42-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 22-31st October, 2023 WHO highlights the importance of a PRET workforce A Safetnet scientific conference was held in Australia in September 2023, bringing together FTEP directors from regional as well as global levels to discuss the scenario of pandemic planning and control initiatives. The head of the WHO global initiative PRET highlighted that the organization encourages all nations to enhance their pandemic preparedness. WHO suggests all nations develop a multi-sectoral and multi-level strategy to tackle any future pandemics and minimize their impact on society. In this regard, WHO suggests training and retraining programs for field epidemiologists with leadership modules, pandemic response training, and simulation exercises to equip a robust public health workforce. WHO proposed that its PRET team contribute to planning training curricula focused on pandemic response. WHO also proposed to strengthen collaborations between health systems and field epidemiology stakeholders Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy WHO News Section Source : Published on : October 31, 2023 Global health, WHO, epidemiology, Health emergency, Health planning, PRET WHO's urgent call: Safeguarding health, easing suffering in Gaza WHO has requested Israel to revoke the order for the mass evacuation of Gaza, as doing so could have disastrous health implications. According to information provided to WHO by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, patients who require life support or who are seriously injured cannot be evacuated while conflicts continue, putting the lives of the vulnerable in jeopardy. WHO is also working to immediately create a humanitarian corridor so that supplies can be safely transported to Gaza's medical institutions. This could possibly be through Rafah, which is just 20 minutes from the WHO logistics hub, which is stocked with enough supplies for 300,00 patients with a variety of wounds and diseases. After meeting with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros on October 9, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed to expedite the transportation of medical supplies and other humanitarian aid from WHO to Gaza through the Rafah crossing. Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy WHO News Section Source : Published on : October 31, 2023 Global health, WHO, Humanittarian aid, Israel-gaza conflict French Botulism outbreak report sounds alarms Bordeaux University Hospital, on September 6, reported the first case of botulism. Botulism is an uncommon but serious food-borne illness caused by the consumption of ineffectively processed home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods. The case was initially managed as a case of Guillain–Barré syndrome. This patient needed mechanical ventilation due to respiratory muscle paralysis and also experienced severe symptoms like impaired swallowing and oculomotor palsy. Two more patients with similar neuro-ophthalmic involvement needing ICU care were received at the hospital in the same week. All three patients, upon investigation, were revealed to be visitors to France and had consumed canned sardines in the same restaurant in Bordeaux. In total, this outbreak affected 15 people, all of whom reported eating sardines at the same restaurant. Physicians all around France have been advised to check for botulism symptoms in patients who have recently visited Bordeaux. France recorded 82 cases of foodborne botulism between 2008 and 2018, out of which 159 were classified as outbreaks. The highest number of individuals engaged in a single epidemic was six, making the current outbreak the biggest in the country. Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : October 31, 2023 Global health, Communicable disease, Food-borne disease, Outbreak, Public health Chad battles its first-ever Dengue outbreak The 2023 dengue outbreak in Chad is the country's first encounter with the disease. The serotype responsible hasn't been confirmed yet. The age group of 15 to 34 years old accounts for 27% of the confirmed cases, making them the most impacted by this outbreak. With assistance from the WHO, the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention has launched several significant response initiatives, as follows: Mobilizing resources and managing logistics of drugs and samples Enhancing entomological surveillance, active case finding, and in-depth epidemiological investigations Developing SOPs for the treatment of suspected and confirmed dengue cases Community mobilization to spread essential knowledge about dengue transmission and management, including integrated vector control strategies Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy WHO Disease outbreak news Source : Published on : October 31, 2023 Disease outbreak, Public health, Global health, WHO, Communicable diseases International organizations unite in humanitarian aid pledge to Gaza After nearly two weeks of nonstop bombing, a great deal of Gaza's civilian infrastructure has been damaged or completely destroyed. Twenty trucks carrying the first limited consignment of life-saving humanitarian aid from the UN and the Egyptian Red Crescent crossed the Rafah Crossing into Gaza on October 21. Even prior to the Gaza conflict, about one-third of the Palestinian population experienced food insecurity, which has further worsened with the recent situation. Casualties are piling up in hospitals. Health facilities are currently operating on limited amounts of locally secured fuel as they are without fuel. The capacity to produce water is only 5% of what it typically is. Humanitarian supplies that were prepositioned have already run out. In this dire situation, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO issued a joint statement calling for a ceasefire and immediate, unrestricted access to Gaza so that much-needed humanitarian aid can be delivered to the vulnerable population of Gaza. They also called for respect for humanitarian laws, protecting civilians and frontline workers, and access to safe water, food, and healthcare. Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy WHO News Section Source : Published on : October 31, 2023 Global health, Public health, Healthcare access, WHO WHOeyes: One step closer to Universal Health Coverage At least 2.2 billion people worldwide have a near or far vision impairment. At least one billion of these instances could have been avoided or treated easily with eyewear or cataract surgery. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched "WHOeyes," a free app for the public to test how well they can see things close up and at a distance. This app will also help them learn how to safeguard their eyes. The app assesses visual acuity, which is the most often used assessment of visual function. It is a basic, non-invasive test used to assess if someone has a vision impairment. WHOeyes aims to reach out to the entire population over the age of eight, encouraging people to seek out eye care. All six UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish) are supported in this app. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal WHO News Section Source : Published on : October 30, 2023 WHO, Eye health, Universal Health Coverage Highly pathogenic avian flu finds its course to Antarctica The British Antarctic Survey released the results of the tests on October 23, 2023. This survey maintains two research stations in South Georgia, including one on Bird Island. It is unclear how the virus will affect the South Georgia fauna. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a report in August 2023 warning about the potential of H5N1 avian flu spreading to Antarctica's wildlife populations. WOAH and the FAO predicted that it would travel south to Antarctica with the migration of birds from South America, where it was detected in October 2022 . The groups cautioned that the impact on animals in the region might be enormous due to: Their vulnerability to the virus Their habit of living in dense colonies Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : October 30, 2023 Influenza, International health Kerala strives to empower and educate their older adults As per the India Ageing Report 2023, the old age dependency ratio is highest, at 19.4%, in the south (constituting Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) as compared to other regions. Kerala is projected to constitute around 23% of the older (>60 years) population in India by 2036. The Minister of Higher Education and Social Justice is taking steps consecutively to address the welfare issues of older adults. Initiatives like: Memory clinics Vayomithram project (provision of free medicines) Vayojana Park program. The Naipunya Nagaram programme (a digital literacy program for the elderly) Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti UNFPA India Source : Published on : October 30, 2023 Population health, Older adults, Healthy and active ageing Greening Delhi's waste: Miyawaki Magic to transform landfills The Department of Environment Management Services (DEMS) is soon going to undertake afforestation around the three landfills of Delhi (Bhalswa, Okhla, and Ghazipur) as per the National Green Tribunal (Oct 2022) direction. The technique of Miyawaki afforestation (biofencing), i.e., planting indigenous, fast-growing plants to form a green belt 5-10m around the periphery of landfills, will help limit the spread of toxic gases, dust, and pollutants. The horticulture department aims to plant around 52 indigenous plant varieties. After the bio-remediation of the years-old legacy wastes, the process will soon start. This project will be implemented by an NGO named Green Yatra. Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti Green Yatra Source : Published on : Monday, October 30, 2023 Public Health laws and regulations, Environmental Health, Solid Waste Management DBT in partnership with WIPO launches Global Health Innovation Fellowship The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have collaborated to launch a Global Health Innovation Fellowship to boost MedTech startups and innovations among youth . This fellowship will be implemented across various DBT bio-design centers in India, including those at IIT Delhi, AIIMS, IITB, Hinduja Hospital, and Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology, presided over the event’s launch, highlighting that it aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to find scientific solutions for unmet health-related needs and challenges. The program received 157 applications from young professionals worldwide, including from low- and middle-income countries. Recently, the DBT partnered with more than 20 technical and medical colleges nationwide to expand the Biodesign program. India's biotech sector is expanding exponentially, as it incorporates three biotech startups daily intending to provide viable technological solutions and contribute to the "Make in India" initiative. It is anticipated to create more than 10 million jobs by 2025. Furthermore, DBT, with its PSU-BIRAC, is working synergistically with various stakeholders to promote the growth of biotech startups in India. Content Editor: Dr. Jasmin Nilima Panda Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Monday, October 30, 2023 Global Health, Health Technology, Health Innovation, Public Health Drones slash medication delivery time in Lahaul & Spiti: 100 units in just 26 minutes Drones are becoming increasingly crucial in healthcare for delivering supplies to remote areas quickly. ICMR aims to streamline medical provisions' distribution from regional hospitals in Keylong to over eight primary health centers (PHCs) in the region. The inaugural flight successfully transported medications and diagnostic samples, significantly reducing the time compared to road transport. The drone swiftly covered 20 kilometers in just 26 minutes, a significant time reduction from the previous 120 minutes. ICMR plans to conduct more test flights in the coming days. This initiative is seen as a game-changer for healthcare in remote and challenging geographical areas. It also offers the potential to save lives in emergencies and challenging conditions. The research will provide insights into the utility of drones in these regions and whether they can complement traditional medical supply methods in difficult terrain. The project received support from state health authorities and local administrative officials. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Mohanty Indian Council of Medical Research Source : Published on : Saturday, October 28, 2023 Innovations in Health care HealthPlix's new expansion: Offline EMR platform tailored for doctors HealthPlix is a digital health platform empowered with AI technologies. It aids in clinical decision-making and thereby creates detailed patient profiles and efficient prescriptions. The offline Electronic Medical Record (EMR) of HealthPlix is the first in India that is available 24/7, and the speed is 48% faster than the previous version. The improvised productivity can help doctors attend to 10% more patients each day. Doctors can practice without an internet connection and later sync the data to the cloud. The data sync is fast, i.e., within 5 minutes, and secure, thus ensuring zero loss of information. It ensures flexibility by having online capabilities and being able to switch between both modes automatically . HealthPlix's “AI-powered EMR on Mobile” is available on Android and iOS smartphones. It provides real-time access to patient’s information without any limitation of time or place. It ensures an increased reach to over 12,000 doctors in more than 100 cities in India with uninterrupted access to patient data, even in areas without or with unreliable internet connectivity. It currently serves 2.5% of the Indian population and can act as a ladder for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Content Editor: Dr. Priyasha Panda HealthPlix Source : Published on : Saturday, October 28, 2023 Digital Health, Electronic Medical Record, Artificial Intelligence Poshan Tracker: Nourishing lives with real-time precision International organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank have praised the Poshan Tracker for its impact on nutrition. The platform was operationalized with the collaboration of the World Bank and UNICEF. WHO recognizes it as a model for collecting administrative nutrition data. India's G-20 Presidency highlighted the Poshan Tracker's role in digitizing data for real-time monitoring and targeted interventions. Since April 2023, child measurement data on the Poshan Tracker has steadily risen from 63.4 million to 72.4 million children. Child wasting rates recorded on the platform have consistently stayed below 7.2%, in contrast to the 18.7% used in the Global Hunger Index 2023. However, the Global Hunger Index's accuracy is disputed. A 2023 report ranks India 111 out of 125 countries and is criticized for methodological flaws. It relies on a small sample size for one of its key indicators, leading to misleading results. In contrast, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates India's proportion of the undernourished population at 16.6%. However, even this figure is questioned for its methodology and potential bias due to the limited sample size. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Mohanty Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, October 28, 2023 Malnutrition, Poshan Abhiyan, Innovative technology National mental health conclave: A pivotal event in commemoration of world mental health day Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, participated in the National Mental Health Conclave held in observance of World Mental Health Day. Dr. Mandaviya praised efforts to make mental health care accessible nationwide , particularly in remote areas. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He highlighted the importance of the National Mental Health Survey, which revealed that 10% of the population grapples with mental health issues, placing a significant burden on individuals, society, and the economy. He emphasized the role of technology in mental health care, citing the success of the National Tele-Mental Health Program (Tele-MANAS). The program has counseled over 350,000 people and currently serves 2,000 individuals through 44 TeleManas Cells. Dr. Mandaviya inaugurated the Tele-MANAS logo and unveiled new facilities at NIMHANS. He also discussed integrating mental health services with primary health services through Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers and district-level initiatives. In total, there are 47 government mental health hospitals in the country. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Mohanty Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, October 28, 2023 National Days, Mental Health Passport to earning program: Paving the way for sustainable development UNICEF, on the UN International Day of the Girl Child (October 11, 2023), organized an online program to commemorate the innovative venture of the passport-to-earning program. This venture provides certificates to young Indians in the fields of financial literacy and digital productivity. In collaboration with National Education Policy 2020, India is offering courses to obtain certificates in the realms of: Digital productivity Financial literacy Employability skills Other Job ready skills This program aims to deliver perpetual vocational skills to 5 million youth aged 14-29 by 2024. According to Cyntia McCaffrey, this program, in association with our ‘Nari Shakthi’ program, shall arm the women and girls of our country so as to conquer the sustainable skills to lead the world to Agenda 2030. Dr. K. K. Dwivedi has also highlighted the remark of the Honorable Prime Minister regarding the need for skill development among the youth so as to link the government, private, and civil sectors for a vibrant, well-equipped team of youngsters for the holistic development of the nation. Content Editor: Akhila Nandan Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, October 28, 2023 Public Health program, Sustainable development, Empowerment India's hunger index battle: The disputed ranking unveiled India is ranked 111 out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, with progress against hunger nearly stagnant since 2015. To assess hunger, the GHI considers multiple indicators, including undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. The GHI score for India is 28.7 out of 100, categorizing the severity of hunger as "serious." For the third year in a row, the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India has challenged the country's Global Hunger Index (GHI) position, asserting that the methodology used is fundamentally imprecise. The ministry pointed to a significant disparity between its Poshan Tracker portal's data and the GHI's figures for child wasting prevalence. The GHI emphasizes using consistent data sources and methodologies for international comparisons, which can be the reason behind the disparity. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay The Hindu Source : Published on : Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Global health, malnutrition Charting vulnerabilities in improper waste handling The NCR of Delhi produces around 11.36 tons per day (TPD) of hazardous industrial waste. The hazardous waste generated is supposed to be channeled to the treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) at the Bawana industrial area. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee pinned down 164 vulnerable industrial sites practicing improper waste disposal. The identified spots dump the waste on vacant grounds and burn it illegally. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the DPCC will undergo weekly monitoring of these sites to prevent any unauthorized dumping of waste. Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti The Times of India Source : Published on : Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Environmental Health, Public health laws and regulations Kerala's health bill sparks clash between government and governor The Kerala government is facing resistance from Governor Arif Mohammed Khan regarding the Kerala Public Health Bill, 2021. Traditional medicine practitioners also raised concerns about the bill, citing bias and disruption to their medical practices. The Governor holds the power to take one of three actions under Article 200 of the Constitution in such cases. State Principal Secretary, A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, warned that entertaining these objections could set a concerning precedent and potentially breach the principle of separation of powers. The Kerala government is considering seeking Supreme Court intervention to direct the Governor to address pending bills. The clash revolves around the governor's role in relation to legislative matters, creating tensions between the executive and legislative branches. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay The Hindu Source : Published on : Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Health legislation Genetically modified pig kidneys – transplantation triumphs A recent study in Nature reports on the successful transplantation of kidney grafts from genetically modified pigs into non-human primates. The genetic modifications in pigs for kidney transplantation involved: Removing antigen-coding genes Introducing human genes Eliminating pig viruses The transplanted kidneys exhibited long-term survival in the monkey recipients. This breakthrough in preclinical research brings the potential of using genetically modified pig kidneys for human transplantation. Xenotransplantation, involving the transplantation of animal organs into humans, offers a solution to the global organ shortage. Overcoming obstacles like organ rejection and the risk of zoonosis is crucial for clinical viability. One of the main reasons behind this graft survival was found to be the introduction of 69 genomic edits into donor pigs. These promising results and immunosuppressive treatment offer hope for the future use of pig organs in human transplantations. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay The Hindu Source : Published on : Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Genetic research, Organ Transplantation The Green War Room: An environment-based monitoring system In order to track the sources of air pollution concerns and record them, the Green War Room system collaborates continuously with local and federal policymakers. Through the program, members of the public can file complaints about air pollution, which will be further investigated and resolved by specialists. Key features of the green war room include: 17 specialists headed by Nandita Moitra, an environmental scientist. Real-time 24/7 AQI data from 40 stations in Delhi 15-point action plan with a customized strategy for 13 hotspots Strict monitoring of dust, emissions, and open garbage burning Emphasis on tree plantation, dust regulation at construction sites, and e-waste handling Proper execution of the graded response action plan A stringent restriction on firecracker production, use, and sale Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay The times of india Source : Published on : October 25, 2023 Environmental health, Air pollution, Health technology Inflation's grip on global child hunger: A growing crisis A survey of 16 countries commissioned by the humanitarian group World Vision International came ahead of World Food Day. It has polled more than 14,000 people of all income levels on child hunger. Results showed that, among respondents who said their children went to sleep hungry, 46% cited inflation and living costs as the main reasons. The other two most common reasons cited were low household income (39%) and insufficient government focus on ending hunger (25%). It has also revealed that the percentage of children going to bed hungry increased to 38% in low-income countries. Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E Reuters Source : Published on : October 25, 2023 Nutrition, World Hunger, Food Insecurity Air pollution: A clouded sky over solar dreams A recently published study reported India’s photovoltaic potential. The study was titled “India’s photovoltaic potential amidst air pollution and land constraints .” According to the report, just 29.3% of India's landmass can currently be used for solar photovoltaic energy harvesting. This landmass, which mainly expands over southern and western regions, is further declining by 0.21% annually. This, in turn, causes a presumptive loss of 50 GW of solar potential. According to the study, aerosols have a major impact on solar resources over approximately 98% of the Indian Landmass, clouds impact 40% of it, and clouds and aerosols impact 39% of it. Therefore, alleviating two decades of aerosol burden will make an additional 8% area suitable for effective solar photovoltaics. Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E Journal iScience by Elsevier Source : Published on : October 24, 2023 Environment Health, Solar Energy, Green Energy Clean up your act: Kerala's waste management ordinance 2023 The Ordinance on Waste Management, passed in Kerala, places major responsibility for waste management on the Gram Panchayat. Some key measures are as follows: Fine up to ₹10,000 on commercial establishments that do not segregate the generated waste Segregation of wastes before disposal at hotels, hospitals, and other establishments. Executive power to the panchayat to decide on the user fee for waste generators at various stages, from segregation and collection to its disposal. Door-to-door collection of segregated wastes. Reporting events of littering and unscientific disposal methods by people in the community Punishment for diversion of wastewater and sewage into public drains. Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti The Hindu Source : Published on : October 24, 2023 Waste Management, Sanitation, Public health laws and regulations Healthy milestone: Nagaland welcomes Its very first medical college Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) in Kohima. This became the 1st medical college in the state. NIMSR will act not just as a teaching institute but also as a research institute. NIMSR Kohima's goal is to offer a well-rounded medical education to MBBS students who are part of the NIMSR program. Additionally, it aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services to patients through a combination of hospital-based and community outreach programs. It also aims to support research efforts within and outside the institution. NIMSR Kohima maintains an affiliation with Nagaland University. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Mohanty Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : October 24, 2023 Medical Education Pandemic paradox: Unmasking the silent surge of OHCA cases According to a new study that was published in the JAMA Network Open journal, there were more deadly and frequent out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) during the pandemic . The study's results were made based on information gathered from people evaluated by Emergency Medical Services in Seattle and King County, Washington, between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. 64.6% of the study patients were men, with a mean age of 64. On the other hand, 3,142 happened during the pandemic years, while 2,837 happened during pre-pandemic years. This indicates an increase in OHCA of 10.8%. When comparing the pandemic to the pre-pandemic period, the unadjusted odds ratio of survival to hospital discharge was 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.88). The authors came to the conclusion that indirect factors made OHCA prevention more difficult than the pandemic itself. Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : October 24, 2023 Non communicable disease, Covid-19, Public health, Research findings WHO checklist for the institutionalization of EPIM: A pilot project To pilot a checklist to institutionalize evidence-informed policy-making (EPIM), the following organizations are teaming up: The World Health Organization (WHO) The Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Coordination Centre (EPPI-Centre) at University College London The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) This WHO project aims to improve policy-making procedures in addition to other areas. The project aims at increasing their efficacy, equity, and efficiency. In the first phase, a thorough scenario analysis akin to an exploration mission will be conducted with the help of: Scoping review Focus groups discussions Key informant interviews A participatory workshop will be hosted in each nation as the focal point in the second phase. The checklist will be piloted in two countries in the WHO European region and the American region from October 2023 to September 2024. By the end of this project, each nation will have: A cooperative plan An analysis of the facilitators and barriers to the institutionalization of EIPM Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy WHO News Section Source : Published on : October 23, 2023 Global health, WHO, Public health, Health systems research COVID-19 in the USA: Rollercoaster of hope and challenge From January to August 2023, the COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET) assessed the following rates in 13 US states: COVID-related hospitalization In-hospital mortality Vaccination status among persons 65 years of age and older The study found that adults aged 65 or older contributed to: Nearly 90% of in-hospital deaths 60% of ICU admissions 60% of COVID-19 hospitalizations The majority of those aged 65 or older had several chronic conditions. Only around 25% of hospitalized patients had gotten the required bivalent (two-strain) vaccine, and 16% had not received any COVID-19 vaccine at all. The study's authors advised at-risk adults to lower their risk of developing severe COVID-19 by: Taking the necessary immunizations Obtaining timely antiviral therapy in the event of a positive test . Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : October 23, 2023 COVID, Geriatric health, Public health, Infectious diseases Clearing the air: Delhi's battle for clean skies demands a stronger action plan The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is an autonomous body entrusted with air quality improvement in Delhi and its adjoining areas. In response to the dip in air quality and a shift to the "poor" category, the CAQM released a revised Graded Action Plan (GRAP) on October 6, 2023. It highlighted the necessity for strict implementation of dust mitigation measures. It bans the use of coal in hotels and restaurants. The bench of judges' acknowledged the views of a senior advocate serving as an amicus curiae and recommended that CAQM submit a study on the decline in air quality that occurs in the winter, after festivals, and from burning crop leftovers. Content Editor: Dr Urmimala Maiti Times of India Source : Published on : October 23, 2023 Environmental Health, Air pollution, Public Health Laws and Regulations Battling the rising tide of mental disorders 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. Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E Times of India Source : Published on : October 23, 2023 Mental Health, Non-communicable diseases Discover your skin's health: WHO unveils revamped app for neglected tropical diseases The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an enhanced version of its Skin NTDs App. This app aims to aid front-line health workers in diagnosing and managing skin-related neglected tropical diseases. The updated app, available on Android and iOS devices, now includes a logical, offline algorithm for accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions. It also offers multilingual support , with plans for further translations. Additionally, the app provides learning resources and incorporates cutting-edge AI integration (in beta) for instant classification of skin lesions. It has been developed in collaboration with Until No Leprosy Remains (NLR). This comprehensive resource aligns with the latest WHO recommendations. The users are encouraged to download, share, and provide feedback for continued improvements. This development marks a significant stride in combating skin-related NTDs. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary World Health Organization Source : Published on : October 23, 2023 Neglected Tropical Diseases, International Health Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More 10-16th September, 2023 (9) View More 20-26th August, 2024 (20) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) View More 24-30th September, 2023 (5) View More 01-09th September, 2023 (11) View More 13 - 19 th August , 2024 (5) View More 23-31st July, 2023 (28) View More 17-23rd September, 2023 (10) View More 27-31st August, 2024 (16) View More 6-12th August, 2024 (16) View More 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) 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

81-Headlines of the day (List) Public Health News Snippets 29 - 31st July, 2024 Fostering partnerships for rabies control Indian Immunologicals Ltd.(IIL) and two other pharmaceutical companies donated 10,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccine to five economically backward provinces of Vietnam. This donation is part of IIL’s One Health and outreach program, which includes initiatives like the Rabies Free Thiruvananthapuram project. The Rabies Free Thiruvananthapuram project in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a significant initiative that aims to eradicate rabies by vaccinating stray dogs, promoting responsible pet ownership, controlling the dog population, and ensuring timely vaccinations. IIL is developing vaccines for various zoonotic diseases, including rabies, brucellosis, leptospira, porcine cysticercosis, Covid-19, Zika, and Kyasanur Forest Disease. IIL has been supplying affordable vaccines to many developing countries and has a strong partnership with Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam is facing a pressing issue with a 50% increase in rabies deaths during the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, which underscores the urgency of collective efforts. Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Social Trends Source : Published on : August 1, 2024 Rabies Vaccine, Global Support, International Relations AI for climate change: Need for newer avenues The UN Secretary-General has declared a race to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the greater good , which would propel the world towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by supercharging climate action. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technology Mechanism initiative on AI for Climate Action explores AI's role as a powerful technological tool for advancing and scaling up transformative solutions for mitigation and action. These would be adopted in developing countries, focusing on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States(SIDS). In 2024, the Policy Body of Technology Mechanism and the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee are developing a technical paper on AI for climate action. They are also conducting the AI Innovation Grand Challenge , a global competition to identify open-source AI-powered climate solutions from and for developing countries. Experts, representatives, and decision-makers, especially from developing countries, will join forces to achieve the objectives set. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security Source : Published on : August 1, 2024 Climate change, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental health. Linear urban forest: A project aimed to mitigate effects of heat and improve health Harvard’s Climate Change Solutions Fund supports the LUF, an interdisciplinary effort launched in April 2021 involving landscape designers, U.S. Forest Service biologists, municipal policy practitioners, and Harvard Chan environmental researchers. This was done to minimize the "urban heat island" effect, which consist of city areas with lots of concrete and asphalt. These areas absorb high levels of solar radiation and have few trees to provide shade, resulting in temperatures 10-12 degrees higher than those with more vegetation. This group has designed connected lanes of trees, shrubs, ferns, and other vegetation running along sidewalks or portions of streets. It also plans to quantify its climate and health-related benefits for U.S. cities using Springfield as a pilot. Kachina Studer, a digital technology specialist in visualization research and teaching laboratory, created a series of visualizations of how areas would look if they were filled with trees, which residents could view. In the future, this visualization might prove helpful in other U.S. cities, showing residents and city leaders what’s possible. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Harvard TH School of Public Health Source : Published on : August 1, 2024 Sustainable development, International health, Climate change Nipah in Kerala: The way ahead Recently, a 14-year-old boy from Kerala succumbed to death due to the fatal Nipah Virus. To manage the condition, ICMR delivered monoclonal antibodies to the hospital, but they weren’t used due to the boy’s poor general condition. A BSL-3 laboratory for additional sample testing has also arrived in Kozhikode. The National One Health Mission has deployed a multidisciplinary outbreak response team to support the state in investigating the case. The following measures have been advised by the Center to prevent the further spread of the disease: 1. Active contact tracing of contacts during the past 12 days. 2. Strict quarantine of contacts and isolation of suspects 3. Active case finding among the family and neighboring areas 4. Continued lab testing of samples. Efforts are ongoing to control the situation. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : August 1, 2024 Outbreak, Nipah, Surveillance, One health The diagnostic gap of Zika virus: Recommendations Seven cases of the Zika virus were identified in Pune, Maharashtra, in the last month. However, the officials are concerned that the virus might be “silently spreading.” The officials believe the disease is often underdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with other vector-borne diseases. The country has a paucity of CDSCO-approved diagnostic services , which may have contributed to the issue. The officials have recommended the following to proactively reduce this diagnostic gap: Regular surveillance Increase in PCR testing centers Availability of whole genome sequences in public databases. The consequences of Zika during pregnancy are severe, and early diagnosis and prompt treatment must be done to prevent such consequences. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Social trends Source : Published on : August 1, 2024 Vector-borne diseases, Zika, Surveillance, Outbreak Continuous glucose monitors: The future for managing health proactively among diabetics According to the International Diabetic Federation, an estimated 643 million individuals will be diabetic by 2030. With the increase in diabetics, the data analysis firm GlobalData predicts rapid growth in the global diabetic device markets, particularly for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Furthermore, introducing over-the-counter CGMs (OTC CGMs) will be transformative and ensure broader accessibility for individuals with diabetes and those seeking to monitor glucose levels. Dexcom, the first OTC CGM approved by the FDA in March 2024, is designed for individuals aged 18 and older who do not use insulin. The CGM uses a wearable sensor linked to a smartphone application, providing readings every several minutes. These CGM devices will empower and educate individuals to manage their health. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy GlobalData Source : Published on : July 31, 2024 Diabetes mellitus, Noncommunicable diseases, Technology, Innovation Digital healthcare: Is it the road ahead for healthcare systems? Telemedicine has increased the accessibility of healthcare and reduced the burden on doctors as well. Since 2013, Indian doctors have taken 20 million appointments online on Practo, compared to 638,000 in 2009, a trend supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) . Doctors in Bangalore and Delhi were the earliest in this digital race, followed by Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. The greatest increase in digital appointments is seen in gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics, physiotherapy, and psychiatry. This digital revolution is helping to create a healthcare system that is more efficient, accessible, and and patient-centered. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Social trends Source : Published on : July 31, 2024 Digital health, Technology, Innovation, Telemedicine Expansion of Haryana's state health scheme: Provision of free renal and liver transplants Haryana will be the first state to offer free renal and liver transplants to patients in a government facility under the Mukhya Mantri Muft Ilaj Yojana (MMMIY). A specialized fixed Renal and Liver Transplant Package of Rs 3 lakh is also announced under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY-AB) scheme. These facilities will soon be offered at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak. This aims to make healthcare accessible by providing expensive surgery free of cost in a government-run facility. This will make PGIMS the first in the country to offer free organ transplants. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Social trends Source : Published on : July 31, 2024 Universal health coverage, Organ transplant, Out-of-pocket expenditure Expansion of Maharashtra government's state health scheme: The inclusion of dental care Maharashtra government has Mahatma Phule Jan Aarogya Scheme operational in addition to the Centre-run Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Scheme These schemes did not cover dental treatment, leading to out-of-pocket expenditure by their beneficiaries for dental care. Minister Tanaji Sahrawat announced that dental treatment will now be included under both schemes. With the addition of 900 more hospitals , the schemes will now cover a total of 1,900 government and private hospitals, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for all. This expansion will be completed by the 31st of July. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Social trends Source : Published on : July 31, 2024 Dental care, Health Program, Universal health coverage, Out-of-pocket expenditure Kerala ramps up efforts to combat amoebic meningoencephalitis Kerala Health Minister Veena George convened a high-level meeting to address the recent death of a 15-year-old boy from amoebic meningoencephalitis. The meeting focused on a swift and coordinated response to prevent further cases. The infection was traced back to a muddy field where the boy had played, highlighting the disease's link to contaminated water sources. The key decisions undertaken were as follows: Intensified campaigns to educate the public , especially parents and children, about the risks associated with contaminated water and preventive measures. Enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems to detect and respond to potential cases promptly. Emphasis on ensuring the safety of drinking water sources and promoting hygienic practices. The meeting involved health officials, experts, and representatives from various departments, signifying a collaborative approach to tackling the issue. The incident underscores the importance of water safety and public health awareness , particularly in regions where such infections can occur. Content Editor: Shayari Nag Social trends Source : Published on : July 31, 2024 Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Parasitic infections, Water-borne Illnesses Launch of the national platform for safeguarding childhood from drugs and substance abuse: Creating a safer and healthier environment for children Drug and substance abuse among children is a growing concern in India. The Indian government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has launched NPSCAN, a dedicated portal to combat this issue. The Key Purpose of this portal: Educates children, parents, teachers, and caregivers about the dangers of drug abuse. Equips stakeholders with the knowledge and resources to identify early signs and prevent drug abuse. Provides guidance and support to help those affected by drug abuse. Facilitates communication and coordinated efforts among government agencies, schools, and communities. Its features include: Online resources, including educational materials, tips for parents and teachers, and helplines. A reporting mechanism to flag drug-related concerns. The portal aims to create a safer and healthier environment for children in India, free from the threats of drug abuse. Content Editor: Shayari Nag Social trends Source : Published on : July 30, 2024 Drug Abuse Prevention, Health Promotion The state of food security and nutrition report 2024: A comprehensive summary The SDG targets 2.1 and 2.2 aim to end hunger, food insecurity along with all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The report was released jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, International Fund for Agricultural Development,World Health Organization and World Food Programme, The key mentions in the State of Food Security and Nutrition world report are as follows: The prevalence of undernourishment has remained virtually the same at 9.1% in 2023 since 2021, following a rise due to the pandemic in 2019. Undernourishment affected an estimated 713 million to 757 million individuals across the world. Africa accounts for 20.4% of the total undernourished population, while Asia follows with 8.1%. Nevertheless, Asia tops in the total number of undernourished individuals, amounting to 384.5 million. Around 28.9% of the global population faced moderate to severe levels of food insecurity (did not have access to adequate food regularly). Globally there was a decrease in food insecurity with increase in urbanization. The Cost of Healthy Diet (CoHD) has shown an increase over the years since 2017 , i.e., the amount of food needed to acquire the cheapest possible healthy diet. The report identified and proposed a new definition and methodology to measure financing for food security and nutrition, and applies it to estimate existing availability and gaps. The report demonstrates that although achieving these targets may carry significant costs today, not doing so may result in even greater costs tomorrow. The report highlights the need to invest in interventions that will help in preventing future costs. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala WHO News Section Source : Published on : July 30, 2024 Food Security, Nutrition, Food Financing Launch of the "pre-clinical network facility" in India: The first of its kind in Asia The Union Minister inaugurated Asia’s first “Pre-clinical Network Facility” related to health research at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology in Faridabad. Alongside this, the Ge-HuMic was also launched. It stands for “Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection Facility” and will serve as a repository for supplying microbial cultures to institutes. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) selected BRIC-THSTI (Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute) as a pre-clinical network laboratory, making it the first in Asia and the 9th globally. This facility will support vaccine development and translational research and foster collaborations between academic institutions, hospitals, and industry. This experimental animal facility can house up to 75,000 mice, including immune-compromised mice, and other species, including rats, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. It is among the biggest ‘small animal’ facilities in the nation. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the institute’s achievements, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and research in India. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 30, 2024 Research, Technology, Vaccines, Innovation Comparison of effects of the pandemic on the progress of SDGs: Study findings A recent study in the PLOS ONE Journal analyzes the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on 43 SDG health indicators across 185 countries. The study also compared the actual progress to projected progress based on pre-pandemic trends to assess the pandemic's impact on global health. It draws attention to the widening gap in global health, with low-income nations predicted to have a 34% decline in infectious disease progress loss as opposed to 6% in high-income nations. Low-income countries may experience a 16% average progress loss across health indicators, while high-income countries might see a 3% loss. Extrapolation was done using the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) pre-COVID-19 economic projections to predict health outcomes from 2020 to 2030. A comparison of baseline (pre-COVID-19) and post-COVID-19 scenarios revealed substantial economic growth losses , especially in low—and lower-middle-income countries (42% and 28%, respectively) compared to high—and upper-middle-income countries (15% and 7%, respectively). The study highlights the widening gap between rich and poor nations during the pandemic. While wealthier countries could better manage the crisis, poorer nations faced more significant challenges due to limited resources. This study points towards action plans to diminish inequalities as a part of global health agendas. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal PLoS One Journal Source : Published on : July 30, 2024 COVID-19, Sustainable Development Goals, Inequities BRICS 2024 environment summit: India's contributions and global commitments BRICS is an important grouping bringing together the major emerging economies from the world, comprising 41% of the world population, having 24% of the world GDP and over 16% share in the world trade. The 10th Meeting of BRICS Environment Ministers was held in hybrid format under the Chairship of the Russian Federation on 28th June, 2024. India recommended the following during the meeting: Implementation of the Resolution on Sustainable Lifestyles, which were adopted at the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly Fulfilment of obligations by developed countries for implementation and finances promised to BRICS nations. Highlighting the actions taken by India for addressing the environmental challenges such as :Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Mission, LiFE, IBCA, CDRI, LeadIT, Green Credit Initiative, RE & CE-IC, and GIR-GIP. Strengthening the collaboration and cooperation among the BRICS nations. This has been the 1st meeting of the environmental ministers after the joining of five new members. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 30, 2024 BRICS, Climate Change, International health, Collaboration Child marriage in India: Analysis of the census and NFHS data Child marriage is defined by the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, as involving people under the age of 18 for girls and 21 for boys. Underage marriages continue in India despite this rule, frequently masquerading as custom. The India Child Protection, an organisation working towards child rights protection, has analysed the Census and National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data to quantify the extent of the problem of child marriage in India. According to the 2011 census, on average, 1,621,257 girls who are under the age of 18 get married each year. This means that 4,442 girls get married every day, 185 girls get married every hour, and three girls get married every minute. In India, 23.3% of women (20-24) were married before turning 18 , as per NFHS- 5. Another effect of child marriage is infant mortality, which is 45 per 1,000 live births for mothers under the age of 20 and 33 for mothers between the ages of 20 and 29 (2019–2021, NFHS-5). The goal of the national initiative Child Marriage Free India (CMFI) is to reach the tipping point for the abolition of child marriage by 2030. CMFI is presently working in areas where child marriage is most prevalent through grassroots partner organizations. The organization's goal is to raise awareness about the issue by sensitizing the public and taking legal action to end child marriage in 31,150 villages. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal India Child Protection Source : Published on : July 29, 2024 Child marriage, National Family Health Survey, Laws and policies, Reproductive health Diarrhea outbreak in Delhi: Water quality under scrutiny While the Delhi Jal Board routinely ensures drinking water safety at community centers and schools, officials have now been directed to test the tubewell water in residential areas. The Ministry of Health's Health Management Information System (HMIS) showed that the city's reported diarrhea cases rose from 15,152 in the fiscal year 2022–2023 to 20,393 in 2023–2024. The order by the South-West Delhi district steering committee mandates enhanced water testing across various sectors, including schools, anganwadis, and healthcare facilities. This is to ensure safe drinking water during the monsoon season. Additionally, it requires inspections of water supplied by public and private vendors in public areas like railway stations and markets, followed by checking the legality of groundwater usage in residential areas. The surge in diarrhea cases reported in New Delhi underscores the critical public health importance of safeguarding drinking water quality. Ensuring access to clean water is fundamental for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and protecting public health. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal Social Trends Source : Published on : July 29, 2024 Safe drinking water, Diarrhea, Under-5, Infectious diseases India’s Immunization status, 2023: The trends following the pandemic The reported cases of vaccine-preventable diseases Diphtheria, Japanese Encephalitis, Pertussis, and Rubella have continued to increase since their fall in 2021, with a marked rise in measles cases from a reported 5700 in 2021 to 65,150 in 2023. This reflects the inadequate immunization coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic health system disruptions, leading to outbreaks. The trend of reported Mumps cases shows a valley with 758 cases in 2021, a sharp fall to 6 in 2022, and a rise again to 195 . Such a picture might arise due to inadequate case reporting. However, neonatal tetanus cases have gradually declined to 62 from 2020 levels. Based on administrative and official data: BCG, Pentavalent 1& 3, Oral Polio 3rd dose, Measles and Rubella (MR 1st dose), and Inactivated Polio-Vaccine (IPV 1st dose) have shown a 1-2% decline in coverage from 2022 levels. The MCV 2nd dose coverage has remained constant at 90%. In one year, the final dose coverage of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has increased by 17%. The Hepatitis B birth dose remains constant, with a low coverage of 63%. The above data are summary statistics, representing a single number for a diverse community. Hence, the disaggregated data must be analyzed before interpreting or generalizing the above data. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala WHO Immunization dashboard Source : Published on : July 29, 2024 Immunization coverage, Vaccine-preventable diseases Implications of climate change in development of fungal infections Fungi are known to cause fewer infections within human bodies due to their inability to survive at high temperatures. However, over the past decade, fungal infections have drastically increased, and new fungal pathogens have emerged. A study conducted in China in 96 hospitals between 2009 and 2019 found that the cause of this increase was the rise in the global temperature, which facilitates fungi's adaptation, survival, and mutation at higher temperatures. The findings are bothersome: A new fungal pathogen, Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis, was identified with resistance to 2 commonly used antifungals. When injected into mice, the cells incubated at 37°C mutated at a higher rate (21 times higher) than the ones incubated at 21°C, thus developing resistance to additional drugs. The study concludes that climate change may increase the risk of fungal infections , which are more aggressive and less susceptible to drugs. Content Editor: Dr Swathi Shenoy Social Trends Source : Published on : July 29, 2024 Communicable diseases, Fungal infections, Climate change National consultation on One Health: Policy perspectives Globally, more than 75% of human diseases are zoonotic . An intersectoral approach is important to curb the rising incidence of zoonotic diseases, as advocated under the “One Health” approach, which aligns with the Prime Minister’s “One Earth, One Health” vision. “One Health” advocates preventing and managing risks associated with zoonotic diseases at the human-animal-plant interface. The National Consultation for Legal Environment Assessment for One Health Activities aims to: Assess the current legal framework to i dentify strengths, gaps, and overlaps in the existing laws and regulations. Foster multi-sectoral dialogue by e ngaging stakeholders to discuss legal challenges and opportunities. Develop recommendations by formulating proposals to enhance the legal environment. Promote inter-sectoral collaboration by strengthening partnerships among all sectors. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Social Trends Source : Published on : July 26, 2024 One Health, Zoonotic Diseases, Public health World Zoonosis Day: The need to differentiate between zoonotic diseases and animal diseases World Zoonoses Day is celebrated on 6 July in honor of Louis Pasteur, who administered the first rabies vaccine on this day in 1885. The interactive session tried to differentiate between zoonotic diseases and those affecting animals. Species-specific animal diseases, such as Foot and mouth Disease and lumpy Skin Disease, do not pose a threat to humans but may lead to unnecessary fear of animals. The session emphasized that all animal diseases are not zoonotic, citing the recent detection of African swine fever in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Prevention of zoonotic diseases requires integrated efforts combining vaccination, hygiene, husbandry practices, and cross-disciplinary collaboration under the One Health approach. The department has launched nationwide Brucella and Rabies vaccination campaigns and implemented an animal disease surveillance plan. The National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has been established with multi-agency experts for collaborative outbreak investigations. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 26, 2024 One Health, Zoonotic Disease, Public health Global conclave: Highlighting the need for plastic recycling and 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. Content Editor: Dr. Dheenadhayalan V Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 26, 2024 Waste management, Plastic management, Sustainability India’s Inequality report: The key findings The salient highlights of India’s place in the World Inequality Report 2022 are as follows: Indians have an average national income of Rs 204,200 . However, when we look at the disaggregated data, the top 10% of the adult population hold 57% of the average yearly income, the top 1% hold 22% of it, and the bottom 50% of Indian adults hold 13% of the share of national income. The liberalization and deregulation of economic policies have fueled this extreme divide in income among Indian citizens. The average Indian household's wealth is Rs 983,010, which has marked inequalities. The top 10% hold 65% of the average wealth, the top 1% hold 33% of the average, and the bottom 50% hold only 6% of the wealth . The women’s labor income in India is much lower than the Southeast Asian average , which is one of the lowest in the world. It is only 18%, which needs to be 50% to reach gender parity. The Indian population consumes much less greenhouse gas per person . The bottom 50% of Indians emit CO2 five times and ten times less than the bottom 50% of the European Union and the United States, respectively. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala World Inequality Database Source : Published on : July 26, 2024 Inequality, India, Gender Parity Healthcare summit of the American chamber of India: Importance of technology in healthcare Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the 2nd Healthcare Summit of AMCHAM India, emphasizing importance of using technology for accessible, affordable healthcare. The key points in his address were: Indian development to be among top 6 bio-manufacturers globally Focus on innovative, accessible healthcare through technology Strengthening US-India partnership in healthcare India's progress in healthcare under PM Modi's vision Emphasis on India’s achievements including conducting the world's largest COVID vaccination drive, Ayushman Card, Digital healthcare mission Importance of AI, ML, and telemedicine in healthcare Increased public-private cooperation Need for growth in biotechnology and space sectors The summit brought together healthcare professionals, technology experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss healthcare advancements and collaborations. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 26, 2024 Technology, Universal health coverage, Innovation Vision for drug regulation: Ensuring transparency and global standards Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda reviewed the regulation of drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices, aiming for India to become a global leader in drug regulation. The meeting discussed the need for a world-class regulatory framework to match India’s reputation as the ‘Pharmacy of the World.’ The need to focus on transparency and uniformity in procedures at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization CDSCO and within the drug and medical devices industry was addressed. Other focal points covered in the meeting were: The need for continuous dialogue with the pharma and medical devices sector to meet global quality standards. Issues faced by Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the drug manufacturing sector, stressing support to improve their capacity and product quality. The need for collaboration with States to enhance skills and align with Central Government quality standards. The experts also reviewed CDSCO's achievements, future plans, and the ongoing scheme to strengthen state drug regulatory systems. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 25, 2024 Drugs, Drug regulations, Laws and policies Lung cancer: A growing concern for healthy Indians 24 studies were reviewed to understand the profile of lung cancer in Southeast Asia. The results were recently published as a narrative review in The Lancet Journal. These included 13 case-control studies, eight cohorts, two meta-analyses, and one cross-sectional study. Lung cancer incidence and mortality varied significantly between Caucasians and Asians , affecting epidemiology, genomics, therapies, and outcomes. A significant proportion of lung cancer patients in Southeast Asia are never-smokers (40-50% of cases in India). The most common causes in South Asian countries among non-smokers were as follows: Air pollution in urban areas; Occupational exposures of workers in industries dealing with asbestos, cadmium, chromium, coal, etc; Household biomass fuel burning for cooking. Adenocarcinoma was found to be the most common histopathological subtype, present in about one-third of the patients. EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations were found in 23-30% of patients, while ALK rearrangements were present in 5-7%. Although therapies align with global standards, access to newer treatments and drugs remains challenging. The study identified that to achieve optimal cancer prevention and treatment, guidelines based on data generated within the country rather than relying on global data are essential. Collaborative research, political commitment, policy changes, and patient advocacy are essential to improve the region's lung cancer treatment and outcomes. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal The Lancet Journal Source : Published on : July 25, 2024 Lung Cancer, South-East Asia, Smoking, Narrative review Empowering food safety: Union Health Minister applauds FSSAI's initiatives Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda reviewed FSSAI's initiatives, highlighting significant progress in enhancing food safety nationwide. He emphasized the critical role of food safety in protecting citizens' health and the importance of providing evidence-based information to empower consumers. He appreciated FSSAI's advancements since 2016, especially its work to strengthen the food safety ecosystem, promote awareness, and lead initiatives like millet promotion and adherence to CODEX standards . The Health Minister emphasized proactive engagement with industries and stakeholders to foster partnerships to promote healthy eating initiatives across India. The 'Manual on Methods of Analysis of Foods—Microbiological Examination of Food and Water' and the 'Guide for Food Analysis—Opinion on Test Reports as per FSS Act, 2006’, along with 'Food Safety Bytes,' a series of videos featuring social media influencers, were launched to raise public awareness about safe food practices. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Anamika Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 25, 2024 Food safety, FSSAI, Nutrition Taxing antibiotics: A viable solution to fight AMR? A study by Bokhari FA et al. published in the International Journal of Industrial Organization explored using taxes to reduce antibiotic overuse and combat antibiotic resistance (AMR) . This significant global threat could cause millions of deaths by 2050. Overusing broad-spectrum antibiotics is a crucial driver of AMR, and narrow-spectrum drugs should be used when possible. Researchers propose taxing GP surgeries for using certain broad-spectrum antibiotics to incentivize using narrow-spectrum drugs, potentially reducing testing time and costs. Findings indicate that taxing broad-spectrum antibiotics can effectively lower their usage and promote a switch to narrow-spectrum alternatives . A 20% tax on all antibiotics could reduce overall use by 12.7%, but it is less effective for the most problematic antibiotics. Conversely, a targeted 20% tax on specific broad-spectrum antibiotics linked to AMR is more effective, reducing their use by 37.7% with a minor overall reduction (2.38%). Potential drawbacks include a minor consumer welfare loss and the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics in time-sensitive situations. However, the benefits of reducing AMR outweigh these drawbacks. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay International Journal of Industrial Organization Source : Published on : July 25, 2024 Antimicrobial Resistance, Research Findings, Laws and policies CDC Report: Trends in U.S. death rates among older adults A report details trends in death rates among older adults in the United States. Titled "QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Death Rate Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years, by Sex — United States, 1970–2022 ", it analyzes data spanning from 1970 to 2022. The results of the study are as follows: Significant Decline: There has been a notable decrease in death rates for adults aged 65 and older since 1970, with the age-adjusted death rate falling from over 6,700 per 100,000 people to approximately 4,000 in 2019. Recent Variations: Death rates increased slightly in 2020 and 2021 but decreased again in 2022. Gender Disparities: Males have consistently experienced higher death rates compared to females throughout the entire period. The report's data is sourced from the National Vital Statistics System. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : July 25, 2024 Mortality Rate, International Health, Public health Acute Encephalitis Syndrome: NIV-confirmed Chandipura virus cases rise to 22 Since June 2024, the Chandipura virus has been suspected as the cause of an increase in acute encephalitis cases in Gujarat . Thus far, there have been 84 cases and 75 deaths. National Institute of Virology, Pune has confirmed 22 out of 55 samples sent for testing. The virus is mainly harmful to children under the age of fifteen and is spread by mosquitoes, particularly daytime biting Aedes aegypti species , and sandflies ( Phlebotomus species). Historical Context : The virus was initially identified in the Nagpur district of Maharashtra in 1965. Between 2003 and 2004, outbreaks in central India were reported, leading to the deaths of nearly 300 children. Seizures, headaches, elevated fever, and altered sensorium are among the symptoms. Seizures, comas, and even death can result from neurological problems. Response: To comprehend the outbreak, a multidisciplinary team of environmental, entomological, and epidemiological experts from ICMR, Dept of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been deployed. Vector control, hygiene and awareness measures are being taken. Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Social Trends Source : Published on : July 24, 2024 Outbreaks, Acute Encephalitic Syndromes, Chandipura Virus COVID-19 triggers early progression of Type 1 Diabetes in children A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that contracting COVID-19 may hasten the onset of apparent symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children, an autoimmune illness. Researchers from the Institute of Diabetes Research, Helmholtz Munich, Germany, who were involved in this study discovered that children with islet autoantibodies, or early-stage Type 1 diabetes , developed diagnosable symptoms of the illness more quickly following a COVID-19 infection than children who were not infected. Unusual appetite and thirst, frequent urination, exhaustion, and blurred vision are all signs of type 1 diabetes. From 2020 to 2023, the Fr1da study (for Type 1 diabetes) tested children for both COVID-19 antibodies and islet autoantibodies, providing valuable data on the link between SARS-CoV-2 and Type 1 diabetes. The study found that the rate of Type 1 diabetes diagnoses among children in the early stages of the disease increased more rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic rates. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Source : Published on : July 24, 2024 COVID-19, type 1 diabetes Clean air dream deferred: CSE Report highlights shortcomings in NCAP The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change introduced The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019. The goal is to reduce particle pollution by up to 40% by 2025–2026 compared to the base year of 2019–20 . Setting clean air targets for 131 designated unhealthy cities is a first for the country. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has raised concerns about the NCAP, stating it risks becoming merely a dust control initiative. Key points from their recent assessment include: 1. 64% of NCAP and 15th Finance Commission funds have been spent on road dust mitigation, with minimal allocation for controlling emissions from industries, vehicles, and biomass burning. 2 . The current focus on PM10 as the benchmark for city performance should shift to the more harmful PM2.5. 3. There is a disconnect between the NCAP and Swachh Bharat Survekshan performance metrics, leading to inconsistencies in city rankings. 4. NCAP must support energy transitions across industries, transport, and households, and integrate sustainable mobility and waste management practices. 5. Of the funds utilized, disparities exist in fund allocation between different cities. CSE emphasizes the need for repurposed strategies to effectively improve air quality. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Centre for Science and Environment Source : Published on : July 24, 2024 Air quality, public health Curbing junk food in colleges: A push for healthier canteens India is grappling with a severe health crisis, marked by a surge in obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases . A staggering one in four Indians is affected by these conditions, according to the ICMR report of 2020-2023. National Advocacy in Public interest (NAPi) is a national think tank on nutrition-consisting of independent experts in epidemiology, human nutrition, community nutrition and pediatrics, medical education, administration, social work, and management. NAPi is urging for a transformation in school food environments to combat the escalating obesity and diabetes crisis. By banning unhealthy food sales and promoting nutritious options in school canteens , NAPi aims to accelerate the implementation of the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan. In view of the advocacy measure, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has advised the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to forbid the sale of unhealthy foods, promoting healthier food options. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Social Trends Source : Published on : July 24, 2024 Obesity, Unhealthy packaged food, Policy action The need for comprehensive co-ordinated strategies to control the influenza outbreak The Indian poultry sector plays a critical role in ensuring food security and also boosts trade and exports, leading to economic growth. However, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks hinder this sector’s potential. Hence, to address the HPAI’s evolving outbreak, a high-level brainstorming session was conducted at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The following key points were emphasized: Importance of one health approach in addressing HPAI Need for continued surveillance of migratory birds and environmental surveillance of water bodies during the winter season The need for further research for vaccines with better immunity for both humans and poultry birds The team concluded that vaccination of the birds with the currently available vaccines would not be sufficient as they do not produce complete immunity. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 23, 2024 Influenza, outbreak, infectious diseases Launch of the virtual node to tackle the rise in metabolic diseases Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh recently launched the Indo-French Liver and Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN ) to jointly address the rising burden of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) . InFLiMeN, a virtual node, will aid in addressing the critical issues related to NAFLD and help prevent and cure these metabolic liver diseases at ILBS, Delhi . With the rising burden of NAFLD, there is a need to develop simple, low-cost diagnostic tests that will aid in the early detection of NAFLD, thereby preventing its progression to severe diseases. InFLiMeN will help understand the development, progression, and management using a comprehensive omics approach for biomarker discovery . This initiative will provide point-of-care India-specific interventions to address the differences the Indian phenotype faces. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 23, 2024 Public health, Noncommunicable diseases, NAFLD FSSAI’s proposal: Empower, educate and promote health The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI ) approved a proposal that aims to empower consumers to make healthier decisions . The proposal includes the following: To increase the font size of labels on packed food. To display information concerning total sugar, salt, and saturated fats in bold letters . It will include the percentage of the food item's total sugars, saturated fats, and salt that contributes to the RDA per serve. This move will also contribute to the ongoing efforts to address the risk of NCDs . This proposal will increase the consumer's knowledge of nutrients and promote public health and well-being. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : July 23, 2024 Nutrition, Noncommunicable disease, Public health 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 24-30th September, 2023 (5) View More 01-09th September, 2023 (11) View More 13 - 19 th August , 2024 (5) View More 23-31st July, 2023 (28) View More 17-23rd September, 2023 (10) View More 27-31st August, 2024 (16) View More 6-12th August, 2024 (16) View More 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) View More 10-16th September, 2023 (9) View More 20-26th August, 2024 (20) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) View More 1-8th July, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE