"TAG" meet for Global Arbovirus Initiative "TAG" meet for Global Arbovirus Initiative Content Editor: Dr. Akhila Nandan August 7, 2023 WHO news section Global Health, Communicable disease The first in-person meeting of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) under the Global Arbovirus Initiative was held in Ghana on June 20-22,2023. The Highlights were: Integration of all the aspects of epidemiological, entomological, and laboratory data regarding arbovirus transmission. Strengthening and building collaborations for vector control and surveillance. Strengthening genomics. Innovative ideologies to strengthen the barriers against arbovirus. New partners to enhance the partnerships in the smooth conduct of GLAI.

“Shaping Academic Excellence for VIKSIT Bharat @ 2047” UGC's one day workshop. “Shaping Academic Excellence for VIKSIT Bharat @ 2047” UGC's one day workshop. Content Editor: Dr. Anamika December 28, 2024 Press Information Bureau of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India National Education Policy 2020, PM-USHA, WISE-KIRAN, DIKSHA, , VIKSIT Bharat@2047 "Shaping Academic Excellence for VIKSIT Bharat @ 2047 ," a One-Day Workshop for women leaders organized by the U niversity G rants C ommission (UGC ), was opened in New Delhi by the Union Minister for Education. The workshop aligned with National Education Poilcy 2020 , promoting women's empowerment in education and leadership. Initiatives like PM-USHA (P radhan M antri U chchatar S hiksha A bhiyan, focused on gender inclusivity and equity in higher education), WISE-KIRAN (W omen i n S cience and E ngineering-KIRAN ), and DIKSHA (D igital I nfrastructure for K nowledge Sha ring) were highlighted. The workshop focused on fostering women’s roles in education and nation-building. Click here to read more.

India takes lead in tackling NAFLD: Revised guidelines released India takes lead in tackling NAFLD: Revised guidelines released Content Editor: Dr Dheena October 5, 2024 Press Information Bureau Non Communicable Diseases, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, National programme The Union Health Ministry unveiled revised operational guidelines and a training module for NAFLD , highlighting India’s commitment to tackling this major non-communicable disease. Union Health Secretary emphasized NAFLD’s link to metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes, describing it as an emerging public health concern (out of 10 persons 1 to 3 persons will be having Fatty liver or related disease). The updated documents aim to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers —from community health workers to medical officers—to ensure early detection and comprehensive care . The importance of empowering grassroots workers was underscored. The strong connection between liver health and other NCDs was emphasized. This initiative reflects India’s proactive approach to addressing the silent epidemic of NAFLD through a multidisciplinary and evidence-based framework. Click here to read more.

Plan for the forthcoming respiratory virus season: Guidelines for vaccinations Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav July 5, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM COVID-19, Influenza, Pneumonia, Vaccination Those six months of age and older are urged to obtain the vaccines. Individuals receiving solid organ transplants between 18 and 64 can now select off-label for an adjuvanted or high-dose flu vaccine. In addition, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) overwhelmingly decided to suggest Merck's novel 21-valent (21-strain) pneumococcal vaccine as a choice for persons 65 years of age and older who have not had a vaccination or whose immunization history is unknown. Additionally, the committee advised a single dose of the vaccine for patients with specific underlying medical disorders ages 19 to 64. This recommendation applied to individuals who had not gotten a dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccination and those who began their series with PCV13 but had not obtained all necessary doses of PPSV23. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Updated guidelines for preventive treatment of TB by WHO Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal March 7, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Communicable diseases, TB, TPT To decrease the burden of such a highly infectious disease, WHO has issued some revised guidelines for Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT). Based on the outcomes of two randomized controlled trials conducted in South Africa and Vietnam, the main update is a recommendation to treat contacts of patients with multidrug- or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) with a 6-month regimen of levofloxacin as TPT. A new strategy for managing TPT in contacts has been implemented, along with improved drug dosages for TPT regimens containing levofloxacin and rifapentine. Screening procedures to rule out tuberculosis (TB) before initiating TPT and the use of TB testing have also been integrated . Scaling up TPT is considered a critical component of the WHO's End TB Strategy. Previous Next

Sikkim's bid to boost fertility rate Sikkim's bid to boost fertility rate January 22, 2023 Indian Express Demography Among the states, Sikkim has the lowest population at just over 6.8 lakh. According to NFHS-5 data, Sikkim has the lowest total fertility rate (TFR) in the country. The figure stood at 1.1 for 2022. The TFR was 0.7 in urban areas and 1.3 in rural areas – both below the national average of 2.0, and the replacement level of 2.1. Alarmed by the state’s falling fertility rate, the Sikkim government has introduced a slew of incentives. •Women government employees to get free childcare attendants to take care of their new-borns for a year. •365 days maternity leave and 30 days paternity leave. •Financial help for IVF procedure. •Salary increments for government employees who opt for more than one child.

Trends of child mortality in India: Findings from the National Family Health Survey Trends of child mortality in India: Findings from the National Family Health Survey Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal May 20, 2024 JAMA Network Child Mortality, NFHS Data, Infant Mortality, Child Health The representative population-based analysis employed repeated cross-sectional data from the five rounds of the National Family Health Survey , which were carried out in 1992–1993; 1998–1999; 2005–2006; 2015–2016; and 2019–2021. The four early life stages of early-neonatal (first seven days), late-neonatal (eight to twenty-eight days), post-neonatal (eight days to eleven months), and kid (12-59 months) mortality rates were calculated. The reduction in mortality throughout the early-neonatal and post-neonatal phases of mortality was comparatively slower in this repeated cross-sectional research of five time periods, with considerable variability across states and UTs. The mortality rates were lowest for the late-neonatal and child periods ; whereas early-neonatal was the highest in 2021. It was found that child mortality had a substantial decrease between 1993 and 2021, from 33.5 to 6.9 deaths per 1000. Currently, deaths are most commonly seen in the early-neonatal (48.3% of total deaths in children younger than 5 years) and postneonatal (25.6%) periods. The results indicate that prioritizing policies related to early and postnatal mortality and ensuring that policies and interventions are tailored to the specific setting is necessary. Click here to read more

Rising Concerns Over New World Screwworm and Its Economic Risks Rising Concerns Over New World Screwworm and Its Economic Risks Content Editor : Dr. Anamika September 23, 2025 PHC Editorial Bureau New World screwworm, livestock health The recent detection of a New World screwworm case in the United States has raised alarms among ranchers and livestock experts. A human case of New World screwworm in Maryland — a parasitic infection linked to travel — has fully recovered, with no indication it spread to people or livestock. Ranchers and industry leaders are upset about delays and lack of openness: the government confirmed the case but only publicised it weeks later. Screwworms lay eggs in open wounds on warm-blooded animals, and an outbreak could hit cattle producers hard, especially in Texas, potentially costing billions.

CDC Panel Urges Shift to Thimerosal-Free Flu Vaccines Amid Safety Reassurance CDC Panel Urges Shift to Thimerosal-Free Flu Vaccines Amid Safety Reassurance Content Editor: Dr. Sampriti July 4, 2025 CIDRAP International Health News, Vaccines On June 26, 2025, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC voted 5-1 in favor of recommending that everyone in the United States aged 6 months and older receive a yearly flu shot. They also advised opting for thimerosal-free vaccines whenever feasible. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in multi-dose vaccine vials, has been under scrutiny since 1999 when federal agencies recommended its removal from most childhood vaccines as a precaution, despite no evidence of harm at low doses . Currently, the majority of flu vaccines in the U.S. are thimerosal-free, with single-dose pre-filled syringes widely accessible. The ACIP's recommendation is largely symbolic , aimed at addressing public concerns and reducing vaccine hesitancy. The CDC maintains that thimerosal is safe , highlighting that scientific studies have found no link between thimerosal in vaccines and health risks.

Quantification of the benefits of electric buses: Findings from a research study Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar June 5, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM International health, climate, Health research Many qualitative studies explain the benefits of switching over to electric buses. But, this is the first to quantify that electric buses can improve human and planetary health. To quantify this, researchers compared the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from diesel bus tailpipes with electricity generation and battery production in electric school buses. They also compared how respective emissions contributed to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), which is linked to adult mortality and childhood asthma. Electric buses produced 181 metric tons less carbon dioxide emissions than their diesel counterparts, amounting to $40,400 in climate benefits. In addition to reduced air pollution, mortality rates, and childhood asthma, electric buses are associated with $ 43,800 in health savings. However, the study could not assess the impact of in-cabin air pollution on electric buses, which requires further studies. Electric school buses have tangible benefits. They can save and improve the lives of low-income communities and racial minorities who are affected by the health risks of air pollution. Click here to read more. Previous Next