Malawi roars for change: Demands action ahead of COP 28 summit Malawi roars for change: Demands action ahead of COP 28 summit Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal December 20, 2023 Devex Climate change, Environment Geopolitics and foreign events have already had an impact on Malawi in recent years. Cyclone Freddy killed hundreds of people and displaced over 650,000 in the country. It also influenced Malawi's agriculture industry , which accounts for roughly 30% of the country's GDP and 80% of national export profits. The Ukrainian war has already had a significant impact on the economy, as its agricultural industry relies on fertilizer imports, which is one item harmed by the conflict. Nancy Tembo, Malawi's Foreign Affairs Minister noted that one approach to further support nations like Malawi at the climate conference will be the realisation of the long-awaited loss and damage fund , a financial mechanism to ameliorate climate emergencies established at COP 27 but currently lacking in execution. She is also asking for assistance in gaining a greater understanding and clarity on the carbon market , a trading system in which carbon credits are sold and bought to recompense firms or individuals for their greenhouse gas emissions. Malawi is likewise promoting debt forgiveness through a debt-for-nature concept . Debt-for-nature swaps are financial arrangements that allow for the forgiveness of portions of a developing country's foreign debt in exchange for commitments to spend in biodiversity conservation and environmental policy measures.

05. Total 691 children adopted as per New Adoption Regulations 2022 February 12, 2023 at 3:33:37 PM Public Health Laws & Regulation In order to promote in-country adoptions, a new provision has been mandated in Adoption Regulations 2022 where in those children who could not find families within their stipulated referral cycles, are now being offered to RI, NRI, OCI, PAPs, irrespective of their seniority. This step has been immensely welcomed by Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs). After the issue of notification total 691 children have been adopted till today. On the date of notification 905 number of adoption orders were pending. As on date the pendency has come down to 617. Previous Next

Battling the rising tide of mental disorders Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E October 23, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Mental Health, Non-communicable diseases India has a severe shortage of psychiatrists, with only 0.7 professionals for every 1,00,000 population. However, the standard guidelines recommend that there should be at least 3/100,000 population. To fill this gap, there have been suggestions to increase the number of postgraduate seats in psychiatry. Also, there is a felt need to train healthcare workers in AB-HWCs to counsel people suffering from common mental health disorders. This should be supported by a timely referral to a higher center. Tele-Manas, the government-run tele-mental health helpline, is a force multiplier that provides counseling through Tele Manas Cells. Previous Next

ACIP Recommendations for 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccination: Efficacy, Cost-Effectiveness, and Target Strains ACIP Recommendations for 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccination: Efficacy, Cost-Effectiveness, and Target Strains Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay September 25, 2024 Center for Disease Control MMWR, COVID VACCINATION The report provides guidance for the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccination strategy from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The methodology included reviewing data in 40 public meetings since June 2020. ACIP assessed vaccine efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness using the GRADE system. The analysis found that updated vaccines offer moderate protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death, although their effectiveness diminishes over time. Vaccination is advised for everyone aged six months and older, with special focus on high-risk populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Economic evaluations show that vaccines are most cost-effective for those aged 65 and older. The report concludes that the 2024–2025 vaccines, which target the currently circulating Omicron strains (JN.1 and KP.2), are essential for ongoing protection and reducing severe outcomes, with a priority on ensuring equitable access Click here to read more

Listeria outbreak associated with ice-cream cups, reported from USA Listeria outbreak associated with ice-cream cups, reported from USA Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy August 23, 2023 CDC Newsroom releases Public health, Outbreak, Listeria Laboratory experts are attempting to identify whether the Listeria found in a "Soft Serve On The Go" ice cream cup taken from a sick person's freezer is the outbreak strain. CDC speculates that the true number of cases may be in excess to the number reported and spread in more states. This underestimation is partly because most cases recover before being tested and without medical intervention. Nationwide recall of the food product involved (soft serve ice-cream cups) is in process. CDC advices all US citizens to either discard the product from their homes or return to shop for a refund. Listeria is more dangerous in pregnant and elderly, so these populations have been advised to take necessary caution.

10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, Deoghar. 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, Deoghar. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Mohanty December 13, 2023 Press Information Bureau Health Programmes and Schemes, Jan Aushadi Kendra Prime Minister Narendra interacted with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra via video conferencing along with the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Mahila Kisan Drone Kendra. Prime Minister also dedicated the 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, Deoghar, and initiated a program to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras from 10,000 to 25,000. One of the beneficiaries during the event, highlighted saving around 10,000 rupees monthly through Jan Aushadhi Kendra. PM stressed the importance of spreading awareness about the availability of cost-effective and quality medicines through such Kendras, appreciating the local community's awareness of these schemes.

15-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 10 - 16th April, 2023 Global Agreement to protect the World from future pandemic: WHO During the fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) this week, countries discussed and mapped out a global accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Countries deliberated about their concerns, ideas and suggestions for protecting against the future pandemic in drafting the pandemic accord. More than 300 amendments to International Health Regulations (IHR- 2005) have been put forward for discussion for strengthening the global response to public health emergencies. The proposed amendments of IHR and the final draft of the pandemic accord will be presented at the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024. Content Editor: Dr. Ranjitha R WHO News Section Source : Published on : Saturday, April 15, 2023 Global health, IHR Report denies "SARS-COV-2 origin in Huanan Seafood Market" theory A paper recently published in Nature , demystifies the origin of the Coronavirus in the Huanan seafood market, as was once postulated. In early 2020 in China, 923 samples were collected from the environment and 457 samples were collected from 18 species of animals, comprising unsold contents of refrigerators and freezers, swabs from stray animals, and the contents of a fish tank. The virus was detected only in the environmental samples and not in animal samples. The report has been submitted by a research body in China named the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) by George F. Gao et al. It should also be noted that a previous study by Micheal Worobey et al. from the University of Arizona, stands in contention with the current report. Read the article in Nature - Click Here Content Editor: Dr. Siddharth Singh Nature Source : Published on : Saturday, April 15, 2023 Global Public Health, COVID-19 Origin, Nature A week off in April to "fall in love" to combat population concerns in China China's government has come up with more than 20 recommendations to increase birth rates and combat population concerns. Nine colleges, including Mianyang Flying Vocational College, have given students a week off in April to "fall in love" and "enjoy love through enjoying the spring break." The aim is to encourage students to "learn to love nature, love life, and enjoy love." The break includes writing diaries, keeping track of personal development, and making travel videos. The country's National Bureau of Statistics reported the largest decline in population growth since 1961, the last year of China's Great Famine. China's birth rate in 2022 was just 6.77 births per 1,000 people, down from a rate of 7.52 births in 2021, marking the lowest birth rate on record. China's declining birth rate has been attributed to factors such as high childcare and education costs, low incomes, weak social safety nets, gender inequalities, and even the COVID-19 lockdown. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary NBC News Source : Published on : Saturday, April 15, 2023 Demography, Declining demography in China, Low Birth Rate, Accord between Cipla and Novartis for the diabetic medication Galvus With effect from January 1, 2026, the diabetic medication Galvus and its combination brands will be manufactured and marketed by the pharmaceutical company Cipla under a perpetual licencing arrangement with Novartis Pharma AG (Switzerland). Galvus , one of the top brands in the Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP4) market , particularly in oral diabetic treatment, has the potential to make a major contribution to its portfolio, as per Cipla. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal The Hindu Source : Published on : Saturday, April 15, 2023 Diabetes, Medications Post- Earthquake vaccination campaign at Northwest Syria Around 67 health facilities were destroyed and 10000 people were displaced by the earthquake. After a natural disaster like an earthquake, routine immunization services will be disrupted. Supplementary immunization activities like campaigns have to be conducted to prevent further disasters from vaccine-preventable diseases. Two months after the earthquake, Syria launched a Vaccination drive supported by WHO, GAVI and UNICEF. Around eight lahks of under five children will be vaccinated against measles and polio . Content Editor: Dr. Ranjitha R UNICEF Source : Published on : Saturday, April 15, 2023 Vaccination, Disaster, Global health Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Week: 9th-15th April 2023 The second week of April (9th-15th April 2023) is observed as "STI Awareness Week" to spread awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Nearly 1 million STIs are acquired every day worldwide. According to CDC, 1 in 5 people in the United States suffers from STI. With a prevalence of 5-6% in the adult population of India and much higher (20-30% estimate) among the high-risk groups (NACO). Newer STI cases cost approximately $16 billion to the American healthcare system. This week is supposed to reduce the stigma related to STIs and encourage newer preventive strategies at or before the critical stage of illnesses. Increasing contact with patients through telephone and online health consultations to increase access to medical treatment is the need of the hour. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti CDC Source : Published on : Friday, April 14, 2023 Reproductive Health, STIs, Prevention, Awareness National Policy for Menstrual Hygiene in schools to be created by the Centre By providing sanitary pads, vending machines, and disposal facilities in addition to separate restrooms for females in schools, this would assist establish a regular policy to ensure menstrual hygiene. This is essential for young girls' public health, especially at government-sponsored and residential institutions. The court also directed the States and Union Territories four weeks to submit their menstrual hygiene programmes to the Union Health Secretary. The court further requested information regarding the ratio of female restrooms to male restrooms, the amount of money spent on sanitary napkins, as well as vending machines and disposal facilities at schools. After three months, the case was finally listed at the end of July. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal The Hindu Source : Published on : Friday, April 14, 2023 Mentrual hygiene, adolescent A systematic review reveals the risk factors of psychiatric symptoms in long COVID-19 Patients A systematic review of 23 studies provides an overview of psychiatric symptoms in Long COVID-19 patients and the risk factors associated with it. The most prevalent reported psychiatric symptoms, from the most to the least reported, were anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), poor sleep qualities, somatic symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Being female and having previous psychiatric diagnoses were risk factors for the development of the reported symptoms. Detailed screening for mental disorders and early intervention is recommended to improve the quality of life of patients with Long COVID-19. Content Editor: Dr. Sowmiya Cidrap Source : Published on : Friday, April 14, 2023 Long COVID-19, Mental health Ban on tobacco products upheld by Delhi High Court Upholding the recent notification of the state government to prohibit manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale of scented/flavored tobacco, pan masala, gutka and similar products in the national capital. The high court bench observed that the ban is a "policy decision" in the "interest of public health". This becomes especially important as Tobacco and tobacco related products have been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Lower and Middle Income Countries. Content Editor: Dr. Siddharth Singh The Times of India, Delhi Source : Published on : Friday, April 14, 2023 Public Health laws and regulation H5N1 Avian Flu detected in a pet dog in Canada First dog infection in the country with H5N1 avian influenza, clade 2.3.4.4b. The case is detected on 1st April in Oshawa, Ontario. The dog died after falling sick after eating a dead goose. Necropsy revealed the involvement of the Respiratory system. Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Public Health Agency confirmed the details. They told that the prevalence of H5N1 infection outside avian species is very low. Isolated reports of H5N1 infection in farm dogs and cats are present in some countries including Thailand, during 2005 and 2006 H5N1 avian outbreaks in Asia. Pet owners are advised to not feed raw meat from game birds or poultry and prevent accidental consumption. Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur Cidrap Source : Published on : Friday, April 14, 2023 Outbreaks Butyl mercaptan leak occurred from a gas pipeline in Kochi, Kerala Butyl mercaptan, which is an odorant used in natural gas leak occurred on 1st April 2023, from a gas pipeline in Kochi, Kerala. The leak happened during maintenance work on the pipeline. Residents in nearby areas like Kalamassery, Kakkanad, Edappally, and CUSAT regions of Ernakulam district complained about the strong smell, similar to rotten eggs, and inhalation of chemicals. As per the company's claims, the chemical is not toxic but, prolonged inhalation can cause skin and eye irritation, a rash, breathing problems, weakness, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and confusion can be caused by high concentrations of the gas. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary Times of India Source : Published on : Tuesday, April 11, 2023 Man-Made Disasters, Chemical Pollution Extended Resolutions on Human Rights According to the World Food Program, in 2023, conflict and war is still the biggest driver of hunger. Considering the violent affairs in Haiti, the UN Human Rights Council nominated an independent expert mandate for Haiti, aiming for “coordinated and targeted international action” on 4th April. The 52nd session which extended from 27th Feb - 4th April 2023, adopted 43 resolutions. Resolutions on human rights in North Korea, Myanmar, Iran, Belarus, Syria, and Ukraine. Right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, Birth registration, and Recognition as a person before the law. Mandate on the sale, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse of children. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti United Nations Human Rights Council Source : Published on : Thursday, April 13, 2023 Global Health, Human Rights, War & Conflicts, Hunger One in Six People Worldwide Affected by Infertility - WHO Report The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that one in six people worldwide is affected by infertility, and access to affordable care is insufficient . Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, and the WHO's report reveals that 17.5% of the adult population experience infertility in their lifetime. This report provides data on global and regional infertility prevalence by analyzing all relevant studies from 1990 to 2021. The search identified 12,241 records of potentially relevant studies across the world and finally, 133 studies were included in the analysis for the report. Pooled estimates, for lifetime and period infertility prevalence were reported. The prevalence of infertility highlights the need to widen access to fertility care, and ensure safe, effective, and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Read the complete report - Click Here Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur WHO News Section Source : Published on : Thursday, April 13, 2023 Global Burden of Disease, Infertility A day to be human: April 5th, International Day of Conscience The UN General Assembly declared April 5th as the International Day of Conscience to promote peace, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination. They encourage member states, organizations, the private sector, and individuals to build a culture of peace through education and awareness-raising activities for sustainable development. The culture of peace originated from the 1989 International Congress on Peace and has become a global movement through the participation of civil society. The United Nations calls for peace founded on intellectual and moral solidarity, not just political and economic arrangements. Content Editor: Dr. Purnoor Kaur United Nations Source : Published on : Monday, April 10, 2023 International Day Celebrations Goa Healthcare highlighted in PHC tour before G20 meet Goa will host the G20 Health Working Group Meeting from 17th-19th of April 2023. G20 identifies three areas for tracking health: Health Emergency Prevention and Preparedness, Strengthening Pharmaceutical Sector Cooperation, and Digital Health Innovation & Solutions. A tour of the Primary Health Care Centres in Goa with the support of UNICEF to highlight India's commitment showcased the following innovations:- Implementation of ABDHM Hospital Management Information System (E-Sushrut) iBreast Device, an initiative under the Swasth Mahila Swasth Goa program, supported by YouWeCan to aid breast cancer patient examination Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) to build a renal registry for the state and subsequently the nation (One Nation-One Dialysis) to integrate all the dialysis centers operational in the state under NHM. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Monday, April 10, 2023 G20 Submit, Primary Health Centres, Digital Innovations Medics call off protest against Rajasthan Health Bill Protests following the roll out of Right to Health bill of the Rajasthan government has now come to a halt. This comes in response to a negotiation between Govt of Rajasthan, Indian Medical Association and other stake holders. The Right to Health Bill was passed in the state assembly on March 21, sought to remove the compulsion of prepayment of requisite fee in cases of emergency treatment in all health facilities. This created a lot of apprehension among private practitioners from all levels which resulted in massive protests in the entire state. Content Editor: Dr. Siddharth Singh The Hindu, Delhi Source : Published on : Monday, April 10, 2023 Public Health Laws and Regulation Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives This is a title. View More This is an extra long title. Click here to edit and add your own text. It's easy. View More This is a title. Click here to edit and add your own text. View More This is a title. Click here to edit and add your own text. View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

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.