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. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

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.

Homeownership and its association with prevalence of chronic health conditions: Study findings Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet May 30, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Research finding, Chronic disease, Socioeconomic status Researchers analyzed data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, including 401,958 participants. They assessed the association between homeownership and self-reported diagnoses of diabetes, asthma, cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and kidney disease. Logistic regression was used to adjust for variables such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, employment, and income, computing odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of the analysis are as follows: Influencing Factors: Age, marital status, education, and income significantly influenced homeownership. Odds of Homeownership: Increased with age, peaking at 17.45 (95% CI, 16.21–18.79) for adults aged 65 or older. Non-Hispanic White adults had the highest odds (OR = 3.34; 95% CI, 3.18–3.52). Chronic Health Conditions: Homeowners had a lower prevalence of chronic health conditions, especially among those aged 45 to 64 years. After accounting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, renters were more likely to have chronic health conditions compared to homeowners. The study reveals that- homeownership predicts the lower prevalence of several chronic health conditions . Public health initiatives should prioritize housing-related interventions to improve overall population health. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Global conclave: Highlighting the need for plastic recycling and sustainability Global conclave: Highlighting the need for plastic recycling and sustainability Content Editor: Dr. Dheenadhayalan V July 26, 2024 Press Information Bureau Waste management, Plastic management, Sustainability The four-day Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) was recently held at Delhi under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizer. The event addressed a few critical issues, with a strong emphasis on intersectoral collaboration to curb the plastic pollution. These issues included : Plastic waste management Plastic recycling Plastic sustainability Currently, only 10% of the global plastic waste is recycled, leading to the increase in plastic pollution. The GCPRS showcased various sustainable recycling solutions and offered a platform for sharing these between the various stakeholders. This initiative is in line with our country’s zero waste goal . Click here to read more.

HeartSmiles initiatives to tackling adolescent food insecurity in baltimore HeartSmiles initiatives to tackling adolescent food insecurity in baltimore Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay May 30, 2024 Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Adolescent health, Food insecurity, International Health News A recent article highlights the pressing issue of food insecurity among adolescents in the United States, with a particular focus on Baltimore. Nearly 13% of US children and 26% of Baltimore's youth face food insecurity, severely impacting their health and development. Adolescents' higher calorie needs and limited access to food make them especially vulnerable, often pushing them towards risky behaviors to obtain food. Existing food assistance programs fall short of addressing their unique needs, and stigma further discourages them from seeking help. HeartSmiles, a nonprofit affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Center for Adolescent Health, is making strides with initiatives like an online food pantry and the Granny Project cooking show, which will provide essential food support to Baltimore's youth . The article calls for policymakers to better consider adolescents in food assistance programs and highlights the need for research into solutions such as Instacart cards for SNAP benefits. It emphasizes the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships to combine food access with services like job training and community gardening. Click here to read more

Declining psychological well-being: An early indicator of cognitive impairment in older adults Content Editor: Dr. Prachi September 13, 2024 at 1:00:00 PM Older adults, Mental health, Cognition The study explored the trajectories of psychological well-being in older adults preceding the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. It aimed to understand how psychological well-being and its components change over time in individuals who transition from being cognitively healthy to experiencing MCI and dementia. Poor psychological well-being is linked to increased dementia risk, but changes over time are unclear. The study followed 910 cognitively intact older adults for up to 14 years , measuring psychological well-being and its components annually. Those who developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experienced faster declines in overall psychological well-being, noticeable two years before diagnosis. Specific components like purpose in life and personal growth declined earlier: 3 years and 6 years before MCI diagnosis, respectively. After the MCI diagnosis, most well-being components declined at similar rates , except for "positive relations with others," which declined faster. Previous Next

Center gives green signal to launch the e-buses schemes. Center gives green signal to launch the e-buses schemes. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay September 11, 2023 Indian Express Climate change, green transportation, Sustainability The Union Cabinet's approval of the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme is a significant step towards promoting green mobility in India. The scheme aims to operate 10,000 electric buses in 100 cities, with priority given to cities lacking organized bus services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted its potential to rethink accessibility in cities, boost transport capacity and quality, and create job possibilities. The scheme will be funded through a Rs 57,613 crore Public Private Partnership model, with the Centre contributing Rs 20,000 crore and the states covering the remaining. Financial aid will be provided based on per kilometer traveled for ten years, with the Centre supporting power facilities, too. Around 45,000 jobs are expected to be generated through this initiative. The scheme targets 100 cities with a population of 3 to 40 lakh , chosen via a competitive selection process. Buses will be provided as per population density. Additional e-buses and support for multipurpose amenities, common mobility cards, and charging systems are among the incentives available to communities that retire outdated buses.