Accelerating towards ending malarial deaths Accelerating towards ending malarial deaths Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel March 21, 2024 WHO News Section Communicable diseases, Malaria, WHO At Yaoundé in Cameroon, Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria, especially 11 countries contributing to 70% of the global burden of malaria , signed a declaration towards accelerated action to end deaths from the disease in this region. The aims of the conference were as follows: To review the progress and challenges in achieving the targets of the WHO global malaria strategy To plan mitigation strategies and provide funds for the same To make strategies and responses for accelerated malaria mortality reduction in Africa To establish a roadmap for increased political commitment and societal engagement in malaria control. The WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria launched the ‘ High Burden to High Impact’ approach in 2018, which was echoed in the Declaration. The approach thus will focus on the following: The political will to reduce malaria deaths Using information strategically to drive impact Better guidance, policies and strategies, and a coordinated national response Click here to read more

Recommendation from the 6th meeting of India Expert Advisory Group on Measles and Rubella (IEAG-MR) Recommendation from the 6th meeting of India Expert Advisory Group on Measles and Rubella (IEAG-MR) Content Editor: Dr. Prachi June 14, 2024 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Vaccination, Measles, Rubella, Elimination Some important recommendations following the 6th meeting of the India Expert Advisory on Measles and Rubella (IEAG-MR ) are as follows: Ensuring children under two years of age are vaccinated with two doses of MR vaccine Ensuring active case searches for all sporadic cases Regular State Task Force and District Task Force meetings on immunization should be held. Updating the MR outbreak preparedness and response plans Readiness assessments and outbreak simulation exercises should be regularly conducted at the subnational level, and in the event of an outbreak, ensure outbreak response immunization Every district needs to achieve a coverage of >95% with both the doses of MR vaccine with an NMNR (Non-Measles Non-Rubella) of >2/100,000 population and zero transmission of the virus in the community. Following the implementation of these recommendations, currently, 198 districts have achieved >95% coverage for both doses of the vaccine, and 610 districts have achieved the desired benchmark of NMNR.

NCL launches 'CHARAK' initiative to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases in singrauli NCL launches 'CHARAK' initiative to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases in singrauli Content Editor: PHC Editorial Bureau December 19, 2024 Press Information Bureau CHARAK, Community Health, Northern Fields Limited Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal, has launched 'CHARAK'—Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal—aimed at offering free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections in the Singrauli region. Residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts with an annual family income below ₹8 lakh are eligible. The scheme covers ailments such as cancer, tuberculosis, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplants, severe burns, liver disorders, neurological issues, and sudden vision or hearing loss. Beneficiaries will receive treatment at NCL's dedicated hospital (NSC) or specialized empanelled hospitals nationwide, ensuring access to quality healthcare services. NCL's Chairman and Managing Director, Shri B. Sairam, emphasized the scheme's role in facilitating healthcare for economically disadvantaged communities in geographically challenging areas. Over the past decade, NCL has impacted around 10 lakh people and invested more than ₹1,000 crore in various CSR initiatives in the Singrauli region.