UNICEF’s climate change report strikes a somber note on child health in India UNICEF’s climate change report strikes a somber note on child health in India Content Editor: Dr. Manu December 7, 2024 Social Trends Climate Change, Child health, Adolescent Health, UNICEF UNICEF recently released ‘State of the World’s Children 2024’ , a report that looked into the impact of three major changes: 1. Climate change 2. Demographic transitions 3. Technological advances The report analyzed the state of children’s health today and over 26 years projected globally till 2050. India has been ranked 26th out of the 163 countries studied for this report. The report states that by the 2040s, as many as 34 million children may suffer from extreme river flooding , and 18 million could be impacted by coastal flooding due to climate change. These will especially impact children from the lower socioeconomic strata. While raising concerns about India, the policy also praised certain government initiatives, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and Mission LiFE , which aim to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and promote sustainability.

South East Asia in Action Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy November 21, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Neglected Tropical disease, Infectious disease, Vaccine preventable disease Bangladesh has become the first country to eliminate the kala-azar. 70% of the global cases were observed in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. India is next in queue to eliminate the kala-azar. Also, the Maldives was the first country to interrupt the transmission of leprosy. Achievements of the other Southeast Asian countries includes: 5 out of 11 member countries—Bhutan, DPR Korea, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste—have achieved the regional target of measles and rubella elimination. Korea opened an account recently by achieving 99.8% vaccine coverage. 4 out of 11 member countries—the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Bangladesh—have eliminated lymphatic filariasis Nepal and Myanmar have eliminated trachoma. India has been verified as yaws-free. Previous Next

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. 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54-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 21-27th January, 2024 Tamil Nadu’s model for TB program implementation India has a TB prevalence of 312/ lakh population as per the National TB Prevalence Survey 2019-2021 , while as per the global TB report, the prevalence is 196/ lakh population. To achieve the following targets, the TN government took a step forward and launched the walk-in-stop centers. The targets for elimination are as follows: 90% reduction in TB deaths. 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030 Walk-in Stop TB centers will be situated in each block. The Block Medical Officer will operationalize the center under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Medical and Health Services. The center will perform the following functions: Microscopy and/or NAAT, with results to be provided within 24 hours and 48 hours of testing, respectively. Transportation of samples to the walk-in center from all Primary Health Centers. Appropriate linkage with Community Health Centers for Chest X-rays. Treatment initiation within 24 hours of diagnosis. Screening for comorbidities. Screening and provision of TB Preventive therapy for close contacts. Ensure Registration, Direct Benefit transfers, etc. through the Nikshay Portal. Offer nutritional support through NGOs, CSR funds, etc. The state aims for the effective implementation of the above model towards TB elimination. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research Source : Published on : Saturday, January 27, 2024 Tuberculosis, SDG, Program Implementation Effects of air quality on the lives of informal workers in Delhi 90% of the respondents reported feeling unwell every time the air quality took a dip. 65% of those surveyed knew measures to curb dust and air pollution on construction sites , but only 32% worked at sites where these measures were being taken. Almost all (95%) of the workers feared losing their livelihood if they took a stand for better air quality. 40% of the respondents also strongly felt that the government shutting down construction sites was a constant cause of worry for them. Additionally, this population also faces issues like water pollution, toxic substance exposure from ragpicking, and poisonous gases from garbage burning. The study concluded that better measures have to be taken to curb pollution that will not raise job uncertainty among informal workers. The organizations emphasized on: Awareness campaigns for people living in informal settlements. Skill development workshops for ragpickers as an alternative income source. Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy Social Trends Source : Published on : Saturday, January 27, 2024 Air Quality, Climate Change, Air Pollution, Urban Health, Environmental Health House of Lords, UK debate on threats to Biosecurity The debate on UK Biosecurity was put forth by Lord Trees, whose opening statement highlighted the driving force of climate change in the rise of Infectious Diseases across the globe. The following diseases are projected to rise due to increasing bacterial growth with rising climatic temperatures: Dengue. Lyme disease. Chikungunya. West Nile virus. The house also discussed two other trends that are estimated to rise with climate change: Aging population. Antimicrobial resistance. The briefing also covers the government's 'Biological Security Strategy' (June 2023) , which acts as an overarching framework for reducing biological dangers and other area-specific policies. The government also pointed out that restrictions on imports are an integral part of the UK's biosecurity strategy. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy In Focus News, UK Parliament Source : Published on : Saturday, January 27, 2024 Biosecurity, Global health, Immigration, Antibiotic resistance, Antibiotic misuse Regulation of medical products- A MoU between countries The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has been informed about a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU was signed between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the governments of the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. The cooperation outlined in the MoU pertains to the regulation of medical products. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to enhance the mutual understanding of regulatory matters between the two parties, leading to increased collaboration in the regulation of medical products and improved coordination on international platforms. The alignment of regulatory practices due to the MoU could potentially boost India’s medicine exports, thereby creating more job opportunities for professionals in the pharmaceutical sector. The MoU is also expected to aid in the export of medical products, resulting in earnings from foreign exchange. This aligns with the vision of a self-reliant India, or “Atmanirbhar Bharat” . Content Editor: Dr Sathya Prashaath Press information bureau (PIB) Source : Published on : Saturday, January 27, 2024 Expansion of the CGHS wellness centers The Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, dedicated three CGHS Wellness Centers in Alaknanda, Rohini Sector -16, Vasant Vihar to the nation, serving 44 lakh beneficiaries across 80 cities. Central Government Health Scheme is a health scheme for serving retired central government employees and their families. The inauguration of a robotic unit at the National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases was also done to provide better surgical care to patients suffering from tuberculosis. The Health Ministry also revised the package rates of CGHS packages in the empaneled private hospitals. This will, therefore, enable the beneficiaries to access quality healthcare services at affordable rates. The National Health Authority platform is deployed for this purpose, similar to the one applied for Ayushman Bharat. Jan Aushadhi medicines will also be provided in these Wellness Centres, not just for the CGHS beneficiaries, but for all the public. Content Editor: Dr Sathya Prashaath Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Saturday, January 27, 2024 Universal health coverage, Health scheme Can weather affect infectious disease transmission? The prevalence of Campylobacter infections is most common in developed countries, where the seasonality of these diseases is consistent but country-specific. Researchers in England and Wales conducted a study on campylobacteriosis over 20 years to investigate the seasonal variations of this disease. Analysing the Comparative Conditional Incidence, using a statistical model they found that: For every 5° increase in temperature (Celsius) between 8° and 15°, incidence increases by 1 per million. Cases tend to increase when relative humidity is between 75-80%. Strong associations with day length were seen. The correlation between rainfall and wind speed is less significant. This concept can also be utilized to help determine the pattern of other disease incidences with changing weather variables. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Prayag Khandelwal PLOS Computational Biology Source : Published on : Friday, January 26, 2024 Research Findings, Infectious Disease, Epidemiology Global report on Tobacco Consumption According to a recent WHO report (2024), there are 1.25 billion tobacco users globally. The key findings of the report include: The highest percentages of tobacco users were in: The South-East Asian region- 26.5% and the European region- 25.3% of the total users. 150 countries have succeeded in reducing tobacco use. Brazil and the Netherlands have successfully implemented MPOWER tobacco control measures. Brazil showed a relative reduction of 35% since 2010. The Netherlands is approaching its 30% target. While the global tobacco use rate has been declining over time, by 2025 it will have decreased by 25% relative to the 2010 baseline. This is less than the voluntary global target of a 30% reduction. Only 56 nations worldwide meet this target. The findings of the report necessitate a collective effort towards tobacco cessation. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Prayag Khandelwal WHO News Section Source : Published on : Friday, January 26, 2024 Tobacco Control Measures, NCD Risk Factors Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention – A step at the National level Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Minister of State Dr. Bharti Pravin Pawar, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, have unveiled the ‘’Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention ”. Around 38,000 cases of drowning are being reported in the country, warranting an advisory for preventive measures towards water safety. The current strategies emphasize the shift in the focus toward prevention in response to the increase in drowning cases in the country. Strategies included in the document for establishing preventable measures for water safety mechanisms include: Multi-sectoral collaboration, Strengthening public awareness with communications, National/State Drowning Prevention Action Plan Research evidence to action Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Kishore Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Friday, January 26, 2024 Public Health Policy, Drowning, Noncommunicable diseases, Accidents Ground-breaking Nipah Virus Vaccine Trial Begins at University of Oxford The University of Oxford initiated a first-in-human clinical trial for the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus. It is being developed by the Pandemic Sciences Institute and is led by the Oxford Vaccine Group. It is being funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The trial involves 51 participants aged 18 to 55 . Nipah virus has a 75% fatality rate and has caused outbreaks in Southeast Asia, including a recent one in Kerala, India, in Sept-2023. Transmitted by fruit bats and contact with infected animals or person-to-person, Nipah is a WHO-recognized priority disease with no approved vaccines or treatments. Professor Brian Angus , the trial’s Principal Investigator, stated the urgent need for solutions to prevent local outbreaks and prepare for a future pandemic. CEPI's Dr. In-Kyu Yoon emphasizes the epidemic potential of Nipah and the importance of gaining knowledge to develop countermeasures against the virus. The 18-month project aims to provide insights for future Nipah-affected country trials. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr.Sumana Mukhopadhyay Oxford Vaccination Group Source : Published on : Friday, January 26, 2024 Nipah Vaccine, Vaccination, Global health Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) transplant- A Beacon of Hope A 7-year-old male child who suffered from Primary Combined Immunodeficiency (PID) caused by a mutation in the ARPC1b gene was treated using an extraordinary novel technique. A gene that is a key component of the cytoskeleton is necessary for the formation of immune synapses, endocytosis, and phagocytosis of Ag-presenting cells. This type of immunodeficiency is usually diagnosed by genomic sequencing and treated with a hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) from an HLA-matched healthy sibling . One of the greatest achievements of the Dept. of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation at Army Hospital R&R was the first successful orchestration of a bone marrow transplant from a Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD). Bone marrow harvested from a voluntary, unrelated donor from DATRI was infused into the patient’s bloodstream after destroying his defective cells with high-dose chemotherapy. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Kishore Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Friday, January 26, 2024 Medical Intervention, Transplant CPR revolution: unveiling scenario-based video for life-saving skills Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Awareness Program by NBEMS This program was launched in response to increased cardiac deaths among the younger population in the country. This CPR initiative provides the public with adequate knowledge to save a person’s life at the earliest possible time when he/she is having a cardiac arrest This program was attended by more than 20 lakh people through an online medium, along with trained doctors at the venue explaining the techniques of CPR and answering queries. To continue this Initiative, NBEMS has launched a scenario-based CPR Awareness Video focusing on the steps to be followed in CPR when a person is having a cardiac arrest with a certificate of participation Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Kishore Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Thursday, January 25, 2024 Health Education, Health literacy Global Collaboration Triumph: nOPV2 Vaccine achieves WHO Prequalification WHO granted prequalification to the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) after receiving the full license. nOPV2, which was initially granted Emergency Use Listing in response to poliovirus type 2 outbreaks, has safeguarded millions against polio. Over a billion doses of nOPV2 have been administered since Emergency Use Listing approval, with surveillance data confirming its efficacy. nOPV2 development, based on decades of oral polio vaccine research, proposed genetic stability modifications in 2011. PATH has played a key role as the facilitator of the nOPV2 product development consortium, facilitating data-sharing and technical assistance. A Phase 3 study sponsored by PATH and Bio Farma, the manufacturer, whose efforts enabled rapid supply under Emergency Use Listing contributed to WHO's prequalification decision. Ongoing work by PATH and Bio Farma includes developing nOPVs against polio types 1 and 3. PATH focuses on non-infectious polio vaccines, treatment for poliovirus shedding, diagnostics, surveillance, and international standards. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr.Sumana Mukhopadhyay PATH Source : Published on : Thursday, January 25, 2024 OPV vaccine, Global health Food safety: A collective responsibility The FSSAI launched an awareness campaign among the various markets in Delhi. The awareness campaign was launched with a particular focus on the detection and mitigation of pesticide residues. The highlight of the event was the “Food Safety on Wheels” initiative , a mobile lab equipped with rapid testing kits that can help in the detection of pesticide residues. The attendees of the campaign were also sensitized regarding the following: Harmful effects of pesticide residue. Importance of FSSAI licensing or registration. Artificial ripening of fruits and wax coating. Availability of various laboratories for food testing. The event emphasized the importance of collective responsibility with the mantra, “Food safety is everyone’s responsibility.” Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : April 24, 2024 Food Safety, Hygiene, Pesticides Food safety: A collective responsibility The FSSAI launched an awareness campaign among the various markets in Delhi. The awareness campaign was launched with a particular focus on the detection and mitigation of pesticide residues. The highlight of the event was the “Food Safety on Wheels” initiative , a mobile lab equipped with rapid testing kits that can help in the detection of pesticide residues. The attendees of the campaign were also sensitized regarding the following: Harmful effects of pesticide residue. Importance of FSSAI licensing or registration. Artificial ripening of fruits and wax coating. Availability of various laboratories for food testing. The event emphasized the importance of collective responsibility with the mantra, “Food safety is everyone’s responsibility.” Click here to read more. 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Targeting Gut Pathogens: Vaccines and Commensals Against Anti-microbial Resistance Targeting Gut Pathogens: Vaccines and Commensals Against Anti-microbial Resistance Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay June 24, 2025 John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Global Health Now Research Study, Vaccination, Anti-microbial resistance A new study on mice, combines oral vaccination with niche-competitor bacteria to clear drug-resistant gut pathogens without antibiotic s. This “garden and cover-crop” approach could transform infection prevention globally. Researchers introduced an oral vaccine targeting Escherichia coli or Salmonella alongside a harmless bacterial strain engineered to occupy the same intestinal niche. Individually, vaccination or competitor bacteria each reduced pathogen levels by roughly 100,000-fold; together, they achieved over a billion-fold reduction, and were ten thousand times more effective than either alone. Vaccine-induced gut antibodies agglutinate and clear target bacteria, but the empty niche is quickly reoccupied by pathogens unless held by competitors. Introducing a non-harmful strain ensures continuous occupancy, blocking both original and immune-escape variants. Potential applications : Widespread vaccination plus competitor flora to curb multidrug-resistant E. coli urinary and bloodstream infections . High-risk patients: Pre-transplant or chemotherapy regimens to eliminate resistant E. coli and Klebsiella . Maternal & neonatal defense: Oral vaccines during pregnancy to improve maternal gut immunity and reduce neonatal sepsis risk. Oral delivery, stability without a cold chain, and ease of administration makes this strategy suitable for low-resource settings; however, in low- and middle-income countries, selecting locally relevant competitor strains will require detailed epidemiological mapping.

First-ever pre-qualification of a Tuberculosis Diagnostic Test Announced First-ever pre-qualification of a Tuberculosis Diagnostic Test Announced Content Editor: Dr Soundher December 25, 2024 WHO News section Tuberculosis, Public health, Diagnostic test The first prequalification of a diagnostic test for tuberculosis marks a critical milestone in scaling up and accelerating access to high-quality TB assays that meet WHO recommendations as well as quality, safety, and performance standards. It assures the quality of tests used to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment The assessment is based on information submitted by the manufacturer, Cepheid Inc., and reviewed by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the regulatory agency of record for this product. This Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT ) detects the genetic material of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes TB, in sputum and provides accurate results in hours. It also identifies mutations associated with its rifampicin resistance , a key indicator of multidrug-resistant TB. It is intended for those who screen positive for pulmonary TB and either have not started anti-tuberculosis treatment or have received less than three days of therapy in the last six months. Click here to read more.

Leveraging partnerships to globalize TCI. Leveraging partnerships to globalize TCI. Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma November 30, 2023 WHO News Section WHO, AYUSH Ministry, Traditional Medicine WHO and India's AYUSH Ministry signed a multi-million, five-year agreement in Geneva to advance traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCI) by developing new technical documents for global well-being. This collaboration will play an important role in the globalization of evidence-informed TCI . It will also aid in mainstreaming proven TCI practices in national health systems toward achieving universal health coverage and well-being. India is a steadfast supporter of WHO's TCI Medicine Unit. India solidified its commitment through a third agreement that focuses on developing benchmark documents and evidence-informed technical products for traditional medicine systems. In August 2023, the first traditional medicine global summit in Gujarat, India, launched the Gujarat Declaration, emphasizing collaborative efforts to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems. India's new agreement supports WHO in developing benchmarks for Siddha, herbal medicine safety, and international pharmacopeia, advancing traditional medicine.

4th wave of COVID-19 in India? 4th wave of COVID-19 in India? Content Editor: Sangya Chaudhary March 21, 2023 Press Information Bureau COVID 19 A new rise in COVID-19 cases is being observed all over the country in the past few days. As many as 900 cases have been detected in the country in a single day. According to MoHFW, as of 21st March 2023, there are 6559 active cases of COVID-19 in the country out of which 699 new cases have been recorded in the past 24 hours. Similarly, on 20th March 2023, 918 new cases were recorded. The daily positivity rate is 0.71% whereas the current Recovery Rate is 98.79%. The maximum number of active cases is in Kerala (1796) followed by Maharashtra (1308) and the new variant is being considered the cause of this increase. The government has come up with new guidelines for prevention and containment and is encouraging the population to follow COVID-appropriate behavior which would be important to avoid a new wave of COVID-19 disease.

05. Why India needs to scale up the pace of its genome sequencing? 05. Why India needs to scale up the pace of its genome sequencing? December 28, 2022 The Hindu - Editorial COVID-19 preparedness Based on 30 genome sequences deposited between October and December and 14 genome sequences in December alone from China and the BF.7 appears to be the dominant variant. The BF.7 sub-lineage with three additional immune escape mutations already seen in other variants has been found in some people arriving from China; these mutations may increase transmissibility further but will not increase disease severity. In fact, given that a large percentage of the population enjoys hybrid immunity from vaccination and natural infection leading to all Omicron sub-lineages causing only a mild disease, the focus in India should be on any increase in hospitalisations, particularly ICU admissions. It is therefore, vital to ramp up genome sequencing (and not increase testing) to track new variants as the virus evolves by accumulating mutations.

Reinforcement of the One Health Approach Reinforcement of the One Health Approach Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal March 9, 2024 WHO News Section One Health, International Health News Quadripartite collaboration on One Health, which is a collaborative effort of 4 organizations has been working to advance the One Health approach worldwide. These include: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization The UN Environment Programme The World Health Organization The World Organisation for Animal Health WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: "We need sustained political will to ensure One Health principles are embedded in national and international policies" during his speech at today's Second Quadripartite Executive Annual Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. Launched in 2022, the One Health Joint Plan of Action aims to improve our collective ability to prevent, anticipate, detect, and respond to health hazards by integrating systems and capacities. This plan of Action, implementation guide, and a high-level expert panel have also been recently launched to provide practical guidance for bringing the “One Health” plan into action