Phytorid technology in water treatment Phytorid technology in water treatment January 6, 2023 The Hindu Environment The Municipal Corporation of Tirupati is putting in place the country’s largest liquid waste treatment plant to use phytorid technology. The phytorid technology is developed by the CSIR’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). After the waste water is treated under sedimentation process, it is made to flow in a serpentine motion into a sub-surface chamber containing numerous barricades, while saplings are planted atop on a porous medium containing gravel and stones. It is here that the organic matter gets eliminated. Later, the water is made to pass through activated carbon filter to bring the BOD to 5mg.

A systematic analysis of the gender gap: Findings from the global burden of diseases study A systematic analysis of the gender gap: Findings from the global burden of diseases study Content Editor: Dr. Shubham May 14, 2024 The Lancet Public Health Global Burden of Disease, DALY, Morbidity, Mortality There has been research to determine the factors contributing to DALY in GBD that affect women more than men , but a systemic analysis reveals another layer of gender-based inequalities that offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of regional and worldwide trends. The absolute disparities between genders were calculated using the DALY rate for the 20 leading causes of disease. The DALY rates for females were higher than those for males for seven leading diseases. This includes diseases such as: Low back pain Depressive disorders Headache disorders Anxiety disorders Various musculoskeletal diseases Dementia HIV/AIDS. It also found that the absolute differences between the age-standardized rates of DALYs for men and women changed gradually with time. In particular, Depressive disorders had the second-largest absolute difference in DALY rates worldwide, affecting women disproportionately (1019·0 for females and 670·6 for males). With 1767·8 more DALYs per 100,000 among males than among females in 2021, COVID-19 had the biggest absolute difference between genders globally given its overall magnitude. Diabetes had an increase in the absolute difference between males and females in DALYs per 100,000, from 56·1 in 1990 to 142·7 in 2021, even though these conditions had an increase in the difference favoring females. Between 1990 and 2021, the gap in HIV/AIDS between males and females grew from being nonexistent to negatively affecting women. The difference in global DALY rates for males and females across age categories, in 2021 for cirrhosis and other liver illnesses, chronic renal disease, tuberculosis, Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, cirrhosis, and other diseases remained unchanged. Policymakers must consider the increasing morbidity rate among females and the growing proportion of females in aging populations. Click here to read more.

Alarming Cancer Estimates: IARC, WHO Report, 2024 Alarming Cancer Estimates: IARC, WHO Report, 2024 Content Editor: Dr Tanya Tanu February 3, 2024 WHO News Section Cancer, World Cancer Day, Non-Communicable Disease World Cancer Day which is held every year on February 4, is a global initiative by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The theme for 2022-2024 is “Close the Care Gap” . WHO’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reported: 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths globally , in 2022. 14.13 lakh new cancer cases and 9.16 lakh deaths in India. The top five cancers among Indian women are those of Breast (26.6%), Cervix(17.7%), Ovary (6.6 %), Mouth, and colorectum. The top five cancers among Indian men are those of the Oral cavity (15.6 %), Lung (8.5 %), Oesophagus (6.6 %), Colorectum, and stomach. Breast cancer followed by cancer of the oral cavity and cervix is the leading cause of cancer deaths in India. A total of 35 million new cancer cases are predicted by 2050 – a 77% rise from the estimated 20 million in 2022. To curb the rising cancer cases, the strategies that need to be adopted: Healthier lifestyle. Strengthening healthcare facilities for cancer prevention and early detection. Easy availability of drugs. Capping prices of drugs, equipment, and procedures. Click here to read more.

What is the prevalence of common mental disorders among adolescents? What is the prevalence of common mental disorders among adolescents? Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel May 1, 2024 Indian Journal of Psychiatry Mental Health, Adolescent Health, Common Mental Disorders, Anxiety, Depression A cross-sectional study was conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, among 491 adolescents aged 15-19 years in Ambedkar Nagar, an urban resettlement colony of South East Delhi, to assess the burden of common mental disorders (CMD ). It used the Mini International Neuropsychiatry Review - Kid version 6 (MINI-Kid) based on DSM-IV TR and ICD-10 criteria to assess the presence of CMD. The main findings of the study are as follows: The lifetime prevalence of CMD was 34% among the participants with 22.4% reporting depression and 6.7% reporting generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) . Being a girl [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.1 (1.4-2.20)], suffering a stressful event in the past 6 months [aOR: 4.7 (3.1-7.3)] and smoking tobacco [aOR: 2.0 (1.2-7.4)] increased the odds of having a CMD. The authors stated that the burden of CMD was greater than that reported by the National Mental Health Survey 2015-2016 as it only evaluated a few adolescents and wasn’t even conducted in Delhi which might have led to an underestimation. Click here to read more.

Health components highlighted in Interim Budget 2024-2025 Health components highlighted in Interim Budget 2024-2025 Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala February 3, 2024 Union Budget Health Budget, Health Expenditure, Health Economics The Finance Minister's Speech on the Interim Budget 2024-2025 focuses on strategies towards comprehensive development for all aiming for 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047. The Health component envisions the following inclusions: Cervical Cancer Vaccination for the age group of 9 to 14 years. The government plans to roll out HPV vaccination for girls in a phased manner as a part of the National Immunization Schedule. Strengthen the U-WIN platform for immunization and Intensified Mission Indradhanush. Enrollment of ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers, and Anganwadi Helpers under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Improve the Anganwadi Services under "Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0" focusing on Early Childhood Care Education, and Nutrition.

The way ahead for DR-TB. The way ahead for DR-TB. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary November 24, 2023 Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Infectious Disease, AMR Resistance, Tuberculosis Several studies presented at the Union World Conference on Lung Health in Paris highlight positive developments in the treatment of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis (DR-TB). The Leveraging Innovation for Faster Treatment of Tuberculosis (LIFT TB) trial revealed a nearly 95% cure rate with the World Health Organization-recommended regimen. The regimen includes a 6-month all-oral BPaL. The EndTB trial identified four alternative shorter regimens with higher cure rates than the standard 18- to 24-month regimens. The regimens included different combinations of bedaquiline, delaminid, clofazimine, linezolid, moxifloxacin or levofloxacin, and pyrazinamide. Additionally, studies in South Africa and Vietnam suggest that an oral antibiotic could reduce the risk of developing DR-TB in both adults and children. Lastly, preventive treatment trials using levofloxacin demonstrate a 56% reduction in the risk of developing MDR-TB in children under 5. The goal is to encourage more countries with a high DR-TB burden to adopt updated treatment guidelines and provide access to shorter, more effective treatments. The findings are expected to inform upcoming WHO guidelines on MDR-TB preventive treatment.

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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Multicountry Cholera outbreak: 58% surge in cases in May 2024 Multicountry Cholera outbreak: 58% surge in cases in May 2024 Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy July 1, 2024 WHO News Section Outbreak, Communicable Diseases, Cholera The multi-country cholera outbreak report, as of May 2024, details a significant surge in new cases, with 46,364 reported in May alone, a 58% increase from the previous month across 19 countries. However, the death toll decreased by 37%, with 185 deaths in May. The Eastern Mediterranean region reported the highest cases, followed by Africa, America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The WHO has classified the outbreak as a Grade 3 emergency due to its widespread and persistent nature. Mitigation efforts include deploying 18 experts and ongoing regional and country-level support. WHO has revised public health surveillance guidance and promoted laboratory strengthening. Despite requests for 19 million vaccine doses, constrained supply has limited preventive campaigns. Technical support and training are provided for case management, infection prevention, control, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Challenges impacting the response include the effects of natural disasters, climate change, data quality inconsistencies, insufficient vaccine stocks, and overstretched response capacities. There's an increased risk of cross-border transmission , necessitating continued efforts for long-term solutions to reduce the cholera burden. Click here to read more.

The need to control antibiotic resistance in the environment: Study findings The need to control antibiotic resistance in the environment: Study findings Content Editor: Dr Swathi Shenoy August 2, 2024 Nature Antimicrobial resistance, One health, Environment Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the growing concerns that is known to affect the ecosystem. Antibiotic resistance in the environment is one of the most underreported and growing concerns due to the uncontrolled and untreated discharge of antibiotics into the environment. Hence, a study was conducted in Hyderabad from December 2021 to April 2022, to assess the temporal dynamics of AMR in wastewater. Wastewater was sampled at monthly intervals. Thirteen mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and 123 antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) were analyzed in the wastewater samples using quantitative real-time PCR. A few of the essential results are as follows: 70% of the examined ARGs were detected. Nine out of 10 examined ARGs and 28 out of 52 antibiotics were detected. An estimated 50% of the tested ARG subtypes were found consistently each month, with a frequency of 52–61%. The antibiotic showing the highest resistance was found to be aminoglycosides. The frequency of detection of ARGs and MGEs markedly increased in the winter. This study addresses AMR through the One health approach , connecting all three aspects of human health, animal health and environment . This study provides evidence to develop sustainable policies and promote the rational use of antibiotics. Click here to read more.