Use of oxytocin in the dairy industry: Implications and way ahead Use of oxytocin in the dairy industry: Implications and way ahead Content Editor: Dr. Shubham May 8, 2024 Social Trends Animal Handling, Animal Health, Dairy farming The Delhi High Court passed judgment on the widespread usage of oxytocin hormone in dairy colonies, that are packaged in white plastic bottles with a red or silver lid. The Court released a statement addressing the following points: In addition to being concerning, the use of oxytocin hormone to boost dairy and cattle productivity is also considered cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, of 1960, and The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940. As a result, relevant authorities are directed to investigate and prosecute any such cases. Any unreported manufacturing or delivery of oxytocin in any form without authorization should be investigated by the police and intelligence division . The court acknowledged the noncompliance with a previous ruling it had issued, which ordered the relocation of the specified dairies outside of Delhi's municipal zone. Nine large dairies ought to be moved to regions with adequate drainage, sewage, and biogas facilities, as well as lots of open space for cattle grazing and movement. If humans, especially children, were to ingest the milk from the dairies near the Sanitary Landfill Sites (also known as "SLFS"), there could be grave repercussions. The cattle likely raised there would be fed hazardous waste. According to several studies, dairy product’s steroid hormone content may be a significant risk factor for several human malignancies. Even though oxytocin does not enter the bloodstream in its active state, it has been observed that milk containing this hormone has negative impacts on human health, necessitating tighter laws and controls Click here to read more.

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. 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Delhi NCR: Breathing easy on the road to air quality recovery Delhi NCR: Breathing easy on the road to air quality recovery Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay September 23, 2023 Press Information Bureau Climate change, Air pollution, One health Delhi-NCR's air quality has continued to improve, with the best average air quality in eight years for January to August, except during the COVID-19-impacted year (2020). During the period in September 2023, the daily average AQI was 174, compared to: 194 in 2022 192 in 2021 147 in 2020 The AQI is influenced by rainfall and wind speed. But despite a dry August and dust storms, Delhi maintained "Satisfactory-Moderate" air quality throughout the month. Delhi experienced 163 days with "good" to "moderate" air quality, a significant increase from previous years (116 in 2022, 144 in 2021). Daily average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in 2023 were lower than in the last six years, showcasing a positive trend. The following actions have contributed to this better air quality in 2023: Improved meteorological conditions Local initiatives Administrative actions

How do negative emotions affect transient cardiovascular health? How do negative emotions affect transient cardiovascular health? Content Editor: Dr. Manu May 13, 2024 Journal of the American Heart Association Cardiovascular Disease, Stress, Clinical Trials, Randomised Controlled Trial A randomized controlled trial conducted by Columbia University Irving Medical Center researchers examined the effect of negative emotions compared with the neutral condition on acute endothelial cell health to determine the risk of cardiovascular incidents in the future. The salient points of the study are as follows - For this purpose, 280 seemingly healthy, young people were screened and randomized into 4 arms (anger, anxiety, sadness, and neutral condition) . The participants were induced to feel a certain emotion and the following measurements were taken: Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) Endothelial cell‐derived microparticles (EMP) Bone marrow‐derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) levels 3. The baseline measurements were compared with post-induction levels of the same at 5-time points as these would assess acute endothelial cell health. The results showed a significant change in RHI (p=0.007) after anger, while no significant change was seen for any other result category for RHI or EMP and EPC levels in blood. Thus, the researchers concluded that anger can negatively affect acute endothelial cell health . However, they called for more research to study the long-term effects of the same. Click here to read more.

Household Consumption Expenditure Survey results 2022-2023 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey results 2022-2023 Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala February 27, 2024 Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Household Consumption Expenditure, NSSO The HCES provides estimates of Monthly Per-capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) categorized as per: Urban-Rural difference Share of food and non-food items Trends in consumption over the last quinquennial surveys. The survey findings are: Rural consumption and expenditure have increased over the years. The urban-rural difference value (expressed as % of rural MPCE) has decreased from 83.9 % in the 68th round(2011-2012) to 71.2% in the current round. The urban-rural difference was highest in Meghalaya, followed by Chhattisgarh. The Average MPCE share for the 2022-2023 period was: 46% for food groups and 54% for non-food groups in rural areas 39% for food groups and 61% for non-food groups in urban areas

Plague in Colorado, USA Plague in Colorado, USA Content Editor: Dr Ghurumourthy August 14, 2024 Center for Disease Control and Prevention Outbreak, Plague, Communicable disease There have been several global pandemics, but sporadic cases of bubonic plague, particularly in the United States, are still occurring . This July, one case of Bubonic Plague was also reported in Colorado. The plague was introduced to the United States in 1900 via rat-infested steamships , leading to urban epidemics, the last of which occurred in Los Angeles from 1924-1925. Since then, plague has spread to rural rodents in the western U.S., posing a significant risk to those living there. Most human cases have been reported in northern New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, California, Oregon, and Nevada. Over 80% of cases are bubonic, with an average of seven cases annually. Plague affects all ages, with 50% of cases in individuals aged 12-45, and is slightly more common in men due to increased outdoor exposure. One case of the Bubonic Plague was reported from Colorado in July 2024, and the investigation is ongoing . Click here to read more.

33-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 20-26th August, 2023 The NMC Registered Medical Practitioner Regulations, 2023 India's National Medical Commission (NMC) released the NMC Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) Regulations, 2023. This includes Code of Ethics The Geneva Declaration, known as the "Physician's Pledge," The ethical principles included in the code of ethics are: Beneficence Non-maleficence Empathy Respect for patient's autonomy and confidentiality Integrity Honesty Justice It was emphasized that these aren't laws but are standards that a physician is expected to practice as a medical professional. Under the code of ethics, there is a set of "must" follow guidelines and a set of "shall/should" follow guidelines. The Regulations also included the Physician's Pledge, a part of the Geneva Declaration. However, another release by the NMC clarified that these Regulations aren’t operative and effective until further notification is issued. Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy Medical Dialogues Source : Published on : Saturday, August 26, 2023 Laws and Regulations, Medical Practice, Ethics Making India the "Green Hub" A notification regarding setting up the horizon for emission of Hydrogen gas has been issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on Saturday (less than 2 kg CO2 per kg of Hydrogen). The interventions include: Measurement Reporting Monitoring On-site verification Certification of Hydrogen Gas The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) shoulders the task of authenticating the agencies meant for the above functions. The National Green Hydrogen Mission includes The task of producing 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen per year The task of keeping a renewable energy capacity of about 125 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 Within a budget of 19,744 crores, the program aims to increase domestic production of electrolyzers and hydrogen gas to make India the ‘green hub.’ Content Editor: Akhila Nandan Indian Express Source : Published on : Saturday, August 26, 2023 Public Health Laws and Regulations, Climate change Burden of COVID-19 in the country A meeting to curb the anticipated wave set by the newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 was held under Dr. P. K. Mishra, along with a review of the current scenario. As per the meeting’s statistics: Globally, a total of 2,96,219 new cases have been reported in the past 7 days India's total new case tallied to 223 in the past week. The daily average of new cases is less than 50 The weekly test positivity rate is less than 0.2%. Dr. P. K. Mishra has emphasized, that while the COVID situation is under control , there is a need for: Perpetual monitoring of ILI/SARI cases Regular testing along with boosting Whole Genome Sequencing Guarding against the new variants Content Editor: Akhila Nandan Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, August 26, 2023 Public Health, COVID-19 Reinforcement of strategies for preventing insect bites The CDC has reinforced strategies for preventing insect bites. The small steps but a giant leap to protect mankind from these not-so-mellifluous malicious arbovirus carriers are: Use of insect repellent- DEET, Picardin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus, etc. Loose-fitting, long-sleeved outfits Use 0.5 % Permethrin for clothes and gear Correct installation of mosquito nets Create Awareness among travelers to arbovirus disease-prone areas. Use of screens over windows and doors Use air conditioning Clear all the stagnant water sources and prevent stagnation For Babies and Children: Full dressing, covering arms and legs Cover strollers. Baby carriers with mosquito nets Avoid the use of insect repellents Content Editor: Akhila Nandan Social Media Handles Source : Published on : Saturday, August 26, 2023 Public Health, Vector borne diseases, Cases of H1N2 in the US An 18-year-old from Michigan with respiratory illness was confirmed to have novel influenza variant H1N2 by the US CDC on 4 August 2023. There was a history of swine exposure, but no human-to-human transmission was identified. Non-seasonal/ zoonotic influenza is acquired through direct or indirect contact with infected animals. Since 2005, 37 human infections with H1N2 have been reported in the US. Active surveillance by public health officials ensures that no cases go missing. WHO advises practicing hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with sick or dead animals. Collaboration with animal and human sectors along with Global surveillance to detect virologic, epidemiologic, and clinical changes is essential to prevent a pandemic. Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti World Health Organization Source : Published on : Saturday, August 26, 2023 Public health, Flu, Infectious disease The Gandhinagar Declaration: Sustain, Accelerate and Innovate A ministerial meeting with the Health ministers of the member states of the WHO South-East Asian Region (SEAR) took place in Gandhinagar. The meeting- Sustain, Accelerate and Innovate to End TB in SEAR was co-chaired by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO. The Gandhinagar declaration was signed at the meeting, which includes the following key points: It commends the initiatives to increase community participation such as the use of Nutritional baskets. It also expresses confidence that the member states will be able to end TB by 2030 by continued efforts in the right direction. Dr. Mandaviya reiterated India’s commitment to eliminating TB from India by 2025 , five years ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goals. The Health Minister also emphasized the various initiatives undertaken by the country- including increased involvement of the private sector, the Nikshay Mitras, and the Nikshay Poshan Yojana initiative. India has achieved a 13% reduction in TB incidence and a 15% decrease in mortality from 2015 to 2022. Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Friday, August 25, 2023 Global health, Tuberculosis, SDG Gender equality and end gender based discrimination project in Rajasthan The United Nations Project Fund (UNPFA ) is conducting a 4-month long project in Rajasthan. The project aims to promote gender equality and end gender-based discrimination in the state. The UNFPA in lieu with the Haridev Joshi University of Journalism, conducted a 2-day workshop related to the same. The workshop included capacity building of the students on topics such as- Gender norms Sexual violence Gender rights experts from Population First, UNFPA, and the Jaipur-based Lok Samvad Sansthan addressed the workshop. The project will enable the youth to challenge the social norms promoting discrimination and gender disparity, and play a meaningful role in women’s empowerment. Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy The Hindu Source : Published on : Friday, August 25, 2023 Equality, Gender-based discrimination The curious case of Salmonella outbreak The CDC and public health officials are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella across 11 different states in the United States of America. The variants of Salmonella involved are S. stanley and S. pomona. As of August 18th, a total of 26 individuals had been infected, with 24 of them infected with S. stanley and only 2 with S. pomona. These outbreaks have been linked to small turtles with shell sizes under 4 inches. Due to a similar history in the past, the sale and distribution of these turtles have been banned however, these have been found online illegally. The CDC has issued a list of dos and don'ts related to the same, which includes: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water Play safely around the turtle Do not eat//drink around the turtle Do not snuggle/kiss the turtle Call your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of salmonella. Content editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy Centre of Disease Control Source : Published on : Friday, August 25, 2023 Outbreak, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Communicable disease Transforming Mental Health: Initiatives and Progress in India Under NMHP -Outpatient services, assessment, counseling/ psycho-social interventions and support for people with severe mental disorders, and other services are available through the DMHP at the CHC and PHC levels. The tertiary care component of the NMHP has sanctioned 25 COEs to boost the admission of students in PG departments and has helped 19 government medical colleges strengthen 47 postgraduate departments in mental health specializations. Efforts are being taken to make resources available in vulnerable areas by providing training to healthcare personnel Additionally, mental health treatments have been included in the Comprehensive Primary Health Care package under the Ayushman Bharat - HWC Scheme. The government has begun a "National Tele Mental Health Program" to expand access to excellent mental health counseling from October 2022. 42 Tele MANAS Cells have been established by Aug 2023 and are providing tele-mental health services having received almost 1,94,000 calls. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay Press Bureau Information Source : Published on : Friday, August 25, 2023 Mental Health Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) funds Gennova's mRNA vaccine for Disease X development Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd from Pune have announced an updated funding agreement to expedite the advancement of their self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) platform for generating vaccine candidates against unknown pathological threats, referred to as Disease X. CEPI will provide up to $3.6 million to optimize the saRNA-platform technology, manufacturing processes, and production output. The upcoming focus will involve the creation of a vaccine candidate targeting the rabies virus, which will then undergo preclinical assessments. The funding forms a part of CEPI's initiative to back pioneering RNA vaccine platform technologies designed for emerging infectious diseases and specific prevalent conditions. These methods may provide significant advantages over traditional mRNA procedures, including multivalency, greater immunogenicity, upgraded storage and stability, higher yield, quicker response times, and cost-efficiency. The saRNA vaccine platform created by Gennova might be one of the CEPI-endorsed RNA technology lineups that could enable rapid responses to future epidemics and pandemic dangers, possibly within 100 days of identification. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay cepi.net Source : Published on : Friday, August 25, 2023 Genetic Health A 3-day workshop to boost the completion of ABDM integration In order to boost the completion of ABDM integration, NHA and IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) organized a 3-day workshop from August 10 to 12 in New Delhi, which witnessed over 150 participants. This workshop was also conducted to enhance the Health Claims Exchange (HCX) specifications and e-claim standards for insurance companies and Third-Party Administrators As per the orders of IRDAI, all insurance companies are supposed to collect the ABHA numbers so as to ensure an affordable healthcare environment for the common man. It has also advised to join the National HCX, which will provide information regarding insurers, TPAs, claimants, etc. NHA and CDAC, Pune, provided technical assistance to help them achieve their goals. This intervention is believed to drink from the nectar of partnership and teamwork to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem. Click to read more Content Editor: Akhila Nandan Press Bureau Information Source : Published on : Thursday, August 24, 2023 Health insurance, Ayushmann Bharath, Universal Health Coverage The report by Integrating Diabetes in Prevention in Workplaces (INDIA-WORKS) According to the INDIA-WORKS report, healthy measures at the workplace can help employees reduce their blood sugar levels, lose weight, and maintain their blood pressure levels. This report was conducted in collaboration with Emory and Harvard Universities by PHFI (Public Health Foundation of India) and MDRF( Madras Diabetes Research Foundation). Around 547 of the 2,108 individuals achieved a normal HbA1c level (<5.7%) by- A structured lifestyle modification program Improved food quality that encourages healthy food choices in workplace canteens Higher physical activity levels Despite the effects of COVID-19, the levels have remained consistent for the last two years. The INDIA-WORKS study measured critical factors such as: HbA1c Waist circumference Blood pressure Blood cholesterol Weight Obesity was identified in 9/10 participants in the study, indicating a significant risk of acquiring diabetes and hypertension. The study's goal was to build healthier workplaces and show how initiatives can prevent disease among workers through long-term lifestyle changes. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay Indian Express Source : Published on : Thursday, August 24, 2023 Non-communicable diseases, Diabetes Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 13 - 19 th August , 2024 (5) View More 23-31st July, 2023 (28) View More 25-30th June, 2023 (13 ) View More 1-10th June, 2023 (12 ) View More 6-12th August, 2024 (16) View More 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) View More 18-24th June, 2023 (11 ) View More 28-31st May, 2023 (3) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) View More 1-8th July, 2023 (5) View More 11-17th June, 2023 (7 ) View More 22-28th May, 2023 (7) 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

South East Asia in Action South East Asia in Action Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy WHO News Section Neglected Tropical disease, Infectious disease, Vaccine preventable disease Bangladesh has become the first country to eliminate the kala-azar. 70% of the global cases were observed in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. India is next in queue to eliminate the kala-azar. Also, the Maldives was the first country to interrupt the transmission of leprosy. Achievements of the other Southeast Asian countries includes: 5 out of 11 member countries—Bhutan, DPR Korea, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste—have achieved the regional target of measles and rubella elimination. Korea opened an account recently by achieving 99.8% vaccine coverage. 4 out of 11 member countries—the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Bangladesh—have eliminated lymphatic filariasis Nepal and Myanmar have eliminated trachoma. India has been verified as yaws-free.