ICMR issues new guidelines for management of COVID-19 in adults Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary March 25, 2023 at 2:58:48 PM COVID 19, ICMR Guidelines The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued new guidelines which limits the use of antibiotics in the treatment of COVID-19 (unless there is a suspicion of bacterial infection) amid the increasing cases of H3N2 flu and a rise in COVID-19 infections in the country. The guidelines also state that drugs such as Lopinavir-ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, Ivermectin, Molnupiravir, Favipiravir, Azithromycin, and Doxycycline and treatments like Convalescent Plasma Therapy should not be used for the treatment of adult COVID-19 patients. In moderate or severe diseases at high risk of progression, Remdesivir may be considered for up to five days. In rapidly progressing moderate or severe disease, Tocilizumab should be considered preferably within 24-48 hours of the onset of severe disease/ICU admission. People are advised to maintain physical distancing , use masks indoors and follow hand hygiene. Symptomatic management and monitoring of temperature and oxygen saturation are advised along with seeking immediate medical attention in case of difficulty breathing, high-grade fever/severe cough, particularly if lasting for more than 5 days. Download the latest guidelines on COVID-19 - click here Previous Next

United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) detects H7N9 avian influenza outbreak in poultry Content Editor: Dr Manu May 19, 2025 at 7:04:41 AM Surveillance, Zoonotic Infections, Avian Influenza The A nimal and P lant H ealth I nspection S ervice (APHIS) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the detection of an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H7N9 strain of avian influenza (HPAI) among broiler chicken breeder flock in a farm in Mississippi. This is the first such outbreak of HPAI since 2017 , as opposed to outbreaks in recent years of the H7 strain of Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI). It is a fully North American (AM) virus of wild bird origin and indicates a spillover from wild birds. The flock was experiencing high mortality for which samples were tested at the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed as HPAI at APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) . As a part of the response plan, federal and state partners will test nearby flocks, while the USDA will report this to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) and international trading partners. The US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) advised that there is a low risk of infectivity with this strain and to properly handle and cook the meat and eggs from poultry before consumption. 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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New Security Mechanism for Aadhaar Identification New Security Mechanism for Aadhaar Identification Content Editor : Dr. Sangya Chaudhary March 6, 2023 UIDAI, Govt. of India Government of India, AADHAAR, UIDAI The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has developed a new security mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication to detect spoofing attempts . The mechanism uses a combination of finger minutiae and finger images to check the liveness of the fingerprint captured, making Aadhaar authentication more robust and secure. The new two-factor authentication validates the genuineness of the fingerprint, reducing the chances of spoofing attempts . The new security mechanism is expected to benefit the banking, financial, telecom, and government sectors, and strengthen the Aadhaar-enabled payment system . The adoption of Aadhaar-based authentication transactions has been witnessing an upward trend, with the cumulative number of Aadhaar authentication transactions crossing 88.29 billion by the end of December 2022, and clocking an average per day transactions of 70 million. For further reading, click here

UN Pushes for Global Treaty as Plastic Pollution Threatens Health and Planet. Content Editor :Dr. Sampriti August 30, 2025 at 2:59:19 PM International Health News, Environment, pollution The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has issued a warning that, in the absence of a binding international agreement, the production and disposal of plastic will increase threefold by 2060, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health. UNEP's head, Inger Andersen, emphasized that plastic pollution is widespread, affecting everything from oceans to human bodies, and called for a fundamental shift towards a circular economy rather than relying solely on recycling. Katrin Schneeberger from Switzerland urged immediate collective action, pointing out that plastic is suffocating lakes, harming wildlife, and posing health risks, although countries that produce plastic are opposed to limiting production. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is leading discussions in Geneva to review a 22-page draft containing 32 articles that address the entire plastic lifecycle. Advocates, including young activists, are pushing for bold actions, citing effects ranging from climate change to disabilities. The treaty, which was mandated by a UN decision in 2022, needs to effectively balance environmental, health, and economic considerations to be successful and sustainable. For further read, click here Previous Next

FSSAI tightens antibiotic residue limits in food products PHC Editor November 16, 2024 at 2:15:58 PM FSSAI, Antibiotic residues, Food safety, Antimicrobial resistance The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has revised antibiotic residue norms for meat, milk, poultry, eggs, and aquaculture products to combat antimicrobial resistance. The new regulations, effective April 1, 2025, lower permissible antibiotic levels and expand the list of monitored drugs. The FSSAI has also banned antibiotic use in honey production and set new limits for contaminants like ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol in wheat, barley, rye, and coffee. These measures aim to address the rise of 'superbugs'—bacteria and fungi resistant to antibiotics —resulting from misuse in agriculture and healthcare. Experts emphasize that strict enforcement of these regulations is crucial to ensure consumer safety and mitigate antimicrobial resistance. Previous Next

How has maternal mental health been following the COVID-19 pandemic? Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 18, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Maternal health, mental health, COVID-19 Recently, a review was published on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of mothers and their caregivers. Two of the astounding effects of the pandemic are as follows: 1. The mental health crises 2. Stagnation or reversal of improvements in maternal mortality. It was reported that due to the pandemic, numerous healthcare providers engaged in providing maternal care fell ill, lost their lives, or left the profession. This significantly affected maternal care and thus had a great impact on maternal mental health. Despite the high burden, a 90% treatment gap exists in low and middle-income countries. Regardless of the mounting evidence, there is a lack of integration of mental health services with that of maternal care. Maternal health plays a significant role in child and family health, thus affecting the socioeconomic development of a country. The review envisions developing healthcare that is whole-person, family-centered, and context-responsive. Click here to read more Previous Next

Health security risks and the growing plethora of disinformation Content editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal February 23, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Cyber attacks, Public health emergency WHO collaborated with the following agencies to produce two reports that provide a clearer understanding of health security risks posed by digital tools and how to reduce their likelihood and severity. INTERPOL, The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), The UN Office of Counter-terrorism, The UN International Computing Centre (UNICC), The UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, The CyberPeace Institute The first paper, "Examining the Threat of Cyber-attack on Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic ", emphasizes the far-reaching real-world consequences of cyber-attacks on health care. The second report, "Understanding Disinformation in the Context of Public Health Emergencies: The Case of COVID-19 ," examines various techniques to counter disinformation. Click here to read more. Previous Next

House of Lords, UK debate on threats to Biosecurity House of Lords, UK debate on threats to Biosecurity Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy January 27, 2024 In Focus News, UK Parliament Biosecurity, Global health, Immigration, Antibiotic resistance, Antibiotic misuse 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.

NFHS-6 Questionnaire Excluded Disability-Related Questions: Centre Defends Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal July 5, 2023 at 12:29:40 AM Health information, Disability, NFHS-6, NSSO According to the Health Ministry, there is no need to collect data frequently because disability data will not change quickly over 2-3 years. The data on disabilities gathered by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) differ significantly from one another. In contrast to NFHS-5, where the disability rates were only 1% for rural areas and 0.9% for urban areas, NSSO estimates for 2018 place the disability rates for rural areas at 2.3% and urban areas at 2%. The Ministry asserts that the NFHS was unable to accurately reflect the scope of disability across the country. Hence, the technical advisory committee's recommendations led to the removal of questions regarding disabilities. Previous Next