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.

India endorses WHO pandemic treaty, highlights role of global south in health equity India endorses WHO pandemic treaty, highlights role of global south in health equity Content Editor: Dr. Anamika June 4, 2025 PHC Editorial Bureau WHO Pandemic Treaty, World Health Assembly India has formally adopted the World Health Organization's (WHO ) Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, marking a significant step toward strengthening global health preparedness. In his virtual address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the health of the world hinges on inclusive care , particularly for the Global South, which faces disproportionate health challenges. He highlighted India's initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and public pharmacies that have reduced out-of-pocket health expenditures and increased government spending. The treaty, supported by 124 member states, aims to enhance international coordination for pandemic prevention, ensuring equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

Outbreak of Sloth fever in Europe Outbreak of Sloth fever in Europe Content Editor: Dr. Manu August 28, 2024 Social trends Sloth Fever, Outbreaks, Epidemics Spread by infected midges or some breeds of mosquito , the Oropouche virus, known as sloth fever/virus, was detected in Europe following outbreaks in South America. The common symptoms are fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, joint pains, and nausea/vomiting. More than 10,000 cases were seen in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru , and for the first time in Cuba, according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), including two fatalities in Brazil , who had no other known conditions. Six possible cases of mother-to-child transmission during childbirth were being investigated to understand infections during pregnancy, potential congenital disabilities, and risk of stillbirth due to the virus. 19 cases were reported for the first time in Europe with all affected having travelled to Brazil or Cuba. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said the risk for travelers was moderate , while the risk of spread was low as the vector wasn’t found in Europe, and person-to-person transmission hasn’t been seen yet.

NHA and IIT Kanpur Join Hands to Drive AI Innovation in Healthcare NHA and IIT Kanpur Join Hands to Drive AI Innovation in Healthcare Content Editor: Dr. Dheenadhayalan V September 26, 2024 Press Information Bureau Artificial Intelligence, Digital Health The National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a digital public goods platform for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) . This platform will include a federated learning system, an open benchmarking platform for comparing AI models, and a consent management system. The initiative, overseen by the NHA, aims to unlock AI’s potential for improving health outcomes, especially in disease diagnosis . According to the Union Health Secretary, the platform will enhance the accessibility of high-quality health data for researchers while ensuring privacy and security. The collaboration seeks to foster trust in AI healthcare applications and improve the efficiency of India’s healthcare system by addressing fragmented data access and creating reliable benchmarks for AI models. Click here to read more

Shortage of Adult Hepatitis B Vaccines Affects Tamil Nadu's Private Hospitals Content Editor: Dr. Asma Aftab July 6, 2025 at 1:32:08 PM Adult Immunization, Hepatitis B Doctors report relying on limited government supplies and using buffer stocks to manage urgent cases. The Chennai Liver Foundation flagged the issue over a year ago , prompting a government response prioritizing pentavalent vaccines for infants. However, adult formulations continue to be inconsistent . As per the recommendation of the World Health Organization, all adults should be tested for and vaccinated against Hepatitis B , particularly those at high risk. Meanwhile, public health officials assure that government stocks are adequate for now and urge the public to seek vaccines at Primary Health Centres , where they remain available free under the UIP. Previous Next

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India, cases reported. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India, cases reported. Content Editor: Dr Sivanthiga January 7, 2025 Press information bureau Public Health Surveillance,Health System Preparedness, HMPV During the routine surveillance of ICMR for various viral pathogens causing respiratory illness, two infants admitted with bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV. These infants include a 8-month-old infant , currently recovering and a 3-month-old who has been discharged, both having no history of travel outside India HMPV has spread globally and cases are being reported and documented Continuous monitoring through various surveillance channels and preparedness drills are being ensured by the Union Health Ministry, India. Moreover, Public health interventions are ready to be deployed if there is a potential increase in such cases.

Clear vision, safe workplace: A collaboration by ILO and IAPB Clear vision, safe workplace: A collaboration by ILO and IAPB Content Editor: Akhila Nandan September 25, 2023 WHO news section Ergonomics The International Labour Organisation in collaboration with the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness on 5th September highlighted the imperativeness of healthy vision for safety and productivity at workplaces. Ocular injuries at workplace accounts for about 1 % of non fatal industrial injuries annually, and at least 30 % of unemployment are due to poor eye vision, the report says. Hence the need for co-ordinated initiatives to achieve the goals under Occupational safety and health programs has been emphasised, which includes: Prevent exposure to hazards. Protect the existing eye health of employees. Risk assessment of workers’ naturally occurring sight loss.

Promoting health equity: Initiative for thalassemia treatment Content Editor: Dr. Sumana July 9, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Thalassemia, Genetic disorders, Transplantation Thalassemia is a rare inherited blood disorder requiring lifelong blood transfusions and other medical interventions. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) or Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is the only curative option for Thalassemia Major. Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY), a CSR project by GoI, funded by Coal India Ltd., supports the curative treatment of Thalassemia. The scheme, initiated in 2017, is now extended until 2026. TBSY provides financial assistance up to Rs. 10 lakh per case for eligible underprivileged patients. The National Health Mission, Odisha, has recently urged medical institutions to raise awareness and publicize the scheme. Eligible thalassemia patients with matched donors can apply through the State NHM, 11 empanelled hospitals, or the Thalasemic India Society. A list of 11 empanelled hospitals that meet the eligibility criteria is under the Orrisa scheme. Previous Next

WHO guidelines on chronic low back pain WHO guidelines on chronic low back pain Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma January 9, 2024 WHO News Section Chronic low back pain, Primary care, Global disability The World Health Organization has released guidelines for managing chronic low back pain (LBP) in primary care listing interventions for health workers. Low back pain is the leading cause of global disability. A 60% increase from 1990 to 2020 is projected to reach 843 million cases by 2050, with significant growth anticipated in Africa and Asia. WHO guidelines recommend non-surgical interventions to help people experiencing chronic primary LBP such as: Education programs that support knowledge and self-care strategies. Exercise programs . Some physical therapies (spinal manipulative therapy and massage). Psychological therapies (cognitive behavioural therapy). Medicines (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines). The guidelines emphasize holistic, person-centred, and equitable care for chronic primary low back pain due to potential harms outweighing benefits.