Action plan for mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors Action plan for mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors Content Editor: Dr. Prachi June 12, 2024 Food and Agriculture Organization One Health, Biodiversity, Agriculture sector This year’s theme for International Day for Biodiversity is “Be Part of the Plan” - a call to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework . FAO is an integral part of this plan and launched its 2024–27 Action Plan for the Implementation of the FAO Strategy on M ainstreaming B iodiversity A cross A gricultural S ectors. This includes FAO’s Biodiversity Knowledge Hub and supporting countries in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Currently, three FAO -led projects support Indigenous Peoples in conserving and sustainably using biodiversity. According to the FAO, “Biodiversity is the potential food diversity in the future ”; hence, conserving and sustainably using biodiversity, with uncertain climate change, has become essential for food security and nutrition. Click here to read more.

Heatwaves impacts – an extended bane of fossil fuels. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 2, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Climate change, Heatwaves, Fossil Fuel burning • Major countries in America, Europe, Asia have been facing the ramifications of sustained hot and humid weathers. •Uncontrollable wildfires in Greece has been contributing to the scathing heat. Record breaking heatwave impacts in large geographical regions like Spain, Italy, Beijing have resulted in cautionary alerts • Specialist are attributing the unyielding weather conditions on the fossil fuel burning leading to climate crisis. Previous Next

The rise of the billionaire raj: A report by the World Inequality Lab The rise of the billionaire raj: A report by the World Inequality Lab Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi March 25, 2024 World Inequality Lab Economic inequality, Socioeconomic status The study brought together: National income accounts, tax tabulations, Wealth aggregates, billionaire rankings, rich lists, Surveys on wealth, consumption, and income- within a unified framework to provide long-run homogeneous wealth and income inequality series that extended back to 1961 for wealth and 1922 for incomes According to the publication, "the British Raj, led by the colonialist forces, was less unequal than the 'Billionaire Raj ,' headed by India's modern capitalists." It also says, "Without significant social and political upheaval, it is unclear how long such inequality levels can be sustained." The wealthiest in India are getting richer, while the poor are getting impoverished. The paper's authors also placed India's income and wealth inequality levels (as of 2022) in a global context by contrasting them with those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, South Africa, and France. India comes in second place for income shares in the top 10% while topping the list for shares in the top 1% . To address the growing disparities, the authors proposed implementing a super tax on Indian billionaires and multimillionaires and restructuring the tax schedule to include both income and wealth, which could be effective. Click here to read more

FSSAI’s Policy Shift on Misleading ORS Labels FSSAI’s Policy Shift on Misleading ORS Labels Content Editor: Dr. Leenus November 3, 2025 Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Health Policy, Food Safety, Health Communication Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited all drinks from naming themselves as "ORS" (Oral Rehydration Solution) unless they adhere to the WHO-recommended formulation strictly. The move is to stop misleading and deceptive labeling, since most such products with the label "ORS" fail to achieve the needed electrolyte proportion and come with a higher amount of sugar. FSSAI has revoked its previous relaxations dated July 2022 and February 2024, permitting the use of the term, subject to disclaimers. Use of the term "ORS" in any manner, prefix, suffix, or trademark, will henceforth amount to misbranding and misleading advertising under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Delhi High Court has granted an interim stay over portions of the prohibition, enabling the restricted sale of current stock pending continuation of legal proceedings, and clarified that its interim order was not a green light for fresh manufacture of such products. The order is a welcome step toward preventing misleading marketing practices that hinder the appropriate management of diarrhea. Its effective implementation and strict compliance will require close supervision and regular audits by the FSSAI.

Indian Standards of Millet Production recieves applause at 46th CAC in Italy Indian Standards of Millet Production recieves applause at 46th CAC in Italy Content Editor : Akhila Nandan December 13, 2023 Press Information Bureau Indian Millet Standards, CAC, FSSAI The C odex A limentarious C ommission (CAC ) appraised the Indian standards of millet production during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy. The 15 types of millets and 8 quality parameters presented by India have gained applause from CAC. Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed his appreciation to the Indian delegation for this glorious achievement which coincides with the International Day of Millets. The 8 quality parameters proposed by the FSSAI under the leadership of Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao involve the limitation of moisture, uric acid, extraneous material, edible grains, weevilled grains, immature and shriveled grains, and defects . This was the 60th anniversary of the session in which India enrolled as a member in 1964 chairing 12 Environmental Working Groups.

71-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 20 - 25th May, 2024 Baby blues a reality for 85% mothers but societal stigma still remains 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 Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy Editorial, The Lancet Regional Health Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Mental health, Research findings, perinatal health, MCH, maternal mortality Recent trial finds Metformin beneficial as a cancer-preventive agent A case-control research was undertaken to explore benefits of metformin use for MPN, using population registries of Denmark. People diagnosed with MPN between 2010-2018, were taken as cases and controls were selected from the Danish general population matched for age and sex. Metformin use data was secured from the country’s National registry of prescriptions. History of Metformin use in Cases before their diagnosis of MPN was determined and compared with the age-sex matched control group to estimate adjusted odds ratio to check association between metformin use and MPN. The study concluded that odds of MPN was significantly lower in those with a history of metformin use. [OR: 0.84 (0.73-0.96)] Furthermore, the strength of association displayed a significant dose-response relationship with rising treatment durations and these results were consistent in both sexes and all age groups. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy Blood Advances journal, American Society of Hematology Publications Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Research findings, Oncology, non-communicable diseases, clinical trial Study says Measles vaccine less effective in kids born via C- section According to the study, measles vaccination had 2.6 (1.06- 6.37) times higher odds of being ineffective in kids born by C-section compared to those born naturally . The study was conducted by modeling the antibody levels of 1505 individuals. The reason for this as explained by the researchers from the University of Cambridge UK and Fudan University, China could be due to development of gut microbiome as a result of which the child's immune system doesn't produce antibodies to fight against the measles infection. Studies say that natural birth transfers a greater variety of microbes from mother to baby. Furthermore the researchers have however found that the second dose of measles vaccine induced a robust immunity in such kids. Kids these days are more prone to this as a fact that many women are preferring to undergo C-section for childbirth instead of natural birth, it takes longer to catch up in developing their gut microbiome and with it the ability of the immune system to be primed by vaccines against disease including measles. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Aiswarya Nature Microbiology Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Measles, Vaccination, Immune response, Research Findings Hepatitis E outbreak in Chad, reports say 2092 suspected cases, including seven deaths Two health districts in Ouaddai province, Adre and Hadjer-Hadid, reported a total of 2092 suspected cases, including seven deaths, between January 2 and April 28. Ninety-five percent of these came from seven camps and transit locations for refugees. There were 27 pregnant women among the suspected cases, and the age categories most afflicted were 18–59 (representing 23.9%) and 6–17 (53.2%). Hepatitis-E cases have been documented from camps in the Ouaddai district of eastern Chad that house Sudanese refugees and returnees from Chad. In the impacted districts, response efforts are underway with assistance from UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, MSF Spain, MSF Switzerland, and WHO. The activities include epidemiological surveillance, laboratory confirmation of cases, Infection prevention and control, Water, sanitation and hygiene(WASH), risk communication and community engagement (RCCE). MSF Switzerland and WHO have educated community health professionals to assist with response efforts. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar WHO International news section Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Disease Outbreak, International Health Childhood lung function trajectories may be beneficial for predicting adult cardiovascular diseases The study was done to test the hypothesis that subnormal lung function trajectories from childhood to adulthood are associated with indicators of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers utilized data-driven methods for determining lung function trajectories from childhood to early adulthood. They also utilized ECG and carotid artery scan data as predictors of cardiovascular risk and function. The participant data used for the study were from 3 independent UK birth cohorts [ 4874 from ALSPAC, 809 from IOW, & 801 from MAAS] The results demonstrated a significant association between diminished lung function trajectories and the propensity of cardiovascular morbidities . The study highlights the importance of measuring lung function from an early age to improve health outcomes in adulthood. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy Thorax, BMJ Journals Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Research Findings, Preventive Medicine, Non Communicable Diseases, Public Health Importance of self-management among people living with HIV A study by Dadi et al. aimed to understand the perspectives of service providers and experts on the importance of self-management for People Living With HIV (PLWH). It was a qualitative study involving systematic expert interviews with experts and service providers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. A thematic analysis was subsequently done using the Atlas TI version 9 software. The themes were divided into 2 broad dimensions: contextual and process. The problems identified under the contextual dimension were further sub-divided into: Disease-specific Facility related Social environment related. The problems identified under the process/individual dimension included: Ignorance Low self-esteem Lack of social support The study shows that there is a need to integrate self-management practices into standard management practices, especially for chronic diseases such as AIDS that have a long natural history and a lot of stigma and unawareness associated with them. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Tanu BioMed Central Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 Self-Management, Chronic Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, HIV International Nurses Day celebration by the Military Nursing Service International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 11 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. It was celebrated by the Military Nursing Service at Ayurvigyan Auditorium, Army Hospital (R & R), Delhi on May 11, 2024. The chief guest was Maj Gen Kanwarjit Singh, Offg. Commandant Army Hospital (R&R). The International Council of Nurses has declared the theme for this year as ‘Our Nurses, Our Future, The Economic Power of Care’ The celebrations included a debate on ‘Artificial Intelligence in Nursing: Boon or Bane’ and a panel discussion was also conducted on this year’s theme. The panel discussion was centered on, but not restricted to the following: The challenges faced by nursing professionals The approaches to empowering nurses Digitalization in healthcare Nurse burnouts The work done by the nursing fraternity with passion was commemorated and appreciation certificates were also handed over to nursing officers for their work. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 Nursing, Internation days, International Health Current status of the treatment cascade of hypertension in India The “treatment cascade” of hypertension is an important tool to understand and assess the performance of health systems in delivering health care to patients with hypertension. The various stages of the hypertension treatment cascade include The proportion of people screened for hypertension The proportion of people aware of their diagnosis The proportion of people on appropriate treatment The proportion of people with their blood pressure under control Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 survey of 1,267,786 people , which included males 15-54 years and females in the reproductive age group females was analyzed to identify the proportion of people at each stage of the treatment cascade. The national prevalence of hypertension was found to be 18.3% , among which men had a higher prevalence at 21.6% as compared to women at 14.8%. Though 70.5% of hypertensives had been screened at least once, only 34.3% were aware of their hypertensive status. The proportion of hypertensives under treatment was abnormally low at 13.7%, out of which only 7.8% had their BP under control. Multinomial logistic regression found males, illiterates, poor, never married, residents of rural areas, smokers/tobacco users, and alcoholic users were less likely to be at any level in the treatment cascade. Hence there is a need to make hypertension diagnosis and treatment more accessible , especially to the vulnerable groups. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 Noncommunicable disease, Hypertension, NFHS Undernourishment and the risk of TB among exposed household contacts A multicentric cohort study was conducted, based on the body mass index (BMI) of household contacts (HHCs) of people with TB diagnosed within 2 months of the study date. The study had 857 HHCs, 239 (27.9%) of whom were underweight according to their BMI. Out of the 18 new TB cases that developed during follow-up, 10 cases were underweight, and all 4 participants who developed early TB disease were severely malnourished. The study found a hazard ratio of 3.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 8.02) for TB disease in undernourished household contacts. The study concluded that undernourished individuals are at heightened risk of progression, not infection. In addition to TB preventive therapy, the study highlights the significance of TB programs in preventing tuberculosis (TB) among household contacts by providing sufficient rations for the entire household. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 Tuberculosis, Nutrition, TB Prevention Rise of FLiRT variants of COVID-19 in the United States KP.2 belongs to the variant type known as “FLiRT ,” which has been derived from the JN.1 variant. FLiRT is the term used for a family of different variants that have picked up the same set of mutations. FLiRT’s or FLiPs refer to the position of spike protein, which in this case is 456, 346, and 572. Two of these mutations, 456 and 346, act by eliminating binding sites for antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2. However, in addition to evading antibodies, it has lost some ability to bind to receptors and enter the cells. The difference is just one or two amino acids, so there are still a lot of other places where antibodies can bind. Fortunately, the JN.1 infection does provide strong protection against all FLiRT variants. After years of vaccination and infection, most people can fight off an infection without much concern . The period of infectiousness remains the same as in JN.1 and previous Omicron variants. It is contagious 1-2 days before developing and a few days after symptoms subside . It is recommended to test oneself if one is feeling sick, which will help in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Since this variation has the potential to have a severe impact on the susceptible population, extreme caution should be exercised. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 International health, COVID-19, Infectious disease. Prevalence of STDs: Insights from a retrospective analysis A study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of STIs among attendees at the Suraksha Clinic in the Apex Regional STD Center in New Delhi. Suraksha Clinic is a chain of STI clinics established by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) to provide enhanced sexual health services and prevent HIV/AIDS in India. Retrospective data from January 2018 to December 2022 was statistically analyzed using Excel and SPSS. Out of 12,978 people, 58.92% were males and 40.94% were females. The outcomes showed a significant burden of STIs as follows: 26.24% for candidiasis 11.78% for chlamydiasis 11.64% for herpes genitalis 9.97% for bacterial vaginosis 7.80% for chancroid 3.36% positive for gonorrhea 3.06% for syphilis 1.74% testing positive for HIV 1.05% for trichomoniasis 4.01% for other non-STIs Researchers concluded that syndromic diagnoses, including vaginal/cervical discharge (21.22 %) and genital warts (8.00 %), highlight prevalent conditions, necessitating routine screening, early detection, and targeted interventions. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Anamika Brazilian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Source : Published on : May 21, 2024 Sexually Transmitted Infections, Communicable diseases, HIV Status of teleradiology and technological advancements in radiology in India Over the past 20 years, Indian teleradiology firms have been providing services to foreign nations , despite the shortage of radiologists in India. This has helped to understand and bring home the necessary tools and infrastructure to provide high-quality teleradiology services in the country. There is a growing trend of hospitals outsourcing their radiology services to teleradiology firms, reflecting the challenges of hiring and maintaining radiologists at a competitive wage. A healthy balance between services meeting India's requirements and those serving other nations must be maintained. Training for technicians in the teleradiology workflow is closely related to the quality requirements of teleradiology. It may be necessary to provide them with training to fill in gaps in service engineers' availability to handle minor troubleshooting duties related to the teleradiology process and equipment. However, AI can improve image quality and shorten scan times, distinguish between normal and abnormal chest X-rays, and identify specific diseases with high accuracy. AI can also help with common imaging procedures in general care, such as mammography, CT brain, obstetric ultrasound, and chest X-rays. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms into the diagnostic workflow represents paradigm shifts in healthcare delivery in the future. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Prayag The Lancet Regional Health Source : Published on : May 21, 2024 Telemedicine, Teleradiology, Universal health coverage The rising concern about smokeless tobacco use among pregnant women A study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia shows alarming rates of tobacco use among pregnant and lactating women in India. The data from the National Family Health Survey-5 was used for the study. This is a public health concern threatening the well-being of both mothers and their children. Tobacco use among currently married pregnant and lactating women stands at 2.5% and 3.2%, respectively. 85.6% of these women are using smokeless tobacco (SLT) , which is culturally more acceptable but no less harmful. Age, employment status, and wealth quintile were found to be the significant predictors of smoked tobacco use among pregnant women. For lactating women, the middle wealth quintile and the South Indian region emerge as key predictors. The study calls for immediate action to integrate tobacco awareness and cessation services into routine antenatal examinations. The research underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies, which will address the unique challenges faced by pregnant and lactating women. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath The Lancet Regional Health Source : Published on : May 21, 2024 Tobacco, Pregnant Women, Smokeless Tobacco G20 India- A game changer for midwives and nurse’s leadership in global health. A review was recently published in the Lancet on how the G20 could be the game changer for midwives and nurses in Indian healthcare. There has been a slow increase in women's leadership among the midwives and the nurses. There have been multiple platforms wherein there has been a lack of women leadership due to men-only panels. However, the G20 serves as an opportunity for women to rise in their leadership roles. India has a unique chance to consolidate its leadership position in global health and set the standard for advancing the agenda for gender equality internationally during the forthcoming G20 meeting. To accomplish this, 3 key areas must be prioritized at the G20 summit. These three areas are as follows: Priority 1: Health care workforce, dignity & fair pay Priority 2: Women's involvement in rights-based decision-making for their sexual, reproductive, and maternity health, with the assistance of midwives and nurses Priority 3: Leadership in health governance and policy formulation by midwives and nurses to support universal health coverage and enhance the provision of healthcare services Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Prayag The Lancet Regional Health Source : Published on : May 21, 2024 Gender Equity, Leadership, Empowerment Themes reflective of self-driven solutions and resilience of persons with DR-TB A new research study published in the Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal shows distinctive themes explanatory of the self-driven solutions and resilience exhibited by PwDR-TB and their caregivers. A qualitative study using a positive deviance framework was conducted among adult PwDR-TB (7 women, 13 men) who completed a shorter treatment regimen (including injections) with maximum treatment adherence. It also included their caregivers and health providers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad between June 2020 and December 2022. Interviews were conducted in the local language and asked about practices, behaviors, experiences, perceptions, and attributes that enabled maximum adherence and resilience of PwDR-TB. The themes found were as follows: Self-adaptation towards drugs through nutritional practices Home remedies and self-plans for ameliorating injection pain Mind diversion practices Reinforcement of bodily recovery It was also found that caregivers aid them with intensive and participatory care, and healthcare providers support them with their conventional standard of care. Synthesized findings on self-driven solutions and resilience towards the multi-dimensional DR-TB challenges provide opportunities for developing and testing new interventions for their effectiveness in DR-TB care settings globally in the future. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Anamika The Lancet Source : Published on : May 21, 2024 Self-driven solutions, Tuberculosis RCSI study uses AI to uncover extensive health risks in vape flavors The study was conducted at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin. Vaping works by heating a mixture of flavors, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine into an aerosol to inhale. Heating this mixture, especially fruit flavors, produces harmful chemicals linked to various health issues. AI was used to analyze 180 flavors, predicting 127 acutely toxic chemicals, 153 health hazards, and 225 irritants. They computed six relevant molecular properties and used principal components to represent the chemical space. The goal was to predict potential pyrolysis products by using the software PUMA 1.0 . The study indicates nearly all vape flavors may pose health hazards, even those without nicotine. However, the vaping industry contends vaping is far less harmful than smoking and is key to helping smokers quit. The UK government is taking steps by banning disposable vapes and limiting sweet flavors . Public health officials advise avoiding vaping if you don't smoke , and vaping should only be used to quit smoking . Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay The Guardian Source : Published on : May 20, 2024 Vaping, AI Study, International Health News Post-marketing surveillance of medical devices - MoHFW issues circular The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization(CDSCO ) in India has called for medical device manufacturers to establish a system for promptly identifying and disclosing adverse events related to their products. This is to ensure compliance with the Q uality M anagement S ystem and to notify the M ateriov igilance P rogramme of I ndia (MvPI ) of any adverse incidents. The government also mandates post-market surveillance (PMS) to identify and address potential risks related to medical devices. Prompt reporting of adverse events helps manufacturers and regulatory authorities mitigate risks and protect public health. The goal of the MVPI, which was previously introduced by the health ministry, was to increase patient safety through the observation, documentation, and analysis of the underlying causes of unfavorable events or risks related to the use of medical devices, including in-vitro diagnostics, by patients, healthcare professionals, and users. Subsequently, the regulatory bodies would be recommended for suitable action. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Source : Published on : May 20, 2024 Medical Technology, Surveillance Safety analysis of Covaxin: Findings from an observational study A prospective observational study interviewed 1024 individuals telephonically regarding long-term adverse events of special interest (AESIs) following a year of vaccination among adolescents and adults who received the BBV152 vaccine (Covaxin). The study determined the risk factors for AESIs and AESIs that lasted for a minimum of one month. The most common AESIs among adolescents were as follows: Viral upper respiratory tract infections (47.9%) New-onset skin and subcutaneous disorders (10.5%) Nervous system disorders (4.7%) Similarly, the most common AESIs among the adults were as follows: Viral upper respiratory tract infections (42.6%) Musculoskeletal disorders (5.8%) Nervous system disorders (5.5%) A few other AESIs were also noted, such as Guillain–Barre syndrome, menstrual abnormalities, and ocular abnormalities. The development patterns of AESIs following BBV152 were not the same as those observed with other COVID-19 vaccines against COVID-19, nor were they consistent between adolescents and adults. Further comparative studies would be required to understand the association of Covaxin with the AESIs. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal Springer Link Source : Published on : May 20, 2024 Side Effects, Vaccination, COVID-19 Trends of child mortality in India: Findings from the National Family Health Survey The representative population-based analysis employed repeated cross-sectional data from the five rounds of the National Family Health Survey , which were carried out in 1992–1993; 1998–1999; 2005–2006; 2015–2016; and 2019–2021. The four early life stages of early-neonatal (first seven days), late-neonatal (eight to twenty-eight days), post-neonatal (eight days to eleven months), and kid (12-59 months) mortality rates were calculated. The reduction in mortality throughout the early-neonatal and post-neonatal phases of mortality was comparatively slower in this repeated cross-sectional research of five time periods, with considerable variability across states and UTs. The mortality rates were lowest for the late-neonatal and child periods ; whereas early-neonatal was the highest in 2021. It was found that child mortality had a substantial decrease between 1993 and 2021, from 33.5 to 6.9 deaths per 1000. Currently, deaths are most commonly seen in the early-neonatal (48.3% of total deaths in children younger than 5 years) and postneonatal (25.6%) periods. The results indicate that prioritizing policies related to early and postnatal mortality and ensuring that policies and interventions are tailored to the specific setting is necessary. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal JAMA Network Source : Published on : May 20, 2024 Child Mortality, NFHS Data, Infant Mortality, Child Health International Organisations stress on comprehensive approach to pandemic preparedness The World Health Organisation (WHO ), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD ), and the W orld B ank have released new guidance on the role of mathematical modeling, specifically integrated modeling, in addressing emerging pandemic-prone pathogen threats. Disciplinary silos, poor data availability, and inadequate venues for communication among policymakers and modelers pose substantial problems in pandemic preparedness. To assist governments in this endeavor, the WHO-OECD-World Bank handbook offers four measures to help develop capacity in integrated modeling and its use in policymaking across varied contexts: Institutionalizing models for policymaking. Establishing active communication between actors. Connecting policy questions to relevant models. Increasing knowledge and comprehension of modeling and integrated modeling. Click here to read more. 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India being a land of diverse cultures with over 4600 population groups, shares a varied genetic makeup. This gave rise to the need to create a ‘human reference genome’ for the Indian population. The Genome India Project, initiated in 2020 by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is dedicated to sequence the human genome in the country. Under the project; 10,000 human genomes have been sequenced which will further be used to create a genetic map of India. Public Health News Analysis Unveiling the Genome India Project: Mapping the Human Genetic Landscape Image Credits: Dr. Sakshi Sankhla Author: Dr. Rajat Sharma Updated on : April 29, 2024 Human Genome Project, Genetics, Eugenics, Genetic Mapping, DNA, Molecular Genetics The Genome India Project has laid the foundation for further exploration of the nation's genetic landscape and has established a benchmark for future studies The Genome India Project The Genome India Project, initiated in 2020 by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is dedicated to sequence the human genome in the country. Under the project; 10,000 human genomes have been sequenced which will further be used to create a genetic map of India. (1) The project is an effort to strengthen India’s reliance on its genetic data echoing the legacy of the Human Genome Project. The project is being led by the Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru with 20 collaborating centres across the country. Each genome sequence, amounting to 80 GB, contributes to a total sequencing data of 8 Petabytes. The data will be securely stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre in Faridabad, facilitating further research and analysis. (2) Decoding the Aims & Objectives India being a land of diverse cultures with over 4600 population groups, shares a varied genetic makeup. This gave rise to the need to create a ‘human reference genome’ for the Indian population. A human genome reference sequence is an accepted subset of the human genome sequence that is used by researchers as a standard for comparison to DNA sequences generated in their studies. (3) The aim of the scientists involved is to provide the highest-quality, consensus representations of the gene sequences, keeping the structural diversity found in the human genome among populations. The genome reference sequence serves as a basic structural framework but does not constitute an individual’s whole DNA sequence. The data derived from the Genome India Project will play a pivotal role in shaping this standard 'human reference genome', ensuring it accurately reflects the genetic diversity prevalent among India's population. From obscurity to revolution: The rise of genetics While the discovery of the DNA double helix by Watson and Crick in 1953 was a landmark moment, genetics had its roots in earlier work by Gregor Mendel and others. However, Watson and Crick's contribution provided a crucial foundation for the field's explosive growth. Polymerase Chain Reaction was introduced in 1980s which unfolded frontiers of innovation in healthcare diagnostics. This technique allowed for the rapid amplification of minute DNA samples, making genetic analysis accessible and scalable. This paved the way for the development of molecular genetics, a field that explores the role of genes and their products at the molecular level. The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003 was a landmark moment in the history of genetic testing. By sequencing the entire human genome, it provided a comprehensive blueprint of human genetic makeup. This vast dataset propelled further advancements in genetic testing, personalising medicine, and opening doors for new diagnostic tools and potential gene therapies. However, this dataset not being adequately representative of the Indian population paved the need for Indian subcontinent-specific genetic analysis leading to the structurisation of the Genome India Project. Fig.1: Roadmap of the genetic advancement Genomic advancement in healthcare Genomics has been pivotal in revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics, paving the way for personalised medicine to take center stage. This approach emphasizes tailoring disease diagnosis and treatment plans to each individual, offering a detailed understanding of their specific health challenges. Pharmacogenomics stands out as a recent breakthrough, customizing medications based on an individual's unique response to drugs. For instance, when considering the use of Abacavir, a medication for managing HIV, HLA-B*5701 testing can determine the appropriate treatment plan. Patients testing positive for HLA-B*5701 are advised not to take Abacavir. Similarly, for the use of Trastuzumab, HER2 protein expression must be evaluated. If the expression is (2+ or 3+), Trastuzumab will likely be effective . (4) Moreover, the advent of the CRISPR technique in 2012 has paved a new era of genetic editing, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in modifying genetic material. This breakthrough holds immense potential for treating genetic disorders and advancing medical research. In prenatal care, non-invasive prenatal testing ( NIPT ) represents a significant advancement in genetics applied to healthcare. By analysing the genetic makeup of the fetus from the mother's blood sample, NIPT provides a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional methods such as amniocentesis. This technique holds promise for early detection of fetal disorders while minimizing risks of harm due to invasive procedures in pregnancy. Polygenic Risk Score A recent breakthrough in genetics is the advent of Polygenic Risk Scores ( PRS ), offering a sophisticated method to assess the likelihood of developing certain diseases. PRS integrates multiple genetic variants associated with a particular condition, providing a comprehensive score that reflects an individual's genetic predisposition to that disease. (5) By combining various versions of multiple genes linked to a specific disease, PRS offers an in-depth understanding of genetic risk factors. Each individual possesses a unique PRS for each disease, enabling targeted analysis and risk assessment. To calculate the Polygenic Risk Score, researchers tally the total count of both risk-increasing and risk-decreasing genetic variants. Risk-increasing variants are those that occur more frequently in individuals with the disease, indicating an elevated susceptibility if these variants are present. This meticulous calculation method allows for a precise estimation of disease risk based on an individual's genetic profile. (6) Techniques of Genetic Testing Genetic sequencing is deciphering the complete sequence of DNA base pairs in an individual. Out of all the techniques available including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Microarray analysis, and Florescent In-Situ Hybridisation (FISH); Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is the most popular one. It is rapid, accurate and cost-effective to screen large amounts of DNA. DNA NGS involves DNA fragmentation, library preparation, massively parallel sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and variant/mutation annotation and interpretation. DNA fragmentation is used to snip the targeted DNA into multiple short segments. Library preparation , on the other hand, is the process of modifying DNA segments into sample-specific index, such as sample identification, which aids in identifying the patient for whom the DNA sequencing was conducted. Massive parallel sequencing is performed using an NGS sequencer. The library is uploaded onto a sequencing matrix in a specific sequencer. The sequence information generated from such massive parallel sequencing is analyzed using bioinformatics software which uses base calling, read alignment, variant identification, and variant annotation. During this process, the sequence information is compared to a human genome reference sequence to identify whether there are any variants/mutations in the targeted sequences. (7) Public Health Implications of Genetic Mapping The first-ever genome of India was mapped in 2009 .(8) Since then, there have been continuous efforts to create a genetic repository of the Indian population. Ind-Gen is one of the initiatives funded by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR ) which specifically caters to the role of genetic epidemiology in Public Health. With the recent completion of the Genome India Project, has given a strong hope to aid genetic data in assisting public health priorities. Genetic dataset holds key promises in Public Health through: Genetic mapping has enabled the pinpointing of specific genes implicated in certain diseases within select segments of the Indian population. For instance, through this process, researchers have identified that heart failure among young Indians can be attributed to mutations in the MYBPC3 gene, encoding Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C. This genetic variant is prevalent in approximately 4% of the South Asian population, elevating the risk of heart failure by up to sevenfold (9). Similarly, another mutation known as LAMB3 has been linked to Epidermolysis Bullosa, a severe skin condition, with a higher incidence observed in South India. (10) These findings underscore the importance of conducting region-specific genetic studies, highlighting nuances that may be overlooked in a global genetic repository. Exploring the prevalence of specific disorders within distinct population subsets falls within the domain of population genetics. This field sheds light on the distribution and frequency of genetic traits and diseases among different demographic groups. By conducting genetic assessments, researchers can identify vulnerable populations at heightened risk of certain disorders. This knowledge is invaluable in devising targeted prevention strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of these disorders within susceptible communities. One of the most significant roles of genetic assessment is in the prevention and identification of cancer disorders. Genetic testing can be utilized at identifying at-risk family members in certain syndromes such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2, Von Hippel-Lindau disease, and familial Adenomatous Polyposis are few such examples in. (11) The advent of genetic screening for cancer detection is well employed in the prevention and management of Breast Cancer. The personalized approach to cancer detection and prevention can be a boon to reduce the Public Health burden of cancer. The global genomic market size is expected to reach 94.65 USD by the end of 2028. (12) Pioneer clinical genetic expert and the co-founder of G enomics for U nderstanding R are D isease I nternational A lliance N etwork ( GUaRDIAN ) project Dr Vinod Scaria states “Precision medicine is a reality. Around 30% of cancer therapeutic approvals in the last decade are targeted therapies. Almost all professional guidelines presently include recommendations for somatic/germline testing for major tumours. Pre-emptive Pharmacogenomics testing is a reality.” Way Ahead The entire dataset will be stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) , Faridabad, Haryana and will be made available as a digital public repository . The wealth of genetic data generated presents an opportunity for researchers to uncover insights that can significantly enhance public healthcare in the country. The Genome India Project has laid the foundation for further exploration of the nation's genetic landscape and has established a benchmark for future studies. However, the government must prioritize the expansion of genetic testing efforts, making it more accessible and affordable to all segments of the population. By leveraging genetic data, we can address the unique healthcare needs of vulnerable population subsets and work towards a healthier future for all. References Press Information Bureau. [Internet]. Google.com . [cited 2024 Mar 4]. Available from: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi3pO6mttuEAxXCT2wGHQdxCA0QFnoECCkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpib.gov.in%2FPressNoteDetails.aspx%3FNoteId%3D151846%26ModuleId%3D3&usg=AOvVaw0hbj1UoBkNaSZNkXw1CVBv&opi=89978449 Dutt A.Explained: The Genome India project, aimed at creating a genetic map of the country. The Indian Express [Internet]. 2024 Feb 29 [cited 2024 Apr 29]; Available from: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/creating-indias-genetic-map-9187160/ Kris A. Wetterstrand MS. 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Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2350-11-4 HealthWorld ET. The future of genomics in India [Internet]. ETHealthWorld. 2023 [cited 2024 Apr 8]. Available from: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/the-future-of-genomics-in-india/100060290 comments debug Comments Rated 0 out of 5 stars. No ratings yet Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

Differences in preventable premature deaths: The urban and rural gap Differences in preventable premature deaths: The urban and rural gap Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar May 14, 2024 Center for Disease Control and Prevention International Health, Health Report, Urban and rural The percentage of preventable premature deaths from five leading causes of death was consistently higher in rural counties than in most urban counties during the study period. The gap between most rural and urban counties for premature death increased for four causes of death (cancer, heart disease, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke ). However, it decreased for unintentional injury during 2010-2022. Urban and suburban counties experienced an increase in unintentional injuries, leading to a narrow gap in the percentage of preventable premature deaths. The increase in premature death for multiple leading causes of death was observed in 2020 due to COVID-19-related conditions, which contributed to increased mortality from heart disease and stroke. Routine tracking based on urban-rural county classification might enable us to identify and monitor geographic disparities in health outcomes. Click here to read more.

04. International Year of Nutritious Cereals (2023) - preparations are going on in full swing at the national-international level 04. International Year of Nutritious Cereals (2023) - preparations are going on in full swing at the national-international level December 21, 2022 Press Information Bureau Public Health Nutrition Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the proposal of the Government of India, the United Nations has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets, which will be celebrated with enthusiasm across the country as well as globally. A major initiative was taken by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to promote millets in the country and the world by organizing 'Special Millets Lunch' for MPs in the Parliament Courtyard today.