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.

Prescription precision: Unraveling deviations for better healthcare solutions Prescription precision: Unraveling deviations for better healthcare solutions Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 9, 2024 Indian Journal of Medical Research Prescriptions, Antimicrobial Resistance, Standard Guidelines A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital in India to assess the prevalence of deviations in prescriptions from standard guidelines. The study also aimed to assess the possible consequences of such deviations and the corrective measures that can help prevent and reduce them. Prescriptions with deviations were defined as those that were either: Not compliant with the standard guidelines OR Which were incomplete concerning formulations, dose, and duration. Some prescriptions with deviations were termed "unacceptable deviations” if they could have led to the following: Adverse drug reactions Increased cost Drug interaction Lack of response Antimicrobial resistance A total of 4838 prescriptions have been studied, of which, 45% were deemed to be “prescriptions with deviations” and 9.8% as “unacceptable prescriptions.” The most common diseases for which such deviations were noticed were upper respiratory tract infections and hypertension. An administrative order and an online training programme were conducted to ensure the prevention and reduction of such deviations. Click here to read more

New Drugs for DR-TB Show Lower Toxicity in Early Trials New Drugs for DR-TB Show Lower Toxicity in Early Trials Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti July 15, 2025 CIDRAP International Health News, Tuberculosis, DR-TB Two recent Phase 2b studies , published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases on July 8, 2025, assessed the potential of new oxazolidinones- sutezolid and delpazolid as safer alternatives to linezolid for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis. The PanACEADECODE01 trial, conducted in Tanzania and South Africa, involved 76 participants and demonstrated that incorporating a 1,200 mg dose of delpazolid into a regimen with bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin over 16 weeks improved efficacy without causing serious adverse effects , with only one mild drug-related incident reported. Concurrently, the PanACEASUDOCU01 trial, which included 75 patients, indicated that sutezolid was safe and microbiologically effective at all tested doses, with only two related adverse events and no cases of peripheral or optic neuropathy, anemia, or lactic acidosis. Researchers emphasize that if these drugs are validated in larger Phase 3 trials, including those with HIV-positive patients, they could significantly reduce the toxicity associated with linezolid.

Women’s welfare gets a boost: Gender budget up by 38.6% Women’s welfare gets a boost: Gender budget up by 38.6% Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath February 27, 2024 Press Information Bureau Ministry of Women and Child Development, Women’s welfare The Gender Budget, which allocates funds for schemes and programs that benefit women and girls, has increased by 38.6% compared to the previous year. 43 Ministries/Departments/UTs have reported a total of Rs. 3.09 lakh crore in the Gender Budget Statement 2024-25, which is 6.5% of the total Union Budget. Ministry of Power and Ministry of Civil Aviation have reported in the Gender Budget Statement for the first time. The increase in the Gender Budget reflects the Government's commitment to empower women and girls and ensure their equal participation in the development of the country.

Academia-industry partnership to advance drug discovery for key public health disorders Academia-industry partnership to advance drug discovery for key public health disorders Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal June 6, 2024 Aganitha Bio-pharma Biotechnology, AI solutions, Research Collaborations A collaborative partnership was signed between the Center for Cellular & Molecular Biology and Aganitha, a global biopharmaceutical company. The partnership aims to use Aganitha's generative Al solutions to turn findings from the highly regarded research labs of CCMB into medicinal prospects, for example, predicting, testing, and optimizing antimalarial drugs. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) initially focuses on areas like , small molecule design, antibody engineering , and nanobody engineering for addressing malaria, tuberculosis, and neurological disorders . Dr. Raghunand Tirumalai highlighted the collaboration between CCMB and Aganitha in discovering small molecule inhibitors targeting essential proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Dr. Janesh Kumar emphasized the partnership's focus on developing nanobody binders for GluD1 neurotransmitter receptors , aiming to create new therapeutic options for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and epilepsy. Prasad Chodavarapu noted this academia-industry collaboration's potential to address significant human health challenges. 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

CDC guidelines for K-12 schools: Preventing infections in the upcoming school year CDC guidelines for K-12 schools: Preventing infections in the upcoming school year Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 1, 2024 Centre for Disease Control and Prevention School preparedness, infectious diseases, international health news The CDC has released new guidelines to help K-12 schools prevent infections in the 2024-2025 school year, balancing health with in-school learning. The key strategies for implementation are as follows Teach handwashing and hygiene Improve ventilation Maintain clean environments Encourage vaccinations If children fall sick, the following measures are to be followed, including: Sick individuals stay home PPE for staff caring for sick students Continue hygiene practices A few additional measures are also highlighted in case of need: Masks during high illness rates Increase student spacing Implement cohorts Conduct screening/testing Schools should also update emergency plans and collaborate with local health departments. Click here to read more.

Climate chaos uproots 43 Million children: UNICEF's alarming report Climate chaos uproots 43 Million children: UNICEF's alarming report Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary October 21, 2023 UNICEF Child Health, Disaster Management, Climate Change A new analysis by UNICEF revealed that between 2016 and 2021, weather-related disasters resulted in 43.1 million internal displacements of children across 44 countries. China and the Philippines recorded the highest absolute numbers due to their exposure to extreme weather and large child populations. Small island states like Dominica and Vanuatu were most affected by storms, while Somalia and South Sudan were highly affected by floods. Floods and storms accounted for 95% of displacements. Droughts caused over 1.3 million child displacements, predominantly in Somalia. Wildfires led to 810,000 displacements, with a third occurring in 2020. Climate change-driven movements pose escalating challenges for children, necessitating strengthened community preparedness and support for displaced children. In response to the findings, UNICEF has urged the government and stakeholders to protect them by: Improving child critical services Preparing them to live in a world with a changed climate Prioritize them in policy-making