Large-Scale RCT Catalog Demonstrates Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 25, 2025 at 12:20:12 PM Randomised Controlled Trial, Vaccination, Vaccine Hesitancy Since late April, Stanford infectious disease physicians have maintained a living, crowd-sourced spreadsheet cataloguing every RCT of licensed vaccines to counter myths that childhood vaccines lack proper testing. Rapid Growth: Sparked by debates over COVID-19 vaccine trials, the list began with seven entries and now exceeds 270 RCTs , with expectations to surpass 400–500, covering millions of participants. Key Details Tracked: Vaccine name, publication year, study population, sample size, and control type (inert placebo, active comparator, or no intervention). Of 274 reviewed trials, 164 used any placebo arm, and 133 employed truly inert placebos (e.g., saline, alum). Historic & Modern Examples: The 1954 Salk polio trial randomized 200,000 children each to a saline placebo and vaccine groups. . Decades of childhood vaccines - MMR, DTP, polio, and more—have undergone placebo-controlled RCTs. Safety Monitoring: Over 90% of these trials report safety outcomes. Rare adverse events (e.g., RotaShield intussusception, J&J COVID-19 thrombosis) are detected post-licensure via global surveillance systems like VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) and VSD (Vaccine Safety Datalinks) databases. Transparency & Trust: This comprehensive resource underscores that vaccines rank among the most rigorously tested medicines, promoting transparency to rebuild public confidence and counter misinformation. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Need to address the impact of climate change on HIV response in India Need to address the impact of climate change on HIV response in India Content Editor: Dr. Sumana May 9, 2024 United Nations Development Programme HIV, Climate Change, Communicable disease A framework that has been developed for India underscores the significant impact of climate change on HIV response in the nation. This offers insights into research priorities for mitigating climate change's effect on HIV response in India, stressing the importance of integrating climate considerations into HIV strategies. Despite limited primary studies in India, the report highlights the indirect consequences of climate change on HIV prevention and management. Research priorities include understanding- Linkages between food insecurity and HIV response , Exploring climate migration's impact on HIV outcomes , Examining governance of health systems during climate disasters. The document also discusses the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on HIV response , such as; Disruptions in healthcare services Migration, Food insecurity, and Mental health challenges. The ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases is crucial in mapping evidence and identifying research priorities to address the intersection of climate change and HIV response in India. 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

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

Government and Sri Aurobindo Society Partner to Enhance Disability-Inclusive Learning Content Editor: Dr. Lopamudra July 22, 2025 at 2:11:54 PM Social Welfare, Inclusive Education, Disability Rights DEPwD signed an MoU with Sri Aurobindo Society (SAS) on 7 July 2025 in New Delhi under ‘Project Inclusion’. This partnership aligns with Sections 16, 17, and 47 of the RPwD Act, 2016, aiming to advance inclusive education. It focuses on building capacities of teachers, counselors, and rehabilitation professionals. SAS will run the programme through its ‘Rupantar Programme ’ using a mobile app and online platform. The project includes various tools and methods for inclusive learning and e-certificates. Expansion to remote areas like Leh is part of the Leh Inclusion Initiative. Previous Next

Turtle trouble: CDC sounds alarm on nationwide salmonella outbreak Turtle trouble: CDC sounds alarm on nationwide salmonella outbreak Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay September 12, 2023 CDC Infectious diseases Salmonella cases in Western America, majorly in Tennessee have been investigated by the health department. Whole Genomic Sequencing by the CDC confirmed the association with small turtles . Turtles with shells under 4 inches are identified for Salmonella -related illnesses. Across 11 states affected 26 cases were reported while 9 were hospitalized. Federal law prohibits selling <4-inch shell turtles as pets due to prior illnesses, especially in children. Small turtles are still sold illegally online, in stores, and markets. Infection risk : touching turtles/habitat, transferring bacteria to mouth/food via unwashed hands. Safety tips: Buy larger turtles from reputable stores, maintain hygiene, avoid close contact, and keep turtles away from food areas. Urgent medical attention is needed for severe Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea with high fever, excessive vomiting, and dehydration signs. The industry should abide by the laws, restrict selling small turtles, and educate clients on preventative health measures.

The need for comprehensive co-ordinated strategies to control the influenza outbreak The need for comprehensive co-ordinated strategies to control the influenza outbreak Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy July 23, 2024 Press Information Bureau Influenza, outbreak, infectious diseases The Indian poultry sector plays a critical role in ensuring food security and also boosts trade and exports, leading to economic growth. However, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks hinder this sector’s potential. Hence, to address the HPAI’s evolving outbreak, a high-level brainstorming session was conducted at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The following key points were emphasized: Importance of one health approach in addressing HPAI Need for continued surveillance of migratory birds and environmental surveillance of water bodies during the winter season The need for further research for vaccines with better immunity for both humans and poultry birds The team concluded that vaccination of the birds with the currently available vaccines would not be sufficient as they do not produce complete immunity. Click here to read more.

Can we predict life expectancy using lifestyle factors? Can we predict life expectancy using lifestyle factors? Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 17, 2024 Plos One Noncommunicable diseases, lifestyle modifications Noncommunicable diseases have been on the rise, contributing to large amounts of morbidity and mortality. However, these diseases are preventable with appropriate lifestyle changes. However, there is a lack of tools that will help estimate the risk of these diseases. Hence, a study was conducted to develop and validate a multivariable model with the following objectives: 1. To determine the life expectancy of young adults 2. To identify those young adults at risk of lifestyle-related disorders. A cross-sectional approach was used using the data of 38,481 participants from the National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey (1994-2014). The risk factors included in the model are smoking, physical activity, diet, and BMI. The lifestyle-related diseases included in the model were: 1. Diabetes, 2. Arrhythmia, 3. Coronary artery disease, 4. Myocardial infarction, 5. Stroke, 6. Malignant neoplasms. The model showed good predictive potential, with the area under the ROC being 0.846. The model also estimated the deferred effects of lifestyle and its impact on life expectancy. Hence, this model can motivate young adults to undergo lifestyle modifications. Click here to read more

Radon and its effects on health Radon and its effects on health Content Editor: Dr. Gopika February 19, 2024 Centre for Disease Control Occupational Hazards, Radiation, Cancer Radon is the 2nd chief cause of lung cancer deaths, after cigarette smoking, in the US Exposure to radon leads to lung cancer in non-smokers & smokers alike. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , radon is the chief cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is accountable for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil, and water. It gets inside buildings through small fissures and crevices. When inhaled, it gets trapped in the lungs and eventually increases the risk of cancer. In the US, 1 in 15 homes has high radon levels. Studies have shown a conclusive association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. EPA recommends establishing a radon reduction system if levels are equal to or higher than 4pCi/L. In 2009, WHO launched an international radon project to help countries promote awareness and encourage actions to reduce risks related to radon Click here to read more

Clearing the air: Delhi's battle for clean skies demands a stronger action plan Clearing the air: Delhi's battle for clean skies demands a stronger action plan Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti October 23, 2023 Times of India Environmental Health, Air pollution, Public Health Laws and Regulations The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is an autonomous body entrusted with air quality improvement in Delhi and its adjoining areas. In response to the dip in air quality and a shift to the "poor" category, the CAQM released a revised Graded Action Plan (GRAP) on October 6, 2023. It highlighted the necessity for strict implementation of dust mitigation measures. It bans the use of coal in hotels and restaurants. The bench of judges' acknowledged the views of a senior advocate serving as an amicus curiae and recommended that CAQM submit a study on the decline in air quality that occurs in the winter, after festivals, and from burning crop leftovers.