COVID-19 no longer a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)." COVID-19 no longer a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)." Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti May 8, 2023 WHO News Section Global Health, Public Health Emergency, COVID-19 The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee announced on 4th May 2023 that the COVID-19 pandemic is no more a "public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)." On the 15th meeting, the Committee considered the following: Increasing herd immunity, vaccination, better case management, and consistently low virulence of the circulating strains of COVID-19 renders it not under the PHEIC category. The Surveillance and vaccination equity gaps remain and require attention. The "2023-2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan" focus on it as an ongoing health issue and directs attention from emergency to long-term management.

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

With the surge in COVID-19 cases, states urged to upscale response With the surge in COVID-19 cases, states urged to upscale response Content Editor: Dr. Siddharth Singh April 18, 2023 The Hindu COVID-19 COVID-19 has been running in headlines again with average daily cases overarching 4000 . As a result, the central government has advised states to ramp up testing . About 23 states and UTs gave testing rates less than the current national average of 100 tests per million people . With the latest advisory, MoHFW has asked states to also rampup the share of RT-PCR, as it's a more accurate test. Vaccination has to be stepped-up for the vulnerable population as well as identifying emerging hotspots and mock drills of hospital infrastructure to be done. Most cases are being reported from Maharashtra and Delhi, followed by Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Haryana.

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

How does gender inequality affect the health systems? How does gender inequality affect the health systems? Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Kelkar March 21, 2024 WHO News Section International Health News, Gender Equality A new World Health Organization report, "Fair Share for Health and Care, " shows how underappreciating care work, mostly done by women, harms everyone. Uneven burden : Women perform most unpaid care work (76%) while making up 67% of the paid healthcare workforce. This unpaid labor decreases their participation in paid jobs and weakens their economic power. Undervaluing caregiving : Poor compensation and working conditions in caregiving (a female-dominated field) hurt wages, productivity, and the entire health sector. Global care crisis : Underinvesting in health systems creates a vicious cycle. Weak health systems lead to more unpaid care work for women, overburdening caregivers, and poor healthcare quality. The problem worsens with the lack of full health coverage. The solution: “Invest in Equality” - WHO urges investing in valuing all health and care work. This includes improving work conditions, promoting equal pay, and supporting caregivers. Stronger health systems that recognize care work are needed for better health outcomes and a more equitable world. Click here to read more.

The World Bank has withdrawn 3 working papers on India’s sanitation trends The World Bank has withdrawn 3 working papers on India’s sanitation trends Content Editor: Pradipta S December 11, 2023 PHC Patrol Sanitation, Swachh Bharat Mission, World Bank The World Bank has withdrawn 3 working papers citing technical issues amid alleged governmental pressure. The paper titled "Progress on Sanitation in Rural India: Reconciling Diverse Evidence" , highlighted that though Swachh Bharat Mission - Gramin (SBM-G) led to improved toilet access, toilet usage has been declining in rural India since 2018. SBM-G caused a substantial increase in rural toilet access - from 38% in 2012 to 90% in 2019-20. This study combined data from the National Family Health Survey, the National Sample Surveys, the National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey and the SBM-G’s Information System. Other papers that were taken down were: “What Lies Beneath? An Assessment of India’s Groundwater Quality And Monitoring Systems” and “Lifting the lid: Process and Delivery of the Swachh Bharat Mission”.

First-Ever WHO Position Paper on RSV Immunization First-Ever WHO Position Paper on RSV Immunization Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 20, 2025 World Health Organisation International Health News, RSV Immunization WHO’s first-ever position paper on RSV immunization provides guidance for two preventive measures: a maternal vaccine (RSVpreF) and a long-acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) . RSV is responsible for around 0.1 million deaths and 3.6 million hospital admissions each year in under-5 children; nearly half of these deaths occur in infants younger than six months, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries where supportive care is limited. Maternal vaccine (RSVpreF): Administered during the third trimester, thereby sending protective antibodies to the fetus. It received WHO prequalification in March 2025 , allowing procurement by UN agencies. Monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab): Given as a single injection to newborns—ideally before hospital discharge or at the first postnatal visit—nirsevimab provides at least five months of protection, covering a typical RSV season. In areas with defined seasonality, infants up to 12 months can receive one dose before their first RSV season. WHO advises every country to introduce either the maternal vaccine or nirsevimab, based on health system capacity, cost-effectiveness, and expected coverage. WHO highlights that these immunization strategies can significantly reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and deaths. This position paper will guide policymakers, immunization program managers, and funding bodies on integrating RSV prevention into existing schedules.

How did the pandemic affect children’s health? How did the pandemic affect children’s health? Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala July 9, 2024 Communications Medicine Journal Child Health, Pandemic, Anthropometry, Research Findings As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, a nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25th, 2020. There was a diversion of resources from maternal and child health programs to services essential for actions to contain the pandemic. A study published in The Communication’s Medicine examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s health and nutrition. It analyzed the data collected in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and compared anthropometric outcomes of under-five children surveyed during pre- and post-COVID. The study found the following results: Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 and 2021 had a 1.2% (0.5-1.9) higher rate of both underweight and wasting compared to matched pre-COVID children. Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 alone showed 4.6% (3.4-5.9) higher underweight rates, 2.4% higher wasting rates, and 1.6% (0.2-2.9) higher stunting rates compared to matched post-COVID children. The gap was smaller for children from the post-COVID period (2020 and 2021) compared to those immediately after the lockdown was lifted in 2020, indicating a recovery. The subgroup analysis showed that children of rural areas and families belonging to lower wealth quintiles were more likely to be underweight compared to matched pre-Covid children of 2020 and 2021 together. No difference was observed in the anthropometric outcomes between children from higher wealth quintiles and urban children. As it was a secondary analysis of NFHS-5 data, the effect of the delta variant of COVID-19 could not be measured. Further studies are required to explore the impact of the pandemic on the anthropometric outcomes of children in diverse and vulnerable groups, such as the urban poor and migrants. The study provides evidence that the anthropometric outcomes of individuals were affected during the sensitive life stage of infancy and childhood. This highlights the necessity of developing a more robust food and health resilience system in India. Click here to read more.

Accord between Cipla and Novartis for the diabetic medication Galvus Accord between Cipla and Novartis for the diabetic medication Galvus Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal April 15, 2023 The Hindu Diabetes, Medications With effect from January 1, 2026, the diabetic medication Galvus and its combination brands will be manufactured and marketed by the pharmaceutical company Cipla under a perpetual licencing arrangement with Novartis Pharma AG (Switzerland). Galvus , one of the top brands in the Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP4) market , particularly in oral diabetic treatment, has the potential to make a major contribution to its portfolio, as per Cipla.