Status of tuberculosis preventive treatment in SEAR Countries Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy July 22, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Tuberculosis, Infectious diseases, Prevention A workshop in Chennai, India, involving SEAR countries' TB program managers and experts, highlighted key challenges in implementing TPT (TB Preventive Treatment) . The data on TPT guidelines, target groups, diagnostic tests, regimens, adherence mechanisms, and information systems were collected via a questionnaire and presented during the workshop using e-posters. Participants identified several challenges, including: Poor demand and acceptance among beneficiaries Low provider confidence Difficulties in ruling out active TB Supply chain issues Inadequate support systems The workshop emphasized the need for robust community mobilization, provider capacity building, and improved diagnostic access. Strategies such as the use of chest radiography, better supply chain management, and strong advocacy plans were recommended to enhance TPT delivery. Research priorities included developing comprehensive intervention strategies, improving access to diagnostics, and integrating TPT into real-time TB management systems. The workshop concluded that effective implementation requires collaboration among stakeholders, sustained training, and addressing logistical challenges to maximize the benefits of TB preventive therapy. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Synergistic approach to beat the summers Content Editor: Dr. Sivanthiga April 20, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Climate Change, Mitigation, IEC, Health Awareness The minutes of the meeting held among the officials of IMD, NDMA, and PMO were: The forecast for above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country and longer days of heat wave episodes and heatwave spells than normal was explained. IEC (Information Education Communication) materials regarding summer preparedness were planned to be translated into regional languages and disseminated to combat the hotter-than-usual summer that coincides with the general elections. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a synergistic approach involving various ministries and arms of the government in this regard and reviewed the adequacy of health sector preparedness. Click here to read more Previous Next

< Back Best smart wearables of 2023 Sean Michaels Mar 22, 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

Does Morel mushroom exposure cause gastrointestinal illness? Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar March 30, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Public health outbreak, International health news. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MTDPHHS) and Gallatin City County Health Department (GCCHD), with the support of the CDC, conducted a case-control study to identify illnesses that are associated with food and to assess the dose-response relationship. Questionnaire data were collected by state and county health department staff members using Jotform software, and those deidentified were sent for analysis to CDC, where matched and unmatched logistic regression analysis was conducted using SAS software. The odds of consuming a special sushi roll with morel mushrooms among cases were 15.78 times higher than those of control patients and 10.77 times higher among cases for eating any morels. The FDA has published information on morels and other mushrooms that can be cultivated. The MTDPHHS and GCCHD gave recommendations on proper storage and preparation to reduce the illness risk. Findings from the investigation suggested uncooked or undercooked morel mushrooms were the source of the outbreak and there was a clear association between the consumption of morels and gastrointestinal illness. Previous Next

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