South Asia Faces Growing Challenges as Global Rheumatoid Arthritis Burden Rises South Asia Faces Growing Challenges as Global Rheumatoid Arthritis Burden Rises Content Editor: Dr. Jahnvi Saboo July 12, 2025 Annals of Rheumatic Disease Non-communicable diseases, Rheumatoid Arthritis Global rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases rose 13.2% since 1990, reaching 17.9 million in 2021. High-income regions like Western Europe and North America reported the highest incidence rates. South Asia’s Growing Challenge: In South Asia, population growth and ageing are key drivers of RA burden, with India facing significant increases in DALYs (disability-adjusted life years). Drivers: High SDI (sociodemographic index) regions are experiencing worsening inequalities, while low-middle SDI areas like India struggle with lack of healthcare access and underdiagnosis. Lessons from Japan: The nation reduced RA disability rates through early diagnosis and use of biologicals, offering a roadmap to other regions. Forecast: RA burden in South Asia is projected to rise to levels observed in high SDI countries by 2040. Institution of targeted policies for smoking control and efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure must be undertaken.

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. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

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. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : PIB Delhi Chemical Emergencies Preparedness, IHR, Disaster management Read More Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 01-10 February, 2024 View More 14-20 January, 2024 View More 19-25th November, 2024 (26) View More 23-31stOctober, 2023 (18) View More 28-31 January, 2024 View More 7-13 January, 2024 View More 5-11th November, 2023 (5) View More 15-21st October, 2023 (12) View More 21-27 January, 2024 View More 26-30th November, 2024 (20) View More 01-04th November, 2023(4) View More 08-14th October, 2023 (5) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

Farmaceutical boom: FDA sounds alarm as antibiotic sales soar in livestock Farmaceutical boom: FDA sounds alarm as antibiotic sales soar in livestock Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami December 21, 2023 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) One Health, Antimicrobial Stewardship, USFDA US F ood and D rug A dministration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine released the report. 6.2 million kilograms (kg) of medically important antibiotics were sold in 2022 , up from 5.9 million kg in 2021. Swine accounted for the highest percentage of sales (43%) , followed by cattle (41%). Almost two thirds of sales were of tetracyclines (65%) , with penicillins accounting for 10% of sales. According to the biomass-adjusted sales chart, presented for the first time in the new report, all antibiotic classes except for fluoroquinolones saw increases in biomass-adjusted sales, and most of them saw double-digit increases. The concern about overuse of medically important antibiotics in food-producing animals is that it contributes to a reservoir of resistant bacteria that could reduce the effectiveness of those antibiotics, both in animals and humans.

03. iNCOVACC - Nasal vaccine to cost ₹800 in private and ₹325 in government facilities from the fourth week of January December 28, 2022 at 1:28:48 PM COVID-19 Vaccination World’s first intranasal vaccine iNCOVACC, by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech will be rolled out as a booster dose for those aged 18 and above from the fourth week of January. This vaccine against the novel coronavirus to receive approval for the primary two-dose schedule and also as a heterologous booster dose. The Union government partially financed its development and clinical trials through the COVID Suraksha Programme of the Department of Biotechnology. Appointments for the booster shot can be taken through the CoWIN website. Previous Next

Trends of suicide among cancer patients in India Trends of suicide among cancer patients in India Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath January 29, 2024 BMJ General Psychiatry Mental Health, Cancer, Suicides A study recently published in BMJ Psychiatry looked for the trends in suicide among cancer patients in India. It was a secondary analysis wherein data regarding suicides among cancer patients was collected from the National Bureau of Criminal Records. The findings suggested that a total of 2.96 million cases of suicide were noticed in India, of which 0.67% were cancer-related. Also, suicides among cancer patients have increased by 53% from 1997 to 2020 in India. There was a significantly higher number of suicidal deaths among males when compared to females. Out of the total suicidal deaths among cancer patients, 70% were found to be male patients. Also, in the last 4 years, approximately 9 per 1000 cancer patients have died by suicide. Multiple factors can be a cause of these high numbers, such as Poor prognosis Depression Anxiety Financial burden Social stigma Painful treatment modalities The study highlights the urgent need to address the mental health needs of patients with cancer and provide them with adequate counseling and support. Click here to read more.

Massive fire calls for progressive approach to waste management Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 19, 2023 at 1:14:07 PM Waste disposal, Environmental Health On March 2, 2023, a fire broke out at the solid waste treatment plant in Brahmapuram, Kerala. After 12 days of firefighting , the blaze has finally come down with toxic fumes engulfing the city and its suburbs. The plant was maintained by Kochi Corporation until the state government warranted composting and biomining. In a drone survey conducted by the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode, 5.5 lakh cubic meters of waste lay over an area of 40.25 acres. 206 tonnes of waste are dumped daily. No segregation of waste makes processing laborious. With biomining occurring at a slow pace, environmentalists call for a decentralized approach to waste management , processing at source by the adoption of household composting techniques . Previous Next

G20 India- A game changer for midwives and nurse’s leadership in global health. G20 India- A game changer for midwives and nurse’s leadership in global health. Content Editor: Dr. Prayag May 21, 2024 The Lancet Regional Health Gender Equity, Leadership, Empowerment A review was recently published in the Lancet on how the G20 could be the game changer for midwives and nurses in Indian healthcare. There has been a slow increase in women's leadership among the midwives and the nurses. There have been multiple platforms wherein there has been a lack of women leadership due to men-only panels. However, the G20 serves as an opportunity for women to rise in their leadership roles. India has a unique chance to consolidate its leadership position in global health and set the standard for advancing the agenda for gender equality internationally during the forthcoming G20 meeting. To accomplish this, 3 key areas must be prioritized at the G20 summit. These three areas are as follows: Priority 1: Health care workforce, dignity & fair pay Priority 2: Women's involvement in rights-based decision-making for their sexual, reproductive, and maternity health, with the assistance of midwives and nurses Priority 3: Leadership in health governance and policy formulation by midwives and nurses to support universal health coverage and enhance the provision of healthcare services Click here to read more.

WHO launches landmark Patient Safety Rights charter Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet May 7, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM Patient Rights, Safety, International Health The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Patient Safety Rights Charter at the Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety, emphasizing the significance of patient safety within healthcare systems worldwide. This Charter, the first of its kind, outlines patients' rights in the context of safety and aims to guide stakeholders in shaping legislation, policies, and guidelines. Patient safety encompasses processes, procedures, and cultures that minimize risks of harm to patients, regardless of their demographics or status. The Charter delineates 10 crucial patient safety rights , including timely and appropriate care, safe healthcare practices, qualified staff, and patient and family engagement. The Charter aligns with global priorities identified in the Global Patient Safety Action Plan and the World Health Assembly resolution on patient safety. It aims to empower healthcare workers, leaders, governments, and patients alike to foster patient-centered healthcare systems and advocate for high-quality, safe healthcare. Click here to read more. Previous Next

PAHO released report on Poliomyelitis in the Region of the Americas PAHO released report on Poliomyelitis in the Region of the Americas Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 27, 2023 PAHO News section Global Health, PAHO, Polio, VDPV, Outbreak, Surveillance On 21st March 2023, the Peru National Institute of Health received lab confirmation of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) type 1 in a 16-month child presenting with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). Immunization coverage in the district which the child belongs is <80% of 3rd dose of polio vaccination with zero reporting of AFP cases. Another case of AFP linked to Sabin OPV type 2 (mOPV2) in Rockland country in 2022. Wastewater surveillance conducted in Orange and Sullivan counties, New York City, and Nassau County confirmed 101 samples positive for VDPV, indicating continued circulation. PAHO/WHO is working with respective counties to improve surveillance.