Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports new cases Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay October 30, 2024 at 12:22:49 PM Polio, Polio Eradication The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) reported new polio cases this week in Pakistan, Angola, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Pakistan added four cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) , bringing its 2024 total to 28, with the latest cases in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. Angola reported one more vaccine-derived polio case , reaching seven cases for the year, while Nigeria and South Sudan added four and one cases, respectively, totaling 61 and nine. In addition, environmental samples in Spain and French Guiana tested positive for vaccine-derived poliovirus for the first time. Spain’s sample from Barcelona confirmed circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) , while three samples collected in Cayenne, French Guiana, detected circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 3 (cVDPV3) . These findings underscore ongoing challenges in eradicating polio globally. Previous Next

Empowering aspirational districts and blocks: NITI Aayog’s ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ initiative Empowering aspirational districts and blocks: NITI Aayog’s ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ initiative Content Editor: Dr Sumana July 20, 2024 Press Information Bureau Healthcare delivery, NITI Aayog launched a new campaign ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan ’ from 4th July – 30th September 2024. It aims to achieve saturation of 6 key indicators in 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks. District (KPI’s) Key Performance Indicators identified are: Antenatal Care registration Supplementary Nutrition for pregnant women Child immunization Soil Health Cards distribution Functional electricity in schools Timely textbook provision in schools Block KPIs : Antenatal Care registration Diabetes and Hypertension screening Supplementary Nutrition for pregnant women Soil Health Cards generation Revolving Fund for SHGs The Implementation of this campaign ensuring active community participation is planned via: 3-month Action Plan Monthly progress tracking Awareness campaigns Monitoring visits The Aspirational Districts Programme (2018) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (2023) target rapid development and service saturation in backward areas across health, nutrition, education, and infrastructure. NITI Aayog, with Central Ministries and State Governments, aims to enhance planning, implementation, and sustainable service delivery in Districts and Blocks Click here to read more.

Malawi roars for change: Demands action ahead of COP 28 summit Malawi roars for change: Demands action ahead of COP 28 summit Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal December 20, 2023 Devex Climate change, Environment Geopolitics and foreign events have already had an impact on Malawi in recent years. Cyclone Freddy killed hundreds of people and displaced over 650,000 in the country. It also influenced Malawi's agriculture industry , which accounts for roughly 30% of the country's GDP and 80% of national export profits. The Ukrainian war has already had a significant impact on the economy, as its agricultural industry relies on fertilizer imports, which is one item harmed by the conflict. Nancy Tembo, Malawi's Foreign Affairs Minister noted that one approach to further support nations like Malawi at the climate conference will be the realisation of the long-awaited loss and damage fund , a financial mechanism to ameliorate climate emergencies established at COP 27 but currently lacking in execution. She is also asking for assistance in gaining a greater understanding and clarity on the carbon market , a trading system in which carbon credits are sold and bought to recompense firms or individuals for their greenhouse gas emissions. Malawi is likewise promoting debt forgiveness through a debt-for-nature concept . Debt-for-nature swaps are financial arrangements that allow for the forgiveness of portions of a developing country's foreign debt in exchange for commitments to spend in biodiversity conservation and environmental policy measures.

05. Total 691 children adopted as per New Adoption Regulations 2022 February 12, 2023 at 3:33:37 PM Public Health Laws & Regulation In order to promote in-country adoptions, a new provision has been mandated in Adoption Regulations 2022 where in those children who could not find families within their stipulated referral cycles, are now being offered to RI, NRI, OCI, PAPs, irrespective of their seniority. This step has been immensely welcomed by Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs). After the issue of notification total 691 children have been adopted till today. On the date of notification 905 number of adoption orders were pending. As on date the pendency has come down to 617. Previous Next

Battling the rising tide of mental disorders Content Editor: Dr. Immanuel Joshua E October 23, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Mental Health, Non-communicable diseases 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. Previous Next

ACIP Recommendations for 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccination: Efficacy, Cost-Effectiveness, and Target Strains ACIP Recommendations for 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccination: Efficacy, Cost-Effectiveness, and Target Strains Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay September 25, 2024 Center for Disease Control MMWR, COVID VACCINATION The report provides guidance for the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccination strategy from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The methodology included reviewing data in 40 public meetings since June 2020. ACIP assessed vaccine efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness using the GRADE system. The analysis found that updated vaccines offer moderate protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death, although their effectiveness diminishes over time. Vaccination is advised for everyone aged six months and older, with special focus on high-risk populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Economic evaluations show that vaccines are most cost-effective for those aged 65 and older. The report concludes that the 2024–2025 vaccines, which target the currently circulating Omicron strains (JN.1 and KP.2), are essential for ongoing protection and reducing severe outcomes, with a priority on ensuring equitable access Click here to read more

Persistent menace of Polio virus: Updates from WHO's Polio IHR emergency committee Persistent menace of Polio virus: Updates from WHO's Polio IHR emergency committee Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy May 25, 2023 World health organization, News Global health, Public health laws, Polio eradication, Vaccine derived polio, Immunization coverage A significant decline in the genetic variety of wPV was seen in Pakistan and Afghanistan and Africa. Meanwhile, the international spread of cVDPV is still persistent , despite the steady fall in both the number of patients and the number of circulating lineages. Weak immunization systems further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Inaccessibility to vaccines, population displacement, limited immunization coverage, and immunity gap contribute to the ongoing transmission of Polio. Considering the current scenario, the committee agreed that the risk of global transmission of wild poliovirus and cVDPV remains a Public health emergency of international concern and thus recommended extending the temporary recommendations for a further three months .

Global Collaboration Triumph: nOPV2 Vaccine achieves WHO Prequalification Global Collaboration Triumph: nOPV2 Vaccine achieves WHO Prequalification Content Editor: Dr.Sumana Mukhopadhyay January 25, 2024 PATH OPV vaccine, Global health 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

The rise of dengue cases in America The rise of dengue cases in America Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma March 5, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research And Policy Communicable diseases, Outbreaks In the Americas, the number of dengue cases has been increasing rapidly . In the first five weeks of 2024, 11 countries have reported a rise in the number of infections. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiologic alert, stating that compared to the same period in 2023, cases have increased by 157% and are 225% above the five-year average. Last year, the Americas recorded over 4.5 million cases , and this year they have already recorded more than 6,73,000 dengue infections , including 700 severe cases and 102 deaths. Brazil has reported the highest number of dengue infections with over 4,55,000 cases . All four serotypes of the virus are circulating in the Americas region this year, with varying proportions in different countries. However, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico are experiencing a circulation of all four serotypes. In January, Brazil launched a dengue vaccination campaign, targeting 3.2 million people with the Qdenga vaccine manufactured by Takeda . This made Brazil the first country to offer a dengue vaccine through its public health system. PAHO, in its latest alert, urged countries to intensify efforts to control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, enhance surveillance, and ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

The hidden health risks of "acceptable" air quality The hidden health risks of "acceptable" air quality Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi July 11, 2024 The Lancet Planetary Health Journal Air quality, air pollution, Health risks The objectives of the study were as follows: To investigate the association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and daily mortality in multiple Indian cities To estimate the mortality attributable to PM 2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines for safe exposure(24 h ambient PM 2·5 standards of 15 μg/m3 not to be exceeded more than three to four times per year) and even exceeding India's own less stringent ambient air quality standards for 24 h ambient exposure (i.e., 60 μg/m3). For the study, data was collected from daily all-cause mortality records maintained by the death registries of ten municipal corporations in India. These areas represent the five climate-zone classifications needed to perform time-series analysis. The following interpretations have been made: 1. Short-term PM 2.5 exposure is associated with a high risk of death in India, even at levels below the Indian standard. 2. Associations were stronger for locally generated pollutants, supporting a causal link through causal modeling methods compared to conventional time-series analysis. The study underscores the urgent need for improved air quality management in India by providing critical evidence that short-term exposure to locally generated PM 2.5 significantly increases daily mortality rates, even at levels below current national standards. Thus, it highlights the profound impact of air pollution on public health. Click here to read more .