11-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 13-18th March, 2023 WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin's special issue includes 17 articles covering integration into primary healthcare, AI applications, Indigenous rights, and policy frameworks. This publication highlights that traditional medicine serves billions globally, with the wellness economy projected to grow from $5.6 trillion in 2022 to $8.5 trillion in 2027. The edition identifies critical research gaps, with less than 1% of global health research funding dedicated to traditional medicine. It focuses on research related to the safety of traditional medicines and explores ways to integrate the traditional medicine workforce into primary healthcare systems. Findings will inform discussions at the upcoming WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from 17th to 19th December 2025 in New Delhi. Enhanced integration of evidence-based traditional medicine could expand healthcare access and support universal health coverage. Strengthened research and regulation would ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy. Respectful inclusion of Indigenous knowledge could promote health equity while preserving cultural heritage. Content Editor: Dr. Lopamudra World Health Organization Source : Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution The sixth conference of the Minamata Convention on Mercury took place in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025, reviewing the progress of this international treaty implemented since 2017. Delegates focused on accelerating the phase-out of mercury in everyday products like batteries, light bulbs, and cosmetics, while addressing industrial emissions. Special attention was given to artisanal and small-scale gold mining, a practice involving mercury that employs up to 20 million miners globally and poses severe health risks. The conference also aimed to enhance support for nations through funding and technical assistance, aligning with the 20th anniversary of the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership. Reducing mercury exposure will directly prevent severe neurological damage, kidney failure and developmental disorders in vulnerable populations. Phasing out mercury in consumer products and mining will decrease contamination in food chains, lowering chronic disease risks. This action is particularly crucial for protecting pregnant women and children from birth defects and cognitive impairments, ultimately reducing the global burden of mercury-related illnesses. Content Editor: Dr Lopamudra United Nations Source : Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Environmental Health, International Policy Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stressed that in a digitally driven world, India has moved away from its naturally active past. He stressed that 65% of India’s population is below 35, making youth fitness not just a health agenda but an economic opportunity. India’s capacity to produce sports goods, nutrition supplements, and fitness equipment can strengthen a growing sports economy. Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse echoed this sentiment, highlighting that as India rises in global sports, community-level initiatives such as Sundays on Cycle can slowly transform lifestyle habits. She emphasised the need for a collective ecosystem, families, schools, communities, and industry, to work together towards a fitter India. The event also saw the felicitation of new Fit India Icons and their messages cut across caution and motivation: Warning youth against blindly following unverified “health influencers”. Linking fitness to a strong sports culture, and urging parents to limit screen time and encourage physical activity. Sharing the simple triad- “ Eat right, rest right, train right” . Panel discussions during the conclave pointed out the urgent need to address screen addiction, early-life sedentary behaviour, misleading bodybuilding shortcuts, and increasing access to junk food. Experts noted that if fitness habits don’t start early, the long-term costs will reflect in rising non-communicable diseases, mental health stressors, and reduced productivity. Prioritising fitness among youth can significantly reduce future NCD burden. Community-based initiatives can reshape lifestyle behaviours at the grassroots level. Regulating spurious supplements and misleading online fitness advice is essential for consumer safety. Encouraging early-life physical activity can counter childhood obesity and screen dependency. A fit population directly contributes to economic growth, productivity, and healthy ageing. Content Editor: Dr. Deepika Press Information Bureau (PIB) Source : Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report Crux of the findings: Presence of inequality (both within and between countries) and vulnerability to pandemics reinforce each other and exist as a vicious cycle. Ways in which this cycle perpetuates: Inequality increases the vulnerability of communities and countries to disease outbreaks and their escalation into pandemics. This is evidenced by a positive and statistically significant relationship between the Gini Index of a country and HIV incidence rates, AIDS and COVID-19 mortality rates , which remained after controlling for indicators of poverty. Inequality undermines effective responses, ultimately prolonging pandemic crises and intensifying their human and economic toll. Because pandemics are inherently global, unequal national capacities, finances, and social disparities weaken collective responses, erode public trust, and heighten the risk of new variants and hamper a robust response to the pandemic. The report also provides four evidence-based recommendations on disrupting the drivers of the inequality-pandemic cycle: An international debt repayment standstill until 2030 for distressed countries struggling with high disease rates in the current pandemic (like AIDS, TB) to allow them to reprioritize resources. To make the world safer from future pandemics, standby financing facilities in the Global North and South to be created for countries responding to a pandemic. Use social protection mechanisms to reduce socioeconomic and health inequalities while building societal resilience in order to prepare for, and respond to, pandemics. Global funding to build local and regional production of technologies for pandemics of today, like HIV and TB. For future pandemics, automatically waive global intellectual property rules on pandemic technology when a pandemic is declared. For ongoing pandemics, shift funding and pandemic preparedness and response to include community-led organizations . The report calls for action to emphasize focus on the socio-economic determinants which perpetuate pandemics rather than just the biological determinants of the disease in question. It provides several evidence based recommendations which can be adopted at a global, country or regional scale to break the inequality-pandemic vicious cycle. For reading further, Click here . Content Editor: Dr Reetika Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Source : Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A paper published in November 2025 in The Lancet Global Health found that global maternal mortality has fallen by 41% between 2000 and 2023 - largely due to the twin pillars of improved maternity care and expanded access to family planning . The study, titled “Effect of maternity care improvement, fertility decline, and contraceptive use on global maternal mortality reduction between 2000–2023: results from a decomposition analysis,” examined data from 195 countries and territories. Researchers quantified how much each intervention contributed to saving mothers’ lives over two decades. Data was taken from maternal mortality estimation database. A decomposition analysis was done to separately assess the effect of maternal care and reduction in fertility on maternal mortality. The analysis revealed that 61.2% of the reduction in maternal deaths could be attributed to better maternity care , while 38.8% was due to fertility decline . Contraceptive use alone prevented an estimated 77,400 maternal deaths in 2023- nearly one in four maternal deaths averted that year. Preventing unintended or closely spaced pregnancies reduces complications that can lead to severe outcomes, including unsafe abortions and maternal mortality. The findings come at a crucial time as nations work toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 , which calls for reducing the global maternal mortality ratio to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030 . It reaffirms that preventing maternal deaths requires a comprehensive approach, one that simultaneously strengthens maternity care and empowers women through family planning. Policymakers and health systems should integrate these services within primary health care, ensure contraceptive access for all women of reproductive age, and close equity gaps in reproductive health. Investing in integrated care not only saves lives but advances gender equality and accelerates progress toward the SDGs. For further reading, Click here . Content Editor: Dr Deepika The Lancet Global Health Source : Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report From January 1 to November 9, 2025, Delhi's average A ir Q uality I ndex (AQI ) was 175 , a decrease from 189 during the same timeframe the previous year as per the reports. The average levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were 75 µg/m³ and 170 µg/m³, respectively, compared to 87 µg/m³ and 191 µg/m³ last year. In Punjab, farm fire incidents dropped by 35.2% and in Haryana , they decreased by 65.3% between September 15 and November 9, 2025. In the National Capital Region (NCR), over 23 lakh tonnes of waste from legacy dumpsites have been bio-mined in Delhi. Additionally, new waste-to-energy facilities and Bio-CNG/CBG facilities are being developed. More than 96% of industries have transitioned to approved fuels. By September, over 4.37 crore saplings had been planted in the NCR. Various measures from G raded R esponse A ction P lan (GRAP ) Stage I & II are in effect, and there has been an increase in registrations and inspections at construction sites. Despite the improvement, with the onset of winters, AQI has deteriorated in Delhi-NCR. Exposure to major air pollutants, such as PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ are significant risk factors for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Decrease in farm fire incidents, shifts to cleaner industrial fuels, and effective solid waste management are expected to lower the overall disease burden associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer and early mortality. Additionally, increased green spaces and stricter oversight of construction activities contribute to healthier urban settings. However, much of the change could be attributed to the change in the weather and continued rain in Delhi during the time period, mentioned in the report. Sustained intersectoral collaboration and community involvement are crucial to preserving long-term air quality in the National Capital. Content Editor: Dr Sampriti Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Source : Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) New Delhi organized an international Round Table titled “Investigating and translating Genomic Evidence for Public Health Response to SARS-CoV-2,” featuring prominent researchers and science administrators from India and Italy. The event highlighted the role of genomic evidence in bolstering pandemic preparedness. The discussion stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the necessity of improving global genomic surveillance, translating research into practice, and ensuring health-system readiness. Attendees included Prof Lawrence Banks (DG, ICGEB), Prof Ramesh Sonti (Director, ICGEB Delhi), experts from the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) Rome, and the Embassy of Italy in India. The gathering reinforced a shared understanding that future pandemics are certain, with only the timing, location, and severity remaining unknown, and advocated for ongoing collaboration between India and Italy in science, technology, and innovation for public health. The round table underscores the essential importance of genomic surveillance and global scientific cooperation in enhancing pandemic readiness and response. Incorporating genomic data into public health frameworks can facilitate the early detection of new pathogens, swift identification of variants, and prompt policy decisions. Strengthened research connections between India and Italy foster knowledge sharing, capacity development, and technology exchange, contributing to more robust health systems. The focus on converting genomic information into public health measures highlights the necessity for ongoing investment in laboratory infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and data-sharing systems. Such coordinated international efforts will improve preparedness for future pandemics, reducing illness, death, and socioeconomic disruption. For further reading, click here Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Source : Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new report, “The Future of Paediatric Clinical Trials- Setting Research Priorities for Child Health, to enhance child health research worldwide.” The agenda aims for 0-9 years old children, addressing the persistent evidence gaps in pediatric trials. Children continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials, despite having the potential to benefit significantly from them. More than 380 experts contributed 653 research questions, prioritized into 172 global priorities. In brief, the focus areas include infectious diseases, NCDs, newborn health, early childhood development, and nutrition. The approach emphasizes feasibility, scalability, and equitable impact, aiming to ensure research benefits all children, especially in low-resource settings. WHO urges Member States, research bodies, and funders to align resources and collaborate. Strengthening paediatric clinical trials is vital to ensure that child health interventions are evidence-based, safe, and contextually relevant. This agenda empowers public health systems to address inequities in research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where child disease burdens remain highest. For further reading, click here Content Editor: Dr. Leenus World Health Organization Source : Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care Following claims by the US president that pregnant women should avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen), linking it to a “very increased risk of autism,” fear and confusion spread among pregnant women, which drew swift criticism from health experts. However, on 24 September 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) responded, reassuring the public that current evidence does not support any link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. The WHO noted that autism affects about 62 million people worldwide and is caused by multiple factors, not yet fully understood. It is recommended that pregnant women adhere to medical guidance and take medicines with caution. It reaffirmed that vaccines do not cause autism, crediting immunization with saving 154 million lives. WHO called for evidence-based, stigma-free practices in collaboration with autistic-led organizations. These unsupported claims linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism highlight the critical need for robust, evidence-based risk communication. Public health professionals should prioritize clear, science-driven messaging to prevent misinformation from influencing maternal and child health. For further reading, click here Content Editor: Dr. Leenus World Health Organization Source : Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health The 2025 Lancet report highlights the significant health impact of climate inaction, which has led to heat-related deaths rising by 23% since the 1990s, with 546,000 deaths annually. Extreme heat conditions have led to increased food insecurity affecting 124 million people and financial losses from heat exposure amounting to $1.35 trillion. It contrasts climate finance and fossil fuel spending , highlighting that governments spent $956 billion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, surpassing their climate support commitments and exceeding the health budgets of 15 countries. Furthermore, the advantages of addressing climate change are evident, with 160,000 premature deaths avoided from reduced coal pollution and 16 million jobs supported by renewable energy. The health sector has seen a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and many WHO Member States have developed adaptation plans. Looking forward to COP30, WHO aims to publish a report emphasizing that addressing climate change offers a critical opportunity to improve health and save over 10 million lives annually, advocating for the phasing out of fossil fuels and promoting sustainable agriculture. In 2023, fossil fuel subsidies amounted to $956 billion. Transitioning to sustainable agriculture and renewable energy could prevent over 10 million deaths annually. Content Editor: Dr. Shubham World Health Organization Source : Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, a comprehensive guide to strengthen national emergency preparedness. It consolidates over 300 recommendations from the COVID-19 pandemic into the Health Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (HEPR) architecture. The framework outlines all emergency stages—from detection and notification to response and review—and provides practical tools, such as checklists. It incorporates the 7-1-7 performance target: 7 days to detect an outbreak, 1 day to notify authorities, and 7 days to implement initial control measures. Aimed at government authorities, the guide addresses the growing threats posed by climate change, urbanization, and geopolitical instability. This framework provides a critical, standardized toolkit for nations to accelerate and coordinate their response to health emergencies, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality during future crises by ensuring a faster, more efficient, and evidence-based reaction. For further reading, click here Content Editor: Dr. Lopamudra World Health Organization Source : Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India On October 23, 2025, India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) introduced three specialized training modules designed to enhance the nation's ability to handle chemical emergencies. These modules, crafted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and with technical assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO) India, focus on: (1) Preparedness, Surveillance & Response, (2) Pre-Hospital Management, and (3) Medical Management of Chemical Emergencies . Aimed at public health professionals, emergency responders, healthcare workers, and policymakers, these resources support the core capacities required by the International Health Regulations (2005) . The launch event, held at Nirman Bhavan in New Delhi, gathered senior officials from various ministries, academia, industry, and international partners to reaffirm India's dedication to establishing a robust and self-sufficient health emergency response system. The introduction of these training modules boosts India's readiness for chemical emergencies by enabling quicker detection, a coordinated response, and a decrease in illness and death rates. This initiative bolsters national health security and aids in adhering to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), thereby enhancing the resilience of the public health system. For further reading, click here Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti PIB Delhi Source : Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives This is a title. View More This is an extra long title. Click here to edit and add your own text. It's easy. View More This is a title. Click here to edit and add your own text. View More This is a title. Click here to edit and add your own text. View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

The Dengue Outbreak in Ernakulam, Kerala The Dengue Outbreak in Ernakulam, Kerala Content Editor: Nikhil Kumar Khatri July 29, 2023 The Hindu Global Health, Outbreak, Vector borne diseases An alarming increase in the number of dengue cases in June was seen in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Over the last two weeks, this district alone has contributed to 1/4th of the cases in the state. Also, the daily average of cases has increased drastically from 10-12 in the 2nd week of May to 50 in June. Out of the eight deaths in the state, seven have been noticed in the district itself. The major breeding source was found to be the active dumping areas. Authorities have focused on a multipronged approach with source reduction, fogging, indoor space sprays, and clearing roadside bushes.

CDC recommends Nirsevimab for protection against RSV CDC recommends Nirsevimab for protection against RSV Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy August 24, 2023 CIDRAP Global health, Public health, RSV, Vaccination, Child health AstraZeneca created the long-acting monoclonal antibody known as Nirsevimab, which got its USFDA approval in July 2023 for newborns and infants exposed to their first Respiratory syncytial virus season. It can also offer protection to children up to 24 months old who are entering their second season but have low immunity. RSV usually starts spreading in the winter season in the US. The CDC estimates that RSV leads to the hospitalization of nearly 80 thousand children and the deaths of nearly 300 under-5 children every year. The director of the CDC assured that this new tool for protection against RSV will soon be made available as part of children’s immunization schedules.

News-analysis-collection-1 1 (All) Public Health Chronicle News Analysis Author : Dr Annapoorani V Published on : MTP Amendment act, Women’ rights, Legal abortion, Laws & Regulations Saturday, March 4, 2023 The MTP Amendment Act 2021: A Win for Women’s reproductive rights India's Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 is a great step in improving women's health and reproductive rights. It is a step in the direction of lessening the stigma and discrimination experienced by women who seek abortions and towards building a more just and equitable society. Read More Author : Dr Swati Ray Published on : Union Health Budget - 2023, MoHFW Monday, February 27, 2023 Highlights of the Union Health Budget 2023 The Union Budget 2023 was unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st Feb 2023. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was allocated 89,155 crores as health budget for the financial year 2023-24, which is 0.34% higher than last year’s 86,200 crores. After accounting for inflation . . . Read More Content Editor : Dr Urmimala Maiti Published on : BMJ, Clinical Research Findings Wednesday, February 22, 2023 Healthy Lifestyles impedes Decline in Memory – Findings from a ten years Prospective Cohort Study in BMJ A population-based prospective cohort study was conducted from 8 May 2009 to 26 December 2019 on individuals aged 60 years or older with the objective of identifying an optimal lifestyle profile to protect against memory loss in older individuals recently got published in BMJ. The study shows . . . Read More Content Editor : Dr Urmimala Maiti Published on : NFHS-5, Nutritional Transition, Non-Communicable Disease Sunday, February 19, 2023 Nutritional transition looms in North-East India – Findings from NFHS – 5 An analysis of the NFHS-5 data highlights the fact that eople living in the Northeast states of Mizoram, Assam and Tripura, parts of Eastern India and Goa had higher consumption of fried foods and . . . Read More Author : Dr Gaurav Singh Published on : International Year of Millets, FAO, United Nations Friday, February 17, 2023 International Year of Millets 2023 – Significance & Relevance in celebrating "Millets" Millets are one group of food that are nutritious and also one of the hardiest crops that can be grown in extremes of climate. Because of their nutritive value, they are also called “Nutri-Cereals”. International Year of Millets is celeberated with an objective . . . Read More Author : Dr Thamizhanban (TA) Published on : NLEM, DCGI, WHO - EML 2021 Tuesday, February 14, 2023 National Lists of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022 - All we need to know Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, launched The National Lists of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022 on 13th September 2022. The first National List of Essential Medicines of India in 1996, encompassing 279 drugs, and this list was subsequently revised in 2003, 2011, 2015 and . . . . Read More Content Editor : Dr Ranjitha Ranganathan Published on : World Hearing Day - 2023, WHO Friday, March 3, 2023 World Hearing Day 2023 – Let’s know more about it World Hearing Day (3rd March 2023) is here to remind us of the importance of preventing hearing loss and promoting ear care worldwide by integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare for universal health coverage. Read More Author : Dr Ranjitha Ranganathan Published on : Laws & Regulations, The Menstruation Benefit Bill Friday, February 24, 2023 Menstrual Leaves – How far are other countries? Is India a distant destination. (Period) Menstrual leave or Period leave is paid or unpaid leave offered to female employees or students despite their sick or other leaves. Historically, Menstrual leave concept evolved after World War I, as Russian Soviet introduced to promote reproductive health and population stability measure. Thereafter, many countries introduced menstrual leave policies. Read More Author : Dr Gaurav Singh Published on : mRNA vaccine, Preventive Oncology, Moderna Wednesday, February 22, 2023 What’s the fuss about the mRNA cancer vaccine? - Know the Fundamentals of it You must have heard about the experimental mRNA cancer vaccine being developed by Moderna and MSD (Merck & Co.), it was reported to show promising results against advanced melanoma. In a study that involved 157 melanoma patients, it was found . . . Read More Content Editor : Dr Sangya Chaudhary Published on : Polio, WHO, International Health Regulations, IHR Saturday, February 18, 2023 Update on Polio by WHO - IHR Emergency committee The IHR Emergency Committee, concerning the ongoing events and context involving transmission and international spread of poliovirus, held the thirty-fourth meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) on 25 January 2023. The recent update on polio . . . Read More Author : Dr Immanuel Joshua Published on : New and Renewable Energy, GREEN HYDROGEN, Carbon emissions Wednesday, February 15, 2023 National Green Hydrogen Mission – India’s valiant efforts towards cutting down carbon emissions The National Hydrogen Mission was launched on August 15, 2021, with a view to cutting down carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable sources of energy. The Union Cabinet on January 4, 2023, approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which is aimed at making India the global hub for the production of green hydrogen . . . . Read More Author : Dr Thamizhanban (TA) Published on : United Nations, Demography, Population projections Wednesday, February 1, 2023 “The day of 8 billion - 15th November 2022”, Our world is now home for 8 billion people – UN says It was possible only because of huge developments that took place in public health, nutrition, personal hygiene and medicine in the last two centuries. As a result, there was gradual increase in human lifespan with global life expectancy at all-time high in 2019 – 72.1 years . . . . Read More

UNICEF: 3,000 children in Gaza at risk from acute malnutrition amidst conflict UNICEF: 3,000 children in Gaza at risk from acute malnutrition amidst conflict Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy June 29, 2024 United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund War, Healthcare, Malnutrition Approximately 3,000 children in southern Gaza have lost access to treatment for acute malnutrition , putting their lives at risk amidst ongoing violence and disruption of healthcare services, reports UNICEF. This number accounts for about 75% of the 3,800 children receiving care before the conflict intensified. The rising malnutrition cases are linked to restricted humanitarian access, particularly in Rafah. Only two out of Gaza's three stabilization centers are operational, with plans for additional centers delayed due to military activities. Malnourished children are increasingly vulnerable to diseases due to poor water and sanitation. UNICEF emphasizes that without swift intervention, more children will perish and calls for a ceasefire and improved humanitarian access. 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. 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Study Finds Gaps in Global Swine Flu Surveillance Study Finds Gaps in Global Swine Flu Surveillance Content Editor: Dr. Shayari July 7, 2025 BMJ Public Health One Health, Influenza, Swine Flu Introduction The close proximity of humans, swine, and poultry in the Southeast Asian Region (SEAR) creates a high-risk environment for the emergence of new influenza viruses . The study aimed to review and characterise existing IAV surveillance systems worldwide to identify gaps and guide the development of effective protocols for high-risk interfaces. Methodology Researchers conducted a scoping review , systematically searching scientific databases for studies on swine influenza surveillance. They analysed 42 relevant studies , extracting data on their objectives, settings (like farms and markets), sampling strategies, and laboratory techniques. Results Most surveillance systems were short-term projects rather than sustained programs and primarily used active data collection. The main focus was on virological monitoring to detect viral changes, with less attention on disease severity or impact. A significant variability in methods was noted globally, with no consistent, standardised approach. Conclusion There is an urgent need to develop standardised, objective-based surveillance frameworks for IAV at human-swine interfaces. This is crucial for improving global preparedness and reducing the risk of zoonotic disease spillover.Click here to read more

01. Nasal COVID vaccine available both as a primary dose and a heterologous booster. 01. Nasal COVID vaccine available both as a primary dose and a heterologous booster. December 24, 2022 The Hindu Vaccination iNCOVACC, co-developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech and the U.S.-based Washington University, was approved in November for ‘restricted emergency use’ for those aged 18 or older. Approved as a primary dose after Phase-3 trials, and was separately tested for safety and immunogenicity as a booster. Unlike Covaxin, which is an inactivated coronavirus injected along with an adjuvant, iNCOVACC is an adenovirus-vectored vaccine with a “prefusion stabilised spike protein”, which is more like the technology employed in the Covishield vaccines.The nasal vaccine would be available via the CoWIN website.

Unusual spin in air quality of India Unusual spin in air quality of India Content Editor: Dr Prayag Khandelwal March 2, 2024 Science Direct Environmental health, Research findings Several climatological regions of India had an unexplained trend in air quality during the winter of 2022–2023, which coincided with the retreating phase of the extraordinary triple dip La Niña. This tendency had not been seen in previous decades. The air quality in South-Western India was exceptionally poor, while the air in the heavily polluted North of India was comparatively better, with levels of PM2.5, the most harmful particle, differing by up to 30% from previous years. Peninsular India experienced pollution trapping due to the greater northerly winds that dominate the transport level. This resulted in an influx of air and slower winds near the surface, which significantly raised PM2.5 concentrations. On the other hand, the Northern air quality significantly improved due to comparatively weak western disturbances, distinct wind patterns without rain or clouds, and quicker ventilation.

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. 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