Cameroon kickstarts the world’s first Malaria Vaccination Drive Cameroon kickstarts the world’s first Malaria Vaccination Drive Content Editor: Dr Sathya Prashaath February 8, 2024 BBC world Malaria,Infectious disease, In a historic move, Cameroon has become the first country to start vaccinating children against malaria as part of its national immunization program. This initiative began with the administration of the RTS,S or Mosquirix vaccine developed by GSK, marking a significant step in the fight against malaria - a disease that has long plagued Africa, particularly its young population. RTS,S is the first antimalarial vaccine to be recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The vaccine will be provided free of charge to all infants up to the age of six months old . The vaccine, which has been over 30 years in the making, was initially part of a pilot program in selected African countries. However, it is now set for a wider distribution across the continent. The first recipients of the vaccine were a pair of twins, whose mother, Helene, expressed her commitment to ensuring her children receive all four doses of the vaccine and take other preventive measures like sleeping under a mosquito net. This groundbreaking initiative is not limited to Cameroon, as other African countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, and Liberia are also finalizing their malaria vaccine rollouts, with support from WHO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and other partners.

Effects of the pandemic on preschool children: A Canadian study Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy November 27, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Covid-19, Global health, Child health, Mental health, Lockdown A recent study published in the JAMA network analyzed Canadian children born between February 2018 and June 2022. The aim of the study was to draw conclusions about the effects of the pandemic on preschool children. The children were surveyed at ages 2 and 4.5 and included those who lived through four periods of nationwide lockdown and many school closures during the pandemic. The sample consisted of 718 children aged 24 months and 703 aged 54 months. In both age groups, some were studied before the pandemic and the rest during the pandemic. Those aged 24 months were assessed using the Ages and Stages questionnaire for: Problem-solving Personal-social skills Communication Motor skills Early childhood cognitive battery was completed by children in the 54-month age group. The study concluded that: Better problem skills were found among pandemic-exposed 24-month-old preschoolers Better memory and composite cognitive skills were found among the pandemic pandemic-exposed 54-month-olds No significant differences in socioemotional skills were found due to exposure to the pandemic and lockdown. Previous Next

End of the New Castle Outbreak in Brazil: A tale of robust efforts End of the New Castle Outbreak in Brazil: A tale of robust efforts Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy August 7, 2024 Social trends Outbreak, Viral diseases, International health The Newcastle disease Outbreak at a commercial poultry farm has been affecting Brazil's Rio Grande Do Sul area since July 17, 2024. The disease, caused by avian paramyxovirus, affected wild and domestic birds and had severe aftereffects on the country’s economy. The essential steps undertaken against the outbreak are as follows: Establishment of a zoosanitary emergency area Strict monitoring and surveillance The export of poultry meat and poultry products has been temporarily suspended. No new cases were detected during the 42-day monitoring period , and subsequently, the area was declared disease-free, marking the end of the outbreak on August 1, 2024. The Ministry underscored the crucial role of continuous vigilance, future preparedness, and resilience in preventing and managing such outbreaks.

ISHTA 2023: Symposium on Healthcare Technology Assessment for Universal Health Coverage held at New Delhi ISHTA 2023: Symposium on Healthcare Technology Assessment for Universal Health Coverage held at New Delhi Content Editor : Dr. Purnoor Kaur March 11, 2023 WHO News Section Global health, Health Technology Assessment The second International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA) 2023 was held in New Delhi with a focus on affordability, availability, and accessibility of healthcare technologies through evidence generated by Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for Universal Health Coverage. The event was organized by Health Technology Assessment in India, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with WHO India Country Office and Center for Global Development. The symposium included the release of a video on ‘The Journey of HTAIn ’ and a book, ‘Policy Briefs (volume 2) ,” containing policy briefs of HTA studies conducted in India. The event was attended by various ministers, secretaries, and delegates from 23 countries.

TB indicators after the pandemic: Where do we stand? TB indicators after the pandemic: Where do we stand? Content Editor: Anubhav Mondal November 24, 2023 WHO News section Tuberculosis, Infectious disease, International health According to the report, 7.5 million individuals were diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2022. This is the highest total since WHO began global TB tracking in 1995. The increase is attributable to improved access to and provision of health services. Globally, a projected 10.6 million people contracted tuberculosis (TB) in 2022, up from 10.3 million in 2021. Geographically, the majority of people who contracted tuberculosis in 2022 lived in the WHO Regions of Southeast Asia (46%), Africa (23%), and the Western Pacific (18%). India, Indonesia, and the Philippines together contributed to more than 60% of global reductions in newly diagnosed tuberculosis in 2020 and 2021. Despite a significant recovery in 2022, progress was insufficient to meet global TB targets set in 2018. The net decrease in TB-related deaths from 2015 to 2022 was 19%, falling far short of the WHO End TB Strategy milestone of a 75% reduction by 2025. The cumulative reduction in TB incidence rate from 2015 to 2022 was 8.7%, falling far short of the WHO End TB Strategy milestone of a 50% reduction by 2025. Over 50% of TB patients and their households experienced catastrophic total expenses, significantly exceeding the WHO End TB Strategy target of zero. Less than half of the cash earmarked for TB care delivery and research was mobilized. Further efforts are needed to reach the targets set in 2018.

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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Contaminated water crisis: Three dead, 76 ill Contaminated water crisis: Three dead, 76 ill Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi June 22, 2024 Social trends Water contamination, Drinking water The residents of the Phoop area in the Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh have asserted that three people have died because of the consumption of contaminated water . Additionally, 76 individuals have also been ill due to the same reasons. Piped water most likely became tainted when installing new electrical poles next to a nearby drain. According to sources, the earthwork equipment probably damaged the residential water supply pipe , allowing drain water to leak and contaminate the water line. The residents were the worst impacted, particularly in Wards Nos. 5, 6, and 7, where the tainted water was given on Monday. The health department sent out a notice when the patient count rose. According to the collector, patients have received ORS and any necessary medications, and they are monitoring the impacted wards.

Ban on raw egg mayonnaise: Telangana government's proactive measure to control the outbreak Ban on raw egg mayonnaise: Telangana government's proactive measure to control the outbreak Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala November 6, 2024 Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana, Social trends Food Safety, Food Poisoning, Public health Laws Following a fatal incident of food poisoning caused by mayonnaise from a street food vendor, resulting in the death of a 33-year-old woman and the illness of 20 others, the Government of Telangana has implemented significant safety measures. Citing Section 18 (1) (f) of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, which empowers the Commissioner of Food Safety and the Food Authority to ban foods posing significant health risks based on the severity and nature of harm, the government issued a one-year prohibition on October 30th against the production, storage, and sale of mayonnaise made with raw eggs . Mayonnaise prepared by emulsifying raw egg yolk with oil poses a risk of contamination with harmful microorganisms , including Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause potentially life-threatening food poisoning. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has inspected over 200 establishments, including hotels, hostels, and street food shops, issuing notices to 170. Additionally, the government plans to introduce three new food testing laboratories and five mobile testing units , with a combined capacity to test over 24,000 food samples annually.

Combination therapy a life saver - for Severe Scrub Typus: INTEREST Trial Combination therapy a life saver - for Severe Scrub Typus: INTEREST Trial Content Editor : Dr. Ranjitha R March 7, 2023 The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Scrub Typhus, Infectious disease, Evidence Based Medicine Scrub Typhus, a zoonotic bacterial infection presents as an acute febrile illness if untreated and can reach severe disease in 70% of patients. Severe disease can lead to prolonged hospitalization and even lead death due to multiorgan dysfunction and shock. A Randomized Controlled Intravenous Treatment for Scrub Typhus (INTREST)Trial done across seven sites in India revealed that combination therapy is superior to monotherapy with IV doxycycline or azithromycin. In the trial, patients with severe disease received in-hospital, 7-days, IV Doxycycline (200 mg BD on day 1, then 100 mg BD) , and Azithromycin (500 mg BD on day 1, then 500 mg OD ) as a combination therapy . The incidence of complications of scrub typhus and composite primary outcome event (persistent complications by day 7) is better i.e., lesser in combination therapy. Faster bacterial clearance is achieved in both azithromycin and combination therapy. For further reading - Click here

A new strategy for PPH management A new strategy for PPH management Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti May 12, 2023 The New England Journal of Medicine Maternal and Child Health, Research findings Post-partum Hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, responsible for 70,000 deaths yearly . The major challenge in PPH management is late detection and response , particularly in low and middle-income countries . A cluster-randomized trial conducted in four countries, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania , in partnership with the "WHO Collaborating Centre on Global Women's Health" at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, included more than 200000 participants . The study showed a 60% reduction in heavy bleeding compared to routine care using an E-MOTIVE package incorporating WHO -recommended treatment bundles for early detection and treatment of PPH.