Importance of ventilation against respiratory illnesses Importance of ventilation against respiratory illnesses Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Kelkar April 24, 2024 WHO News Section Respiratory infections, Ventilation, Indoor pollution Recently, the CDC revised its guidelines for combating respiratory infections, emphasizing the need to lower indoor airborne particle concentrations. This is the result of a decline in COVID and flu cases since December. The CDC now emphasizes proper ventilation as a crucial tactic in addition to immunization and hand hygiene. They stress that ventilation is only one layer of defense and not a perfect one. Good ventilation techniques are beneficial all year, but particularly under the following circumstances: There are many viruses in the community. Individuals are either ill, recuperating, or exposed to illness. People are susceptible to serious illnesses. The recommendations include the following actions to enhance ventilation: Taking in a breath of fresh outdoor air. Ensuring that HVAC systems are operating properly ; MERV-13 or higher filters are preferred. Additional actions such as exhaust venting and air circulation, air purifiers, and UV air treatment. The CDC also suggests using portable CO2 monitors to gauge indoor air quality and recommends moving activities outdoors whenever possible to further reduce transmission risk.

Strategies to enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake among prioritized groups: Recommendation for future pandemics. Strategies to enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake among prioritized groups: Recommendation for future pandemics. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar July 17, 2024 Centre for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19, International Health, Vaccination, Research findings It has been demonstrated that stakeholder involvement is significant in planning and targeting vaccination efforts for COVID-19. Community-based stakeholders play a significant role in fostering vaccine-related interpersonal mobilization. It demonstrated that influencers' engagement in developing and implementing vaccination strategies helped reduce misunderstandings and mistrust regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccination models developed through stakeholder engagement increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake among prioritized groups in supported regions of Uganda. Using the existing public health platforms and community social structures in emergency response efforts can reinforce health systems’ resilience to future pandemics. Click here to read more.

Heat-related illness advisory: Guidelines & preparedness Content Editor: Dr. Manu Goel April 20, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Heat-related illnesses, Disease prevention, Intersectoral coordination, National Centre for Disease Control Due to the risk of above-normal seasonal temperatures, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) released an advisory to the State Health Departments on Heat-Related Illnesses (HRIs) . The salient points are as follows - Ensure dissemination of national and state-level guidelines on tackling heat-related illnesses. Manage coordination among various stakeholders at the state level. Start maintenance and reporting of cases and deaths due to heat-related illnesses . Deaths due to such cases must be investigated to understand the epidemiology of the illness. Health facilities must be able to manage HRIs and must have adequate human and medicinal resources for the same. The facilities should also be able to withstand the complications of extreme heat. Mass gatherings and sports events must be prepared to manage HRIs Early warnings for heat waves and health-related activities to spread awareness about HRIs should be carried out. Click here to read more Previous Next

WHO prequalifies first Hepatitis C self-test: Boosting global efforts for HCV elimination WHO prequalifies first Hepatitis C self-test: Boosting global efforts for HCV elimination Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet July 18, 2024 WHO News Section Communicable diseases, Viral hepatitis, Newer Updates, Self care The OraQuick HCV self-test , manufactured by OraSure Technologies, is now prequalified by the WHO. This self-test, an extension of the OraQuick® HCV Rapid Antibody Test for professional use, is designed for lay users, providing a single kit for self-testing. WHO recommended HCV self-testing to complement existing services and increase access and uptake, particularly among those less likely to test otherwise. National projects supported by Unitaid show high acceptance and feasibility. They empower individuals with personal choice and stigma-free self-care. Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO Director for Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes, emphasizes the importance of this development in expanding HCV testing and treatment, contributing to the global goal of HCV elimination. Click here to read more.

Outbreak due to unidentified toxic agent impacts Rajouri District in Jammu and Kashmir Outbreak due to unidentified toxic agent impacts Rajouri District in Jammu and Kashmir Content Editor: Dr. Manu January 29, 2025 Social Trends Outbreak Investigation, Epidemiology An outbreak that affected the Badhaal village in Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir led to 17 deaths, with over 38 people affected since December 2024. It has led to a multi-sectoral response by the State and Union governments to curb the outbreak. A Special Investigation Team (SIT ) led by the State police and supported by experts from the National Institute of Virology (NIV ), Pune, PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS, New Delhi, and National Centres for Disease Control (NCDC ), New Delhi was formed to investigate the possible causes. This was supplemented by an inter-ministerial team of experts from the M inistry of H ealth and F amily W elfare, the M inistry of A griculture & F armers’ W elfare, the M inistry of C hemicals and F ertilisers, and the M inistry of J al S hakti. Steps undertaken to control the outbreak - Active door-to-door surveillance has been carried out to screen residents for similar symptoms of high fever, body ache, vomiting, and unconsciousness , with 230 residents quarantined. Meanwhile, the police had also disallowed residents from drawing water from nearby wells and community feasting. Food is being supplied by the government under strict supervision. It seems to have been caused by an as-yet unidentified toxin . However, based on the symptoms, a neurotoxin is suspected after tests have turned out to be negative for all viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. The search for the cause continues as rising deaths have led to the cancellation of leaves for healthcare staff in the district.

An increase in the food supply-demand gap due to increasing population and the decelerating pace of food production due to degrading soil quality and depleting water resources, the impact of climate change on agricultural capacity and yield of staple foods, and a weak agricultural policy are the complex challenges faced by India to achieve nutritional security. Public Health News Analysis Tackling Food Insecurity to ensure Nutritional Security Author: Dr. Urmimala Maiti Updated on : June 8, 2023 Public Health Policy Framework, Nutritional Transition, Nutrition, Food Systems, Nutritional Security, Food Security To face the challenges of food insecurity, resource conservation, and climate change, it is essential to introduce the food systems approach to policymaking and its implementation. It aims to connect the elements within various sectors to widen the opportunities for sustainable food systems and achieve optimum outcomes. In the article published in The Tribune, “ Ensuring nutritional security is the way forward ”, the author has written about the complex challenges faced by India to achieve nutritional security , like: An increase in the food supply-demand gap is attributed to the progressive increase in the population and the decelerating pace of food production due to degrading soil quality and depleting water resources. A drop in the ranking to 107 out of 121 countries in 2022. The impact of climate change on decreasing agricultural capacity by 40% and yield of staple foods by 30% . a weak agricultural policy. ( 1) These all can make it difficult for India to achieve the target of a ‘Zero-Hunger world’ by 2030. As per the Economic Survey of India 2022-23 , aiming for a transition from food security to nutritional security ; The minimum Support Price for all mandated crops has been fixed at 1.5 times of all-India weighted average cost of production since 2018. 315.7 million tonnes of foodgrains were produced in India in 2021-22. ₹13,681 crores are sanctioned under Agriculture Infra Fund for post-harvest support & community farms. 11.3 crore farmers are covered under PM-KISAN for financial support. 1.74 crore farmers and 2.39 lakh traders are covered under National Agriculture Market Scheme (e-NAM). Nutrition is not just about feeding people. It is the intake of food, and the interplay of biological, social, and economic processes that influence the growth, function, and repair of the body (FAO 2013, as cited in FAO 2017). Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. ( 2) Hence, to improve nutrition for all, we need to make changes in food production and consumption. how it is processed, transported, marketed and consumed The problem of a nutritionally poor diet could be tackled by increasing the bioavailable concentrations of essential nutrients such as proteins, minerals, and vitamins in food through innovations of agriculture with biotechnology, like biofortification, Golden rice with vitamin A and iron is a good example. The inauguration of the "National Genome Editing & Training Centre" (NGETC) has been an important step towards Green Revolution strategy for increasing food crop productivity . Minimizing post-harvest food losses along the entire supply chain can be done by: a. I ncreasing infrastructure for integrated cold chain, storage, and food processing industries for perishable products. b. Scientific storage of food grains in a resource-efficient way to improve food availability. To face the challenges of food insecurity, resource conservation, and climate change, we need to introduce the food systems approach to policymaking and its implementation. It aims to connect the elements within the environmental, agricultural, health, trade, and industry sectors to widen the opportunities to achieve sustainable food systems and achieve optimum outcomes. ( 3) The 4 actions of the Collaborative Framework for Food Systems Transformation are:- Identify an individual or group of food systems champions. Conduct a holistic food systems assessment. Initiate a multi-stakeholder process for dialogue and action. Strengthen institutional capacity for long-term food systems governance. ( 2) Food systems present complex challenges but a systemic approach to solving the problems can go a long way ahead. References Bajwa MS. Ensuring nutritional security is the way forward. The Tribune. 2023 Feb 6. Bortoletti M, Lomax J. Collaborative framework for food systems transformation. A multistakeholder pathway for sustainable food systems. UN environment. ISBN. 2019:978-2. Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition. How can agriculture and food system policies improve nutrition? Technical brief. 2014. comments debug Comments Rated 0 out of 5 stars. No ratings yet Rate the Article* Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Join the team Public Health Chronicle! APPLY NOW

DRONE- the innovative technology DRONE- the innovative technology Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 27, 2024 Indian Council of Medical Research Innovation, Research, and Technology In a revolutionary step in innovative research, the pilot testing of DRONE technology for transferring pathological specimens mid-surgery was conducted recently. DRONE technology stands for “Deployment of a Robust Need-based aerial healthcare delivery system. This initiative was undertaken as a collaborative effort between ICMR and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. This technology transferred the specimen across 37 km, reducing the waiting period from 60 to 15 minutes. This study aims to evaluate the potential use of such technology to transport specimens from secondary to tertiary care centers. This innovative approach would enable faster decisions during surgery and improved access to high-level health care for patients in peripheral hospitals Click here to read more.

How did the pandemic affect children’s health? Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala July 9, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Child Health, Pandemic, Anthropometry, Research Findings As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, a nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25th, 2020. There was a diversion of resources from maternal and child health programs to services essential for actions to contain the pandemic. A study published in The Communication’s Medicine examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s health and nutrition. It analyzed the data collected in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and compared anthropometric outcomes of under-five children surveyed during pre- and post-COVID. The study found the following results: Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 and 2021 had a 1.2% (0.5-1.9) higher rate of both underweight and wasting compared to matched pre-COVID children. Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 alone showed 4.6% (3.4-5.9) higher underweight rates, 2.4% higher wasting rates, and 1.6% (0.2-2.9) higher stunting rates compared to matched post-COVID children. The gap was smaller for children from the post-COVID period (2020 and 2021) compared to those immediately after the lockdown was lifted in 2020, indicating a recovery. The subgroup analysis showed that children of rural areas and families belonging to lower wealth quintiles were more likely to be underweight compared to matched pre-Covid children of 2020 and 2021 together. No difference was observed in the anthropometric outcomes between children from higher wealth quintiles and urban children. As it was a secondary analysis of NFHS-5 data, the effect of the delta variant of COVID-19 could not be measured. Further studies are required to explore the impact of the pandemic on the anthropometric outcomes of children in diverse and vulnerable groups, such as the urban poor and migrants. The study provides evidence that the anthropometric outcomes of individuals were affected during the sensitive life stage of infancy and childhood. This highlights the necessity of developing a more robust food and health resilience system in India. Click here to read more. Previous Next

UNICEF issues Urgent Call for action in response to the rise in Sexual Violence in CONGO. UNICEF issues Urgent Call for action in response to the rise in Sexual Violence in CONGO. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary June 2, 2023 International Health News, Sexual Violence, UNICEF, Call for action UNICEF UNICEF has issued an urgent plea for action in response to a concerning rise in sexual violence against girls and women in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Reports indicate a 37% increase in gender-based violence during the first three months of 2023 compared to the previous year. The situation is particularly dire for the over 1.16 million people displaced by conflict in the region, with overcrowded sites posing significant risks. Many survivors reported being attacked by armed and displaced men in and around camps. UNICEF also warns about high levels of sexual exploitation of children at more than 1,000 sites. UNICEF is providing medical, psychosocial, and protective services. They also have called for expanded interventions, an end to exploitation, and increased donor assistance to improve living conditions, healthcare, and education for the affected population.

Digitalization and its inequitable environmental impact: Digital economy report 2024 Digitalization and its inequitable environmental impact: Digital economy report 2024 Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala July 22, 2024 United Nations Trade and Development Environmental Health, e-waste, Economic Inequities The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released the Digital Economy Report 2024 in July 2024. The report details that global digitalization has led to rapid Information and Communications Technology growth. However, the growth comes at the cost of environmental harm, increasing disproportionately across countries. Digitization is accompanied by a shift in demand from carbon to minerals like cobalt and graphite, which are deposited in developing countries like Africa. The demand can rise by 500% by the year 2050. Wastes related to the digital sector have increased by 30% from 2010 to 2022, reaching 10.5 million tons worldwide. Improper waste handling and disposal contribute to the environmental degradation caused by resource extraction and other processes, with developing countries being the most affected. The UNCTAD calls for sustainable circular economy models that emphasize the reuse and recycling of e-waste. It advocates for stricter rules and regulations to mitigate environmental footprints. It asks for cooperation between nations on waste management and resource extraction for an equitable digital economy. Click here to read more.