Malaria to become notifiable disease across India Malaria to become notifiable disease across India Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal April 28, 2023 The Hindu Malaria, Infectious disease, Notifiable disease, Elimination, Real-time monitoring This is in line with India’s vision of eliminating Malaria by 2030 . India witnessed an 85.1% decline in malaria cases and around 83.36% decline in deaths during 2015-22 . In order to monitor malaria growth across India, the health ministry reports that near real-time data monitoring is now possible through an integrated health information platform and monthly regional review meetings . The WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia further stated that countries in the region with malaria outbreaks should expand access to high-impact tools and treatments for the disease. Children in the poorest households worldwide have a five-fold increased risk of contracting malaria. Young children who have mothers with poor levels of education and who reside in rural areas are more likely to contract malaria.

India's hunger index battle: The disputed ranking unveiled India's hunger index battle: The disputed ranking unveiled Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay October 24, 2023 The Hindu Global health, malnutrition India is ranked 111 out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, with progress against hunger nearly stagnant since 2015. To assess hunger, the GHI considers multiple indicators, including undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. The GHI score for India is 28.7 out of 100, categorizing the severity of hunger as "serious." For the third year in a row, the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India has challenged the country's Global Hunger Index (GHI) position, asserting that the methodology used is fundamentally imprecise. The ministry pointed to a significant disparity between its Poshan Tracker portal's data and the GHI's figures for child wasting prevalence. The GHI emphasizes using consistent data sources and methodologies for international comparisons, which can be the reason behind the disparity.

U.S. Strategy: Protecting American and global communities from emerging threats U.S. Strategy: Protecting American and global communities from emerging threats Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma April 29, 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Health Threats, International health The White House released the United States Government Global Health Security Strategy (GHSS) 2024 to keep Americans safe from future pandemics, emphasizing the importance of worldwide collaboration to achieve global health security. The CDC is crucial in these strategies: Coordinate domestic and global health security programs. Offer scientific expertise to partners and policymakers. Lead in addressing infectious disease outbreaks. Utilize data for real-time outbreak response. Maintain international staff for collaborative efforts and early detection of overseas health threats. CDC has a long history of supporting partner governments through initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to improve their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging health threats. Click here to read more.

New scheme to improve enrolment in secondary education New scheme to improve enrolment in secondary education Content editor: Dr. Aneesh February 24, 2024 Government Schemes Financial assistance, Universal education, SDGs, Gender equality The main aim of the scheme is to increase enrolment, reduce dropouts, and also to improve the nutritional status of adolescent girls. According to the education department, Rs 10,000 per annum for classes 9 and 10 will be disbursed as Rs 500 monthly based on attendance. The balance of 50 percent will be credited to the account after they clear the Class 10 board exam. Similarly, Rs 15,000 per annum for classes 11 and 12 will be transferred in monthly installments of Rs 750 for 10 months based on attendance , while the remaining 50 percent will be credited to their accounts after they clear the Class 12 board exam. Moreover, with the implementation of this scheme, the state will be able to achieve universal enrolment in secondary education just as the state has achieved universal enrolment in primary education. Namo Lakshmi Yojana will be available as an additional benefit to the students covered under Namo Saraswati Merit Scholarship. Click here to read more.

India’s Multi-Pronged Push for Cancer Care India’s Multi-Pronged Push for Cancer Care Content Editor: Dr. Shayari March 11, 2025 Press Information Bureau, India Non-Communicable Disease, Cancer Care India is intensifying its fight against cancer with a focus on prevention, affordable treatment, and innovation. With over 14 lakh new cases reported in 2023, the government has rolled out robust policies, budget allocations, and global partnerships to strengthen oncology infrastructure and ensure equitable access to care. Key Highlights Budget Boost: ₹99,858.56 crore allocated for health, including 200 Day Care Cancer Centres and customs duty exemptions on 36 lifesaving drugs. Infrastructure Expansion: 19 State Cancer Institutes, 20 Tertiary Care Centres, and 770 District NCD (Non Communicable Disease) Clinics established under NP-NCD (N ational P rogramme for P revention and C ontrol of N on C ommunicable D iseases) for early detection of oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Financial Aid: Ayushman Bharat covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgeries, while HMCPF provides up to ₹15 lakh for BPL patients. Innovation: Launch of NexCAR19 , India’s first indigenous CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T) cell therapy, and the Q uad C ancer M oonshot initiative to eliminate cervical cancer . Awareness: National campaigns like Eat Right India and Fit India promote healthy lifestyles, while Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs drive grassroots awareness. India’s cancer care framework integrates policy, finance, and innovation, yet challenges in rural access and early detection persist. Sustained efforts aim to build an inclusive, cancer-free future.

Mental Health Services in India: Government's Comprehensive Approach to Support and Care Mental Health Services in India: Government's Comprehensive Approach to Support and Care Content Editor: Dr Shayari December 26, 2024 Press Information Bureau Mental Health, National Mental Health Program GoI is enhancing mental health services through initiatives like the National Mental Health Programme and the Tele Mental Health Programme.These efforts aim to increase access to care, train mental health professionals, and integrate mental health services into primary healthcare across the country. Government Efforts to Improve Mental Health Services in India National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): 25 Centres of Excellence set up to train mental health specialists and provide advanced care. 767 districts covered under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP ), offering training for doctors, psychologists, and nurses. Mental Health at Primary Care Level: Over 1.73 lakh health centers upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, now offering mental health services. New guidelines and training materials developed for managing mental health and substance use issues. Digital Training Programs: Over 42,000 healthcare professionals trained online since 2018 through specialized Digital Academies. Introduction of B.Sc. Clinical Psychology (Hons.) in 19 universities to produce more mental health professionals. National Tele Mental Health Programme: Launched in 2022 to provide accessible mental health counseling. 53 Tele MANAS Cells set up across 36 States/UTs, handling 15.95 lakh calls. Tele MANAS Mobile App: Launched in October 2024 as a one-stop platform for mental health support, from well-being to treatment. Click here to read more.

Update: Southeast Asia Faces a Surge in COVID-19 Linked to JN.1 Subvariant Update: Southeast Asia Faces a Surge in COVID-19 Linked to JN.1 Subvariant Content Editor: Dr. Jahnvi Saboo May 29, 2025 PHC Editorial Bureau COVID-19, Infectious disease outbreaks, Global Healt COVID-19 cases rose in several Southeast Asian countries in April-May, driven by JN.1 subvariants (LF.7, NB.1.8), probably due to periodic waves and waning immunity. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Singapore: Between April 27 and May 3, fresh COVID-19 cases surged to 14,200, up from 11,100 in the preceding week. This marks the first time the nation’s government has released data on COVID-19 case numbers - an action usually undertaken only in concerning situations. Thailand: Reports a significant spike. Gatherings held for the Songkran festival may have contributed to enhanced transmission. Almost 70% of cases are associated with the JN.1 sub variants, followed by the previously dominant XEC variant accounts 49,065 new COVID-19 cases were reported between May 11-17. This number rose to almost 65,000 new cases between May 18 and 24. According to experts, the peak is yet to come. Hong Kong and Mainland China Also experienced an uptick in cases around mid-April and early May. According to surveillance data from May 3-10, Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection noted that COVID-19 positivity rates in respiratory samples hit a one-year high. On May 23, the authority reported early signs of slow down in transmission, but urged citizens to continue to stay vigilant. The China CDC also reported that test positivity rates more than doubled in these 5 weeks. China experienced a similar trend last summer. Taiwan: Cases surged by 88% during the week of May 11-17 compared to the prior week. The Taiwanese CDC predicts the cases to peak around mid-late June at about 55,000-60,000, which is half of what the country witnessed at the same time last year. India: No significant rise so far. Also witnessing a gradual increase. As of May 27, the country had 1010 active cases. Kerala accounts for a majority of cases followed by Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi. Authorities are reviewing preparedness measures and are deploying additional resources to ensure the health systems’ ability to respond to the ongoing outbreak. Variants responsible for this outbreak: LF.7 and NB.1.8. Both have evolved from JN.1 —the variant used in developing the current COVID-19 vaccine formulation The XEC variant was previously dominant in the Southeast Asia region but is now being replaced by JN.1 descendants which are more transmissible. These variants are unlikely to be more lethal. Hospitalizations and deaths remain in line with expected rates for the current case numbers. Causes of rise in case numbers: Periodic waves of increase in case numbers, as is observed with most endemic respiratory diseases. Waning population immunity. Response across the region: Increased international, national and subnational surveillance. Efforts to increase immunization coverage. Test kits, Vaccine supplies and capacities of healthcare facilities are being enhanced. Notably, the Thai government has made provisions that allow its COVID-19 infected citizens to get free online consultations via three partner applications.

WHO urges action to protect children from contaminated medicines WHO urges action to protect children from contaminated medicines January 27, 2023 WHO News section Bio-Medical Safety, Pharmoco-Vigilance Over the past four months, countries have reported on several incidents of over-the-counter cough syrups for children with confirmed or suspected contamination with high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG). The cases are from at least seven countries, associated with more than 300 fatalities in three of these countries. WHO’s medical product alerts were rapidly disseminated to all 194 Member States. These medical product alerts requested; (a) the detection and removal of contaminated medicines from circulation in the markets, (b) increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected, (c) immediate notification to WHO if these substandard products are discovered in-country.

Urgent polio vaccination campaign underway in Gaza Urgent polio vaccination campaign underway in Gaza Content Editor: Shayari September 5, 2024 Social Trends Polio Virus, Immunization, Outbreak, Disaster The Gaza Strip is currently facing a critical public health crisis with the resurgence of polio, a highly contagious and potentially debilitating disease. A large-scale vaccination campaign has been launched to protect vulnerable children from the devastating effects of this preventable illness. The campaign aims: To administer 1.3 million doses of polio vaccine To approximately 640,000 children under five years of age Within a short timeframe of three days. The urgency of the campaign stems from the significant risk posed by the poliovirus, which can cause irreversible paralysis and even death in young children. Vaccinating young children is the most effective way to stop the spread of polio and protect vulnerable populations. Click here to read more.

An update about infectious disease outbreaks across the world An update about infectious disease outbreaks across the world Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel March 19, 2024 Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Policy Infectious diseases, Disease Outbreaks In South America, dengue cases witnessed a surge in numbers. Brazil reported more than 1 million suspected cases of dengue according to a surveillance report revealed by their Health Ministry. This led to a response by the Government to increase production of dengue tests and the launch of a vaccination drive through its public system. Meanwhile, Peru declared a dengue emergency in 20 out of 25 districts, outpacing the record level of dengue cases in 2023. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among commercial poultry flocks across five states in the United States. Four other states reported outbreaks of HPAI among backyard flocks. The USDA moved swiftly to mitigate the spread of these infections among animals and from animals to humans. In Africa, Nigeria reported a new polio case in the Kano state involving the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. This boosted the country’s total of cases in 2023 to 82. Click here to read more.