Fresh faces: WHO's new regional directors take the lead Fresh faces: WHO's new regional directors take the lead Content Editor: Dr Sakshi Aggarwal February 1, 2024 WHO News Section World Health Organisation, Leadership Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhy , who will serve as Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt is a pediatrician from the USA with an experience of over 20 years in leading various public health initiatives like Antimicrobial Resistance, Infection Prevention and Control, etc. Ms. Saima Wazed , who will serve as Regional Director for the South-East Asia Regional Office in New Delhi , India, holds a degree in clinical psychology and has diverse experience in the field of mental health and other neurodevelopmental disorders . Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala , who will serve as Regional Director for the Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila, Philippines , is a politician, public health leader, and surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience. All the newly appointed directors will start their tenure on 1 February 2024 and serve for a five-year long term.

Measures implemented by the Centre to alleviate health hazards linked to climate change Measures implemented by the Centre to alleviate health hazards linked to climate change Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai August 17, 2023 Press Information Bureau Climate Change, Environmental Health Climate change is projected to negatively impact human health, primarily through increased occurrences of extreme weather events like heat waves, cyclones, floods, and droughts. The National Disaster Management Authority's 2019 plan has assigned various government departments the responsibility of addressing health risks associated with such hazards. The Union Health Ministry, acknowledging its role, has launched the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH). This initiative aims to Increase awareness, Build capacity, Enhance health sector readiness Form partnerships. Key efforts include Crafting a National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health, Issuing alerts for environmental concerns, Disseminating seasonal health advisories, and Conducting nationwide awareness campaigns and workshops. Environmental health surveillance is conducted at various levels, and guidelines for flood-related public health issues have been issued. Additionally, many states have developed their own action plans to address the specific challenges posed by climate change to human health.

India's efforts for climate change and environmental protection India's efforts for climate change and environmental protection Content Editor: Shayari Nag August 28, 2024 Press Information Bureau Climate Action, Environmental Health, Sustainable Climate India aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. This goal is outlined in India's Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS). To reduce emissions India is focusing on : Sustainable Cities: India is integrating climate adaptation and resource efficiency into urban planning through initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, affordable housing programs, and improved sanitation. Improving Air Quality: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is addressing air pollution by promoting cleaner fuels, electric vehicles, and banning open burning. Protecting Coastal Ecosystems: India is investing in protecting and restoring mangroves and coral reefs, improving coastal livelihoods, and combating pollution through initiatives like MISHTI. Regulatory Measures: Laws such as the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification and the Wildlife Protection Act safeguard coastal ecosystems. Click here to read more

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.