flu in Barak Valley, Assam An outbreak of swine flu in Barak Valley, Assam Content Editor: Dr. Shubham May 15, 2024 Social Trends Disease Outbreak Major swine influenza A subtypes include A (HIN2) and A (H3N2). Viruses in pigs can sporadically infect people, usually following direct or indirect contact with pigs or polluted settings. Health experts are not sure of the infection's source in the wake of two swine flu deaths in the Barak Valley of southern Assam. In the rural Cachar and Hailakandi districts of Assam, where there is no pig breeding activity close to the households, at least five instances with comparable symptoms have been reported. In four of the five cases, the victims were younger than 1.5 years old. A 13-year-old boy from the Hailakandi district is the only afflicted person who has been released from the hospital. The babies were largely confined to their homes, therefore, the doctors believe the virus has spread through the adults in the family. While contact tracing and awareness campaigns are prioritized, the situation is not concerning, as per the officials. However, strict isolation for 7 days has been instructed to the families of those infected.

Jal Jeevan Mission report Jal Jeevan Mission report February 13, 2023 Press Information Bureau Water & Sanitation, Safe drinking water Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal was implemented in 2019 with the aim: to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household by 2024. As on 13/02/2023, 11.12 Crore (57.36%) of 19.39 Crore rural households reported to have tap water supply in their homes, with Haryana becoming the ‘Har Ghar Jal State’. An online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal has been developed for reporting data on lab testing and Field-Testing Kits for water samples. In view of ensuring safe source of drinking water, States/ UTs in areas contaminated with chemicals have been advised to install community water purification plants (CWPPs), as an interim measure and in all 2,076 plants, drinking water quality testing laboratories have been set-up.

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

Adenovirus outbreak in West Bengal Adenovirus outbreak in West Bengal March 2, 2023 Indian Express ARI, Communicable Disease, Outbreak An outbreak of adenovirus has been reported in West Bengal . As per the Indian Express news report, as on end of February 5,213 cases of Acute Respiratory Infection has been reported in West Bengal in the month of February. 12 deaths have been attributed to Adenovirus infection tested at NICED (National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases). Children are showing increased risk of pneumonia and hospital admission .

Delhi Government launches Special Assistance Scheme for Persons with Disabilities Delhi Government launches Special Assistance Scheme for Persons with Disabilities Content Editor: Dr. Jahnvi November 3, 2025 Gazette Notification of Delhi Government Social Welfare Schemes, Equity, Persons with Disability In the gazette notification released on September 15, 2025, the Dept. of Social Welfare announced the scheme “Financial Assistance Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities having High Support Needs ”: Eligible beneficiaries include persons with at least 40% disability (as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ) who require substantial physical or psychological assistance to access healthcare and to participate fully in education, employment, and community life. Once a person qualifies for the eligibility norms, Rs 6000 will be transferred directly to the receiver’s Aadhar-linked bank account. This aid is in addition to the pre-existing pension scheme under the Delhi government, which grants persons with benchmark disability a monthly aid of Rs 2,500. This scheme has over 1.5 lakh registered beneficiaries. This scheme seeks to enhance the welfare, independence, and dignity of not only persons with benchmark disabilities requiring high support, but also their families , who often bear a greater burden of illness, healthcare expenses, and rehabilitation. The assistance is intended to offset the financial burden associated with caregiver support, healthcare, counselling, and rehabilitation services.

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

Gaza declared a “Polio Epidemic Area” Gaza declared a “Polio Epidemic Area” Content Editor: Dr Swathi Shenoy August 3, 2024 Social trends Disasters, Outbreak, Polio The war between Israel and Palestine has been going on since October 2023, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. This has led to the deprivation of usable water, the destruction of sanitation facilities, food insecurity, and the accumulation of tons of waste. According to recent reports, the health ministry has declared Gaza the "Polio Epidemic Area" due to the detection of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) strain of the polio virus in Gaza's sewage water. However, no human cases have been reported until now , highlighting that the virus may be present among individuals without causing any signs or symptoms. The WHO has also reiterated the need and importance of ensuring the delivery of vaccines to the people struck by this crisis.

Rising tide of Cholera: Global strategies in the battle for a healthier world Rising tide of Cholera: Global strategies in the battle for a healthier world Content Editor: Anubhav Mondal October 12, 2023 WHO news section Infectious diseases, Cholera, Sanitation, Outbreak The increase in cholera activity can be linked to an increase in extreme weather events connected to: Climate change Conflict Population displacement Weakening healthcare systems The rising demand for cholera materials has posed a hurdle to worldwide disease control efforts. Since October 2022, the International Coordinating Group (ICG), the organization supplying emergency vaccines, has halted the normal two-dose vaccination schedule in cholera epidemic response campaigns in favor of a single-dose approach. WHO is assisting nations in responding to cholera outbreaks on an emergency basis. WHO has requested US$160.4 million for cholera response under the global strategic preparedness, readiness, and response plan. The WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies has also released US$ 16.6 million for cholera response in 2022 and 2023. Long-term development, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), is the long-term solution for preventing cholera , as stated by the World Health Organization.

WHO Reports New Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera Region WHO Reports New Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera Region Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad January 18, 2025 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) Outbreak, Viral Haemorrhagic Fever The World Health Organization (WHO ) has announced a suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera region, which had previously experienced an outbreak in 2023. On January 10, the WHO was informed of six suspected cases, five of them fatal, showing symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF ), including headache, fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, and vomiting with blood. By January 11, the number of suspected cases had risen to nine , with eight fatalities. Health workers are among the suspected cases, highlighting the risk of transmission in healthcare settings. Although there is no approved treatment or vaccine for Marburg virus, an investigational vaccine was used in Rwanda's 2023 outbreak to protect health workers. Due to its high fatality rate , infections among health workers and the virus’s unclear source, the WHO has assessed the risk to Tanzania as high. Kagera’s location as a transit hub with significant cross-border movement adds to the regional risk. However, the global risk remains low , as Kagera is not near major international airports.

Understanding respiratory health in urban India: Insights from a Bhubaneswar study Understanding respiratory health in urban India: Insights from a Bhubaneswar study Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay April 18, 2024 PLoS One Environmental health, Air pollution, Respiratory diseases Respiratory morbidities are escalating in LMICs like India due to compromised air quality, despite national initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme and Ujjwala Yojana . A study in Bhubaneswar's urban primary healthcare centers examined respiratory illnesses and their seasonal variations, considering climate and pollution contributors. Health data from over 10,900 patients was categorized into three seasons using the International Classification of Primary Care‑2 (ICPC‑2) system , while air quality data on PM2.5 concentrations were obtained from six pollution monitoring stations. The results of the study are as follows: The study reveals a significant burden of respiratory diseases in Bhubaneswar, with an incidence of 183.31 per 1000 person-years, mainly adults, leading to potential economic loss. Respiratory conditions exhibit seasonal patterns, peaking during the winter season when PM2.5 levels are highest, suggesting a direct correlation between air pollution and respiratory health outcomes. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) emerged as the most common respiratory condition encountered, followed by cough and acute tonsillitis, based. The study underscores the urgent need for measures to address air pollution through a multipronged approach including clean fuel promotion, vehicle emission control, and improved public transportation to mitigate the burden of respiratory diseases. Click here to read more