The World Bank has withdrawn 3 working papers on India’s sanitation trends The World Bank has withdrawn 3 working papers on India’s sanitation trends Content Editor: Pradipta S December 11, 2023 PHC Patrol Sanitation, Swachh Bharat Mission, World Bank The World Bank has withdrawn 3 working papers citing technical issues amid alleged governmental pressure.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.

Harnessing AI in Public Health: Bridging Gaps and Unlocking Potential Harnessing AI in Public Health: Bridging Gaps and Unlocking Potential Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy November 16, 2024 Global Health now - John Hopkins Bloomberg school of Public Health AI, Public health, ethics The “Making AI a Lifesaver ” panel held in Washington, D.C., experts highlighted AI’s transformative potential in public health while addressing its risks of exacerbating inequities. Panelists, including Micky Tripathi of HHS, John Auerbach of ICF, Elizabeth Stuart of Johns Hopkins, and Jesse Ehrenfeld of the American Medical Association, discussed AI applications such as predicting disease outbreaks and streamlining public health tasks . Despite its promise, challenges like high costs, limited data inclusivity, and disparities in health care resources persist. The panel emphasized democratizing AI through open platforms, public-private collaborations, and ethical oversight. Initiatives like the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource pilo t and AI “nutrition labels” aim to expand access and transparency. Panelists called for targeted training on AI ethics and applications to empower public health professionals and stressed the need for a cohesive strategy to ensure equitable and effective AI integration in health care systems. 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

Baby blues a reality for 85% mothers but societal stigma still remains Baby blues a reality for 85% mothers but societal stigma still remains Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy May 25, 2024 Editorial, The Lancet Regional Health Mental health, Research findings, perinatal health, MCH, maternal mortality Baby blues encompassing depression, anxiety, and long periods of crying is experienced by nearly 85% of women either during or after pregnancy. But despite prevalence in a majority this aspect of maternal health is wrought with taboos and stigma worldwide. These misconceptions result in misplaced guilt and fear to seek help among women. These obstacles to maternal mental health must be identified early and tackled promptly to safeguard healthy development and wellbeing of mother and child. The US FDA recently approved Zuranolone, a fast acting antidepressant making it the second approved pharmacotherapy for postpartum depression. Further research is direly needed to evaluate efficacy of existing and exploration of new treatment options. Raising awareness, conducting screening to identify perinatal depression and designing effective preventive interventions is the need of the hour. 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

Multisectoral collaborations under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Multisectoral collaborations under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhya December 28, 2023 Press Information Bureau Substance abuse, Mental Health The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) has started the initiative of an National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). This was initiated with the collaboration of a spiritual organization, Shri Ramchandra Mission, to promote the message of NMBA (Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan) . The NAPDDR provides financial aid to state governments for awareness education and training purposes for ex-addicts. NMBA has been a successful endeavor and has covered over 10 crore individuals and 8,000 volunteers under its umbrella. Digital media and technical application tagging have been a major part of the tracking and sharing of updates for the program. The MoU was signed with various dignitaries representing both organizations to reach out to more communities through the networks of the Ramchandra mission. Shri Kamlesh D. Patel, president of the Shri Ramchandra Mission, shed light on the importance of strong familial and social support, which plays a major role in fighting addiction.

Maternal diet and childhood obesity: Insights from a secondary analysis in Australia Maternal diet and childhood obesity: Insights from a secondary analysis in Australia Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay April 13, 2024 PLOS One Nutrition, Maternal and child health Childhood obesity and overweight are pressing global concerns, with Australia witnessing a 24% prevalence among children recently. Fetal malnutrition is linked to later obesity risk, influenced by prenatal and postnatal environments. A secondary analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) dataset was conducted to identify modifiable risk factors, like maternal dietary habits during pregnancy. BMI z-score and weight status were outcome variables, while prenatal maternal dietary exclusion (PMDE) and supplement use were risk and moderator variables. No direct association was found between PMDE and the child's BMI z-score. PMDE of certain foods had varied effects on weight status, with fish and egg exclusion associated with higher odds of unhealthy weight. Prenatal dietary supplement use, especially folate and iron, moderated some associations, often increasing BMI z-scores and overweight/obesity risk. Dietary supplements alone didn't significantly impact childhood obesity risk, potentially depending on the mother’s overall diet. These findings stress the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and suggest possible adjustments to dietary recommendations for better child health outcomes. Click here to read more