WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit Content Editor: Dr. Lopamudra November 28, 2025 World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration The WHO Bulletin's special issue includes 17 articles covering integration into primary healthcare, AI applications, Indigenous rights, and policy frameworks. This publication highlights that traditional medicine serves billions globally, with the wellness economy projected to grow from $5.6 trillion in 2022 to $8.5 trillion in 2027. The edition identifies critical research gaps, with less than 1% of global health research funding dedicated to traditional medicine. It focuses on research related to the safety of traditional medicines and explores ways to integrate the traditional medicine workforce into primary healthcare systems. Findings will inform discussions at the upcoming WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from 17th to 19th December 2025 in New Delhi. Enhanced integration of evidence-based traditional medicine could expand healthcare access and support universal health coverage. Strengthened research and regulation would ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy. Respectful inclusion of Indigenous knowledge could promote health equity while preserving cultural heritage.

Digital divide in healthcare: Insights from marginalised young adults in LMICs Digital divide in healthcare: Insights from marginalised young adults in LMICs Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala June 13, 2025 Digital Health and Rights Project Digital divide, Health information, Inequities in Health, LGBTQA+ The Digital Health and Rights Project and the University of Warwick conducted a study in which they interviewed 302 young adults in Colombia , Ghana , Vietnam , and Kenya . The participants were aged 18–30 and included gay men, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, cisgender women, people living with HIV, and sex workers. Key findings: High smartphone and internet costs limited access. Young women were disproportionately affected , as access to devices was often controlled by other family members, owing to their financial dependence. Around 75% reported that technology increased their risk of verbal/physical abuse, stalking, and blackmail. Poor data protection also contributed to their reluctance to seek health information online. Many participants expressed hesitation to report such abuse to the police due to fear of stigma and the possibile mistreatment. Overall, they expressed a strong interest in training on their rights, artificial intelligence, and digital empowerment.

NAFLD and Glycaemic Status as Predictors of CVD Risk NAFLD and Glycaemic Status as Predictors of CVD Risk Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 5, 2025 BMJ Public Health Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Study Objective: The study aimed to evaluate how glycaemic status influences long-term cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) . Methodology Researchers analyzed data from 1,057,775 adults in South Korea who were diagnosed with NAFLD during a national health screening in 2009. Participants were categorized based on fasting glucose levels into three groups: normal fasting glucose (NFG), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) . They were followed for a median duration of 11.3 years to track incidences of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiovascular (CV) death. Key Findings During the follow-up period, the study recorded 26,491 heart attacks, 55,791 strokes, and 11,147 cardiovascular deaths . After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with T2D had significantly elevated risks 39% higher for both MI and stroke , and 46% higher for CV death —compared to those with normal glucose levels. The IFG group did not show a statistically significant increase in risk. Notable Insight: The increased cardiovascular risk in the T2D group was especially evident among younger, non-obese individuals without hypertension suggesting that traditional risk profiles may underestimate CVD risk in this subgroup. Conclusion: T2D markedly increases CVD risk in those with NAFLD , underscoring the need for early detection and integrated disease management.Click here to read more

Tamil Nadu launches ₹1,000 monthly grants for women-headed households Tamil Nadu launches ₹1,000 monthly grants for women-headed households Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay September 25, 2023 THE HINDU Universal basic income Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has introduced the "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam" in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, on the occasion of DMK founder C.N. Annadurai's birth anniversary. This initiative aims to provide a monthly rights grant of ₹1,000 to 1.06 crore women heading households in the state. The scheme was officially launched, and ATM cards were distributed to the beneficiaries in Kancheepuram. Mr. Stalin acknowledged that the scheme's implementation was delayed upon assuming office in 2021 due to the state's financial constraints.

Research into antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria: The way ahead for neglected diseases Research into antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria: The way ahead for neglected diseases Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 3, 2024 Press Information Bureau Neglected tropical diseases, Research, Antimicrobial resistance Recently, an agreement was signed for sanctioning a grant of 75 lakhs towards an innovative project. The agreement was signed between the following: 1. Technology Development Board (TDB) 2. M/s Peptris Technologies Pvt Ltd 3. The Foundation for Neglected Disease Research The project titled “ANAGRANINF - Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections” aims to develop a novel antibiotic that will help against gram-negative pathogens. The project aims to produce a compound that will also align with the criteria for tackling AMR infections. Currently, a molecule named, “MMV1578564” has shown promising effects, and the foundation aims to strengthen its research on this molecule. This collaborative effort aims to combat the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Click here to read more