TB-COVID co-infection: A global health challenge TB-COVID co-infection: A global health challenge Content Editor: Dr. Sathya June 22, 2024 PLOS Journal Tuberculosis, Covid-19, Communicable diseases A recent study highlights the critical health challenge posed by the co-infection of tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 , which has been associated with higher fatality rates and more severe health outcomes . The study found TB-COVID co-infection prevalence rates of approximately 0.06% in South Africa and 0.02% in California, USA. The pooled fatality rate among co-infected patients was 7.1% , and the mean fatality rate for those hospitalized was 11.4%. Health professionals are raising concerns about the dual threat that COVID-19 co-infection and tuberculosis (TB) pose. This study suggests that patients suffering from both TB and COVID-19 may experience worse health outcomes and an increased risk of death compared to those with either condition alone. The study emphasizes the need for global collaboration to address the challenges of TB-COVID co-infection , especially in countries with limited medical resources. Continued research is crucial to understand and address TB-COVID co-infection challenges, as it remains prevalent with fatality rates higher than COVID-19 alone. Click here to read more.

What’s the effect of Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in offspring? – a randomized control trial What’s the effect of Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in offspring? – a randomized control trial Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar December 21, 2024 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition RCTs, Evidence Based Medicine, Vitamin D, MCH Maternal Vitamin D Osteoporosis Study (MAVIDOS) study trial conducted in United Kingdom hospitals (Southampton, Sheffield and Oxford) - a randomized control trial where pregnant females <14 weeks with singleton pregnancy were randomly assigned to 1000 IU/d cholecalciferol or placebo from 14-17 weeks gestation until delivery. Total of 454 children were followed up till 6-7 years from Southampton, out of which 447 had a usable DXA (Dual Energy Absorptiometry) scan of whole-body-less-head, Bone Mineral Content (BMC), Bone Mineral density (BMD), Bone Mineral Apparent Density (BMAD) and lean mass compared with placebo. They also observed that pregnant women given extra vitamin D were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal delivery and demonstrated positive effect of gestational cholecalciferol supplementation on offspring bone mineral density at age of 4 yrs. The study was published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that supplementation of Vitamin D in pregnancy may be an important population health strategy to improve bone health.

Prioritize menstrual health: Help female students reach their full academic potential Prioritize menstrual health: Help female students reach their full academic potential Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy July 2, 2024 Press Information Bureau Reproductive health, Menstrual hygiene Under the Ministry of Education, the Department of School Education and Literacy has taken a proactive step to ensure the success of female students during their 10th and 12th board exams. These initiatives aim to increase health and awareness and empower female students by prioritizing menstrual health management. The key initiatives include 1. Provision of free sanitary products at all the board exam centers. 2. Permission to take the necessary bathroom breaks during the exam 3. Educational programmes to increase awareness and reduce the stigma related to menstruation This move will empower women and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive academic future. Click here to read more.

ICGA- Indian Cancer Genome Atlas launched ICGA- Indian Cancer Genome Atlas launched Content Editor: Dr. Shubham October 17, 2024 ICGA Foundation Cancer Registry The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) foundation has launched a portal to provide breast cancer patients with their DNA, RNA, and protein profiles and clinical outcomes. With a set of data coming from the West, there can be major variances in genetic variants in cancer among Indian patients . The platform aims to increase our understanding about these variations. The platform now has data from 50 breast cancer patients in an attempt to increase ethical communication and cooperation in the field of cancer research. In the future, data from more than 500 patients are going to be covered , though. The International Consortium for Genome Atlas (ICGA) is modeled after the U.S.-based Cancer Genome Atlas and aims to develop an ecosystem of drug firms, diagnostic businesses, and hospitals by offering incentives for data sharing. It is based on the cBioPortal Platform which guarantees smooth integration with worldwide cancer research endeavors. The program aims to transform cancer research in India by assisting scientists and medical professionals in creating individualized treatment plans. Click here to read more

Timelines for organ transplant authorization committees Content Editor: Dr. Shubham May 31, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Organ Transplantation Approximately 85% of the yearly 16,000+ organ transplants performed in India come from living, unrelated, or related donors. The Union Health Ministry's guidelines: A maximum of eight weeks have been granted to hospital and state permission committees to make decisions regarding live-linked organ transplants. Transplant Timelines: Applications must be processed in ten days , and any inaccuracies in documentation must be corrected in seven days After receiving all documentation, interviews must be scheduled within seven business days to communicate the committee's conclusion. Within 24 hours of the last meeting, the committee's final judgment must be posted on the hospital's website, and the tehsildar's documentation must be sent within 14 days after the application's submission. The aim is to prevent endless waiting for donors and recipients. Thanks to these deadlines, the organ transplant decision-making process will go quite quickly. Click here to read more Previous Next

Is antipsychotic use among patients with dementia linked to major adverse events? Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal April 22, 2024 at 1:00:00 PM Research Findings, Adverse Drug Reactions The study included adults aged 50 or older with dementia diagnosed between 1998 and 2018. A population-based matched cohort study was conducted using data from England's Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Each new antipsychotic user was matched with non-users. The main outcomes investigated were stroke, venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia, fracture, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury. Additionally, the study looked at the combined outcome of appendicitis and cholecystitis as a negative control to detect potential confounding. The results indicated that compared to non-use, antipsychotic use in individuals with dementia was associated with increased risks of various adverse outcomes, particularly within 90 days of initiating treatment. Other than ventricular arrhythmia, the use of antipsychotics was associated with increased risk, ranging from 1.16 (1.09 to 1.24) for heart failure to 2.03 (1.96 to 2.10) for pneumonia. These findings suggest a broader range of adverse outcomes associated with antipsychotic use in dementia patients than previously recognized. Click here to read more. Previous Next

WHO Participates in Nuclear Emergency Simulation Content Editor: Dr.Anamika July 16, 2025 at 11:53:41 AM Nuclear emergency preparedness, WHO, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) On 25 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) completed its role in a 36-hour nuclear emergency drill led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under its highest-level ConvEx-3 exercise . This large-scale simulation, based on a nuclear incident in Romania, involved over 75 countries and 10 international agencies to assess global preparedness and emergency response. WHO activated its Incident Management Support Team to coordinate public health actions, risk communication, and mental health guidance. This year, new features included cybersecurity threats and cross-border coordination . Lessons learned will guide future improvements in nuclear emergency and radiation health response systems. Previous Next

Undernourishment and the risk of TB among exposed household contacts Undernourishment and the risk of TB among exposed household contacts Content Editor: Dr. Prachi May 22, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Tuberculosis, Nutrition, TB Prevention A multicentric cohort study was conducted, based on the body mass index (BMI) of household contacts (HHCs) of people with TB diagnosed within 2 months of the study date. The study had 857 HHCs, 239 (27.9%) of whom were underweight according to their BMI. Out of the 18 new TB cases that developed during follow-up, 10 cases were underweight, and all 4 participants who developed early TB disease were severely malnourished. The study found a hazard ratio of 3.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 8.02) for TB disease in undernourished household contacts. The study concluded that undernourished individuals are at heightened risk of progression, not infection. In addition to TB preventive therapy, the study highlights the significance of TB programs in preventing tuberculosis (TB) among household contacts by providing sufficient rations for the entire household. Click here to read more.

2026: The year of the Woman Farmer 2026: The year of the Woman Farmer Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy June 14, 2024 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Agriculture, Gender equality, Nutrition The year 2026 has been declared the year of Women Farmers by the FAO. This platform will help adopt policies and address the barriers and challenges women farmers face in agrifood systems. This will help promote gender equality and empowerment among women in agriculture. According to these reports, women still face discrimination and difficulties despite making up 39% of the global agriculture workforce: The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems The Unjust Climate This initiative aims to increase awareness and develop policies that will help build an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable food system. Click here to read more .

India Launches Largest Rural Sanitation Survey India Launches Largest Rural Sanitation Survey Content Editor: Dr. Shayari June 18, 2025 Press Information Bureau Sanitation and Hygeine, Swachh Bharat The government has launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen 202 5, India’s largest rural sanitation survey, to evaluate and rank cleanliness across the nation. The survey will assess sanitation conditions in 21,000 villages throughout 761 districts to provide a complete overview of rural cleanliness. The teams will conduct on-ground checks of public places, verify the functionality of waste management facilities, and assess household cleanliness. Public feedback/“Jan Bhagidhaari” is a key component, gathered through a dedicated mobile app and direct interactions during the survey. This initiative reinforces that ‘sanitation is a continuous journey, not a one-time achievement’, aiming to sustain progress toward a "Clean India."