Outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis in Odisha - Entomologists on field Outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis in Odisha - Entomologists on field February 22, 2023 The Indian Express Japanese Encephalitis, Infectious disease, Outbreak investigation Few girls at a hostel in Balasore district, Odisha suffered from acute encephalitis syndrome (fever, headache, vomiting). A class 10 student died following such symptoms. Of the total of 29 samples, five have tested positive for Japanese encephalitis (JE). As a part of Investigation of reported cases, the Health and Family Welfare Department of Odisha, have sent a team of entomologists in the outbreak area. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis/ Acute Encephalitis Syndrome has enlisted districts in Assam, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal as priority districts. Since, Odisha is not endemic for JE and as there is no piggery around the child care institution, a detailed report of the outbreak is awaited.

Introduction of new criminal laws in India: Implications and changes Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay April 13, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Public health law, Penal code The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nakrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 introduced three new criminal laws , which will be effective from July 1, 2024. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 replaces the Indian Penal Code 1860 , necessitating awareness among healthcare practitioners to avoid medicolegal issues. The new criminal laws are currently being communicated to all states and Union Territories. States and Union Territories are urged to conduct awareness campaigns to effectively communicate the key provisions of the three new criminal laws concerning medicolegal cases to all medical practitioners across clinical establishments within their jurisdiction. Previously, IPC 304A addressed negligent acts resulting in death, punishable by up to 2 years in prison. IPC 336 and 337 covered acts endangering human life or safety, carrying penalties of up to 2 and 6 months of imprisonment, respectively. IPC 338 dealt with causing harm due to negligence, with penalties of up to 6 months of imprisonment. However, revisions under the new laws have altered these penalties. Under the new Act, Section 106 addresses causing death by negligence, extending the punishment to 5 years with fines, particularly emphasizing a 2-year imprisonment for registered medical practitioners. Retaining the punishment of Section 304A for doctors, the new law extends liability to 5 years for others. Previous Next

Ignite National plans to combat climate change Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel December 25, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Climate Change, COP 28, WHO The W orld H ealth O rganization (WHO ) stresses the central role of health in national climate strategies ahead of C onference o f P arties 28(COP28) , emphasising the inseparable connection between climate change and human well-being. WHO's "2023 review of health in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and long-term strategies" highlights progress, with 91% of available NDCs now incorporating health considerations. However, critical gaps persist , notably in addressing air pollution, as only 16% of NDCs set explicit targets for its reduction. Health-specific climate action remains underfunded, with a mere 2% of adaptation funding allocated to projects safeguarding human health. WHO urges increased multilateral climate financing for health initiatives and spearheads a dedicated Health day at COP-28 on December 3, 2023 , emphasising the urgent need for global health-focused climate action at all levels. Previous Next

GAVI launches support for human rabies vaccines in routine immunization GAVI launches support for human rabies vaccines in routine immunization Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet July 19, 2024 WHO News Section Rabies, Animal bite, Immunization, Global Health GAVI supports human rabies vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within routine immunization programs. This initiative targets Africa and Asia, where 95% of rabies deaths occur, often in marginalized communities. This effort, part of the Zero by 30 campaign to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, aligns with global partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE). Dr. Jérôme Salomon of WHO emphasized the importance of this commitment in preventing human rabies fatalities. Eligible countries can apply for GAVI support by mid-July 2024. GAVI’s Chief Programme Officer, Aurélia Nguyen, stressed the aim of ensuring equal access to rabies vaccines. Initially planned for 2021, this program was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has now been reactivated. Click here to read more.

Reviewing Seed Oils: Scientific Evidence Vs Popular Beliefs Reviewing Seed Oils: Scientific Evidence Vs Popular Beliefs Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti June 18, 2025 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health International health news, Nutrition, Cardiovascular Health Nutrition scientists have refuted claims that refined seed oils like canola, corn, soybean, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, cottonseed and rice bran harm health. These oils contain essential polyunsaturated fats including linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) , which in moderation benefit cardiovascular and metabolic health. A 2019 meta-analysis of 68,000 participants across 30 studies found higher blood linoleic acid levels correlated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes , showing a 35% lower diabetes risk. Trials have shown linoleic acid lowers LDL cholesterol , increases HDL cholesterol and may reduce blood pressure. Concerns about omega-6 causing inflammation or hexane residues are unfounded, as inflammatory metabolite conversion in humans is minimal. Experts recommend whole foods and plant oils over saturated fat alternatives for heart health. Click here to read more.

Children at risk of cholera in aftermath of Cyclone Freddy Children at risk of cholera in aftermath of Cyclone Freddy Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal March 22, 2023 UNICEF News Section Global Health, Disaster Management, Infectious Disease Mozambique has been facing a cholera outbreak since September 2022. As of 18 March 2023, nearly 10,000 cases had been reported , more than tripling case reports since early February. Cholera has already claimed more than 1,660 lives in Malawi. Almost 2.5 lakh children under five years of age are expected to be acutely malnourished, with over 62,000 expected to be severely malnourished. Severely malnourished child - 11 times more likely to die from cholera. UNICEF is urgently calling for funding of US$155 million to respond to the impacts of flooding and cholera in the region. Even prior to the cyclone, Malawi and Mozambique were most seriously affected by the cholera outbreak that has, this year alone, resulted in more than 68,000 cases across 11 countries in Africa. For further reading - Click here

MDA campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027 February 13, 2023 at 1:41:47 PM Lymphatic Filariasis, Infectious Disease With an aim to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global NTD Roadmap target, India has launched Sarva Dawa Sevan or Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF). A multi-pronged approach with MDA through door-to-door drug administration in two phases to 1113 blocks in 90 districts across ten high burden states have been launched on 10th Feb 2023. In spite of 10-15 rounds of MDA in the past, the LF elimination could not be achieved due to suboptimal coverage. Hence, over the last month, states have adopted innovative mechanisms to reach out to communities to sensitize on MDA. Previous Next

Berlin’s WHO Hub: Powering the Future of Global Health Security Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti July 2, 2025 at 3:20:37 AM International Health News The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence , inaugurated in Berlin on 17 June 2025, aims to transform global health security by pioneering innovations in data analytics, artificial intelligence and real‑time forecasting. Drawing upon lessons from COVID‑19, the Hub convenes experts from public health, academia, tech and government to develop interoperable surveillance systems and predictive tools. It will act as an international platform for collaboration to enhance early detection, risk evaluation, and coordinated responses to emerging health threats . The initiative supports capacity building, joint research, and strategic partnerships—bolstering the International Health Regulations framework. By strengthening countries’ ability to anticipate and respond to epidemics and pandemics , the Hub strives to safeguard populations and make the world more resilient to health emergencies. Previous Next

03. GoI efforts to control black carbon emissions 03. GoI efforts to control black carbon emissions December 19, 2022 Press Information Bureau Environment & Climate Change The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is operating a network of aerosol observatories under ISRO Geosphere Biosphere Programme. One of the parameters being measured from this network is the black carbon mass concentration. The long-term measurements of black carbon over the Indian region from the aforesaid regional network of aerosol observatories clearly shows a decreasing trend (0.24 µg m-3year-1) in the past decade.The Government has taken several measures to control black carbon emissions.

Doctors oppose appointments of non-medical Postgraduates in Medical Colleges Doctors oppose appointments of non-medical Postgraduates in Medical Colleges Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary July 31, 2023 Indian Medical Association Health Education, Medical Colleges, Medical Education The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has requested the Health Ministry's urgent intervention to ensure that only medical postgraduates are considered eligible for appointment in medical colleges. They also propose that non-medical postgraduates currently teaching in medical colleges be adjusted within the 15% limit already set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2021. Previously, non-medical postgraduates in para-clinical subjects were appointed as faculties in medical colleges due to a shortage of medical postgraduates. Also, non-medical teachers have filed a suit against the NMC's decision, but the Supreme Court has advised the ministry and NMC to address the matter during the upcoming hearing in July. Other medical associations have also issued similar press releases supporting the IMA. A peaceful protest for the same was also conducted by the IMA and FORDA representatives at Jantar Mantar, NMC and MoHFW on 19th July.