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Dog bite menace in the Rabies capital Content Editor: Dr Pradipta S December 28, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Rabies, Zoonotic diseases Over the last three years, the country has grappled with a rising stray dog menace. There have been approximately six dog bites every minute. As per the WHO Association for the Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI)-2004 study, India contributes 36% to global rabies deaths, earning the title of "Rabies Capital.” Recent data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reveals 24.7 lakh dog bite incidents between January and October 2023. Despite sporadic reports, data indicates a reduction in dog attacks since 2018. In 2018, 75 lakh dog bite cases were reported, decreasing to over 72 lakh and 46 lakh in 2019 and 2020, respectively. However, the number of dog bites per day has been increasing since 2021. The government launched the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination in 2021 to address this concern. Previous Next

India to be the Global Hub for Millets ("Shree Anna") February 13, 2023 at 1:41:47 PM International Year of Millets-2023, Nutrition India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of millets in the world. Referring to millets as 'Shree Anna', the finance minister aims to make India a global hub for millets. The Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad will be supported as the Centre of Excellence for sharing best practices, research and technologies at the international level. The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program will be launched to boost the availability of disease free, quality planting material for high value horticultural crops like fruits, vegetables, flowers at an outlay of Rs 2,200 crore (Union Budget 2023-24). 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. 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

WHO’s first global conference on skin NTDs Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal March 27, 2023 at 2:33:00 PM Skin diseases, Neglected tropical diseases, infectious diseases The World Health Organization (WHO) is organizing the first worldwide conference on skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 27–31, 2023. Around 800 delegates from 86 nations are anticipated. This conference will examine how to effectively integrate case management for skin NTDs utilizing cross-cutting strategies to boost efficiency and broaden coverage throughout the healthcare industry. The third most common cause of illness and one of the top 10 causes of disability is skin diseases . They rank among the top 10 reasons for outpatient visits and are frequently linked to mental health issues, long-term disabilities, and stigma. At least 10 of the 20 neglected tropical illnesses have cutaneous symptoms. Skin NTDs are widely prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions and include Buruli ulcer; cutaneous leishmaniasis; Mycetoma, Chromoblastomycosis, and other deep mycoses; leprosy; Lymphatic filariasis; onchocerciasis; Post-Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis; scabies and other Ectoparasitoses and yaws. They all call for the same kind of case management and detection. Previous Next

Dismissal of the Yamagata strain from the flu vaccine Dismissal of the Yamagata strain from the flu vaccine Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami March 13, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Communicable Diseases, Immunisation, International Health News The advisory group consisted of F ood and D rug A dministration (FDA ) and V accines and R elated B iological P roducts A dvisory C ommittee (VRBPAC ) experts. The group voted for a return to trivalent flu vaccines , similar to the WHO recommendation in September 2023. They urged manufacturers to drop the Yamagata strain from 2024-25 vaccines since it has not been detected since 2020 in the US. They also approved the WHO-recommended Northern Hemisphere strains for the US for the 2024-25 season. However, all countries cannot switch to trivalent vaccines since it may still be circulating there or they may not have the means to switch to trivalent vaccines in such a short time.

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

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

78th Multiple Indicator Survey Report 78th Multiple Indicator Survey Report Content Editor : Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 9, 2023 Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation National Sample Survey, Sustainable Development Goals, The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, National Sample Survey Office have released the report on Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS) in its 78th round. The survey covered the entire country except for Andaman and Nicobar Islands . The survey conducted was for the collection of information 1) Household level - on access to drinking water, hygiene, sanitation, etc. 2) Individual-level - on education and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) skills Individual-level; on particulars of migration bank or financial account-related information Construction/ purchase of houses or flats for residential purposes after 31.03.2014. The information so collected is aimed to generate information on important national indicators of Sustainable Development Goals . Key findings : 95% of rural and 97.2% of urban populations reported access to improved drinking water sources. 78.7% of rural and 97.1% of urban households reported access to latrines. To download the report - click here

72-Headlines of the day (List) Public Health News Snippets 27 - 31st May, 2024 Is Air pollution too a cause of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? The winter months are the most polluted times of the year in India, with some Indian towns being among the most polluted worldwide. The primary sources of air pollution in urban areas are motor cars, industrial plants, and construction activities. In rural regions, the primary source is the combustion of biomass. Due to the prevailing wind patterns, pollution can easily migrate from rural to urban areas and vice versa. The negative consequences of unclean air primarily affect the respiratory system, but recent research indicates that the impacts extend far beyond the lungs. Numerous US and European studies have shown a clear connection between type 2 diabetes and air pollution. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies from these nations revealed that risk was highly related to females and increased by 8–10% for every 10 μg/m increase in exposure. Research conducted in developing nations like China and India, where the air quality is far worse than in developed nations, has linked diabetes to an increased risk of complications and fatalities from baseline. After learning that there is a connection between diabetes and air pollution, efforts should be made to reduce air pollution at the source. Government and non-governmental organizations, education campaigns, and legislative initiatives can accomplish this. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Journal of the Association of Physicians of India (JAPI) Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Air Pollution, Diabetes Mellitus Timelines for organ transplant authorization committees 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 Content Editor: Dr. Shubham NOTTO : National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation. Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Organ Transplantation By 2050, global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years Study indicates that due to the shift in the burden of Non-communicable diseases(NCDs) and from years of life lost (YLL) to years lived with disability (YLDs), more people are expected to live longer with but with poor health. Global life expectancy is expected to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years by 2050. And, Global Healthy Life Expectancy will increase from 64.8 to 67.4 in 2050. In addition to these studies, the GBD 2021 risk factor study found that the total number of years lost due to poor health and early death(DALY) attributable to metabolic risk factors had increased by 50% since 2000. Globally, effects are strongest for ‘Improved Behavioral and Metabolic Risks’ with a 13.3% reduction in disease burden in 2050. And also, ‘safer environment’ and ‘Improved Childhood Nutrition and vaccination’ scenario too showed reductions in disease burden. The study concludes that there is an emergent opportunity to influence global health by reducing and eliminating the various metabolic and dietary risk factors. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Science Daily Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 International health, Research findings HeartSmiles initiatives to tackling adolescent food insecurity in baltimore A recent article highlights the pressing issue of food insecurity among adolescents in the United States, with a particular focus on Baltimore. Nearly 13% of US children and 26% of Baltimore's youth face food insecurity, severely impacting their health and development. Adolescents' higher calorie needs and limited access to food make them especially vulnerable, often pushing them towards risky behaviors to obtain food. Existing food assistance programs fall short of addressing their unique needs, and stigma further discourages them from seeking help. HeartSmiles, a nonprofit affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Center for Adolescent Health, is making strides with initiatives like an online food pantry and the Granny Project cooking show, which will provide essential food support to Baltimore's youth . The article calls for policymakers to better consider adolescents in food assistance programs and highlights the need for research into solutions such as Instacart cards for SNAP benefits. It emphasizes the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships to combine food access with services like job training and community gardening. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Adolescent health, Food insecurity, International Health News WHO prequalifies new Dengue vaccine TAK-003 On May 10, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) granted prequalification to TAK-003, a new dengue vaccine developed by Takeda. TAK-003, the second dengue vaccine to receive this status, is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened forms of all four dengue virus serotypes. The WHO prequalification list also includes CYD-TDV, a dengue vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur. WHO advises administering TAK-003 to children aged 6-16 years in regions with a high prevalence and transmission rate of dengue. The vaccine will be given in a two-dose regimen, with a three-month gap between doses. Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification, emphasized that TAK-003’s prequalification marks a significant advancement in broadening global access to dengue vaccines, making it eligible for purchase by UN agencies such as UNICEF and PAHO. He hoped that more vaccine developers would seek assessment to ensure vaccines reach all communities in need. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy WHO News Section Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Vaccine, Infectious Disease How does use of different antibiotic treatments impact sepsis outcome? A retrospective cohort study at the University of Michigan examined hospital admissions from July 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018, including a piperacillin-tazobactam shortage from June 12, 2015, to September 18, 2016. The study focused on adult sepsis patients treated with a combination of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam, or cefepime. Primary and secondary outcomes included the following: 90-day mortality Organ failure-free days Ventilator-free days Vasopressor-free days The study involved 7,569 patients, with 4,523 receiving vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and 3,046 receiving vancomycin and cefepime. Analysis showed no significant differences in patient demographics or initial health status between the groups. However, piperacillin-tazobactam was linked to a 5.0% absolute increase in 90-day mortality and fewer days free of organ failure, ventilator use, and vasopressor use. The findings suggest that for patients with suspected sepsis and no apparent need for anti-anaerobic coverage, piperacillin-tazobactam is associated with higher mortality and longer organ dysfunction compared to cefepime. This raises concerns about the broad use of empirical anti-anaerobic antibiotics in sepsis treatment. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Gurumurthy JAMA Internal Medicine Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Antibiotic resistant, Sepsis, Research findings Study reveals trends and challenges in tracking long COVID in England With approval from NHS England, the study analyzed clinical data linked to COVID-19 test results, hospitalizations, and vaccinations. The analysis focused on trends in 16 clinical codes related to long COVID from November 2020 to January 2023. The research team calculated rates per 100,000 person-years and compared them using statistical models for different demographics and vaccination statuses. The study identified 55,465 recorded cases of long COVID, including 20,025 diagnosis codes and 35,440 assessment codes. The incidence of new long COVID records has increased throughout 2021 but declined in 2022. The long COVID rate was 177.5 cases per 100,000 person-years in women and 100.5 in men. The researchers concluded that recorded cases of long COVID were low between 2020 and 2023, with a notable decline in 2022. The study highlighted significant limitations in using EHR data to accurately identify and time the long COVID cases, suggesting that current diagnostic and referral codes may not adequately capture the true prevalence of the condition. This study underscores the need for improved methods to track and understand long COVID through health records , as current systems may not fully capture the scope of the issue. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet The Lancet Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 COVID-19, Long-COVID, Complications Funding for the development of maternal vaccine against sepsis in newborns Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) has granted $3.96 million to the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. This has been granted to develop a maternal vaccine against sepsis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in newborns. The team is led by Dr. Sharon Tennant, who will collaborate with Auro Vaccines of India . The vaccine aims to protect infants by transferring antibodies from vaccinated mothers . Neonatal sepsis, a significant cause of infant mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries, kills 2.5 million infants annually. The vaccine could prevent 80-90% of these infections if successful. This funding is part of CARB-X's global initiative to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Vaccines, Immunisation, Communicable diseases, Mortality Homeownership and its association with prevalence of chronic health conditions: Study findings Researchers analyzed data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, including 401,958 participants. They assessed the association between homeownership and self-reported diagnoses of diabetes, asthma, cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and kidney disease. Logistic regression was used to adjust for variables such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, employment, and income, computing odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of the analysis are as follows: Influencing Factors: Age, marital status, education, and income significantly influenced homeownership. Odds of Homeownership: Increased with age, peaking at 17.45 (95% CI, 16.21–18.79) for adults aged 65 or older. Non-Hispanic White adults had the highest odds (OR = 3.34; 95% CI, 3.18–3.52). Chronic Health Conditions: Homeowners had a lower prevalence of chronic health conditions, especially among those aged 45 to 64 years. After accounting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, renters were more likely to have chronic health conditions compared to homeowners. The study reveals that- homeownership predicts the lower prevalence of several chronic health conditions . Public health initiatives should prioritize housing-related interventions to improve overall population health. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet Center for Disease Control and Prevention Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Research finding, Chronic disease, Socioeconomic status WHO highlights climate change's impact on malaria and neglected tropical diseases This scoping review, which includes 42,693 articles , has been published in collaboration with Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) , and is published in the Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. The key Findings by the WHO task force on Climate change, NTDs & malaria are- Climate Impact on Disease Spread: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are expanding the geographic range of disease vectors like mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria and NTDs in new regions. Vulnerable Communities: Shifts in disease prevalence and intensity are most acutely felt in communities already disproportionately affected by these diseases. Urgent Need for Comprehensive Models: Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of WHO’s Global NTD Programme, emphasized the necessity for standardized models to predict climate change effects on these diseases. However, a few research gaps were found, which include- Focus on Low-Disease Burden Countries: Most research has been conducted in countries with high access to quality healthcare, neglecting regions with significant disease burdens. Lack of Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies : Only 34% of the studies reviewed addressed mitigation strategies, and a mere 5% focused on adaptation methods. This critical and timely review highlights alarming trends and serves as a call to urgent action. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet WHO News Section Source : Published on : May 30, 2024 Neglected tropical diseases, Research, Environment, Climate change "All for Health, Health for All" anchors the seventy-seventh World Health Assembly The WHA , which started on May 27 and is expected to run until June 1, has brought together ministers of health and high-level country representatives to address pressing global health challenges. Key Themes and Anticipated Moments : Pandemic Preparedness Accord : A pivotal moment is expected with discussions on the pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response accord, along with amendments to the International Health Regulations, aiming to strengthen global preparedness and response mechanisms. Approval of WHO's 2025–2028 Strategy , known as GPW 14, is anticipated. This strategy aims to tackle health challenges stemming from megatrends like climate change, aging, migration, and advancements in science and technology , focusing on realigning health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Crucial decisions on various health priorities, including climate and health, health emergencies, access to transformative tools, communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health, women's health, and WHO reform . Also, On May 31, 2024, the Health Assembly President will present eight laureates with six 2024 public health awards for their remarkable contributions to public health. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Manjeet WHO News Section Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 International health organizations, World Health Assembly, Pandemic preparedeness India’s lymphatic filariasis challenge: Bridging disability inclusion and welfare gaps India accounts for 40% of the world’s second-largest cause of physical disability i.e lymphedema and hydrocele due to lymphatic filariasis. In 2018, GOI officially enabled its inclusion to physical disabilities enabling them to be beneficiaries of various national and state-level schemes designed for the betterment of persons with disability. some of the schemes of GOI are Saksham Scholarship, Post matric scholarship etc., More than five years down the lane the state governments are unable to provide proper data on beneficiaries of the same which underscored that mere recognition and inclusion had not been translated to actual welfare. The Indian Council of Medical Research proposed a few strategies to overcome the barriers : 1.Inter-sectoral convergence involving disability rights department ,public health and social welfare etc. 2.Awareness and community engagement 3.Use of digital tools for record keeping ,development and usage of mobile apps etc. 4.Public Private Partnership to screen Lymphatic Filariasis patients and disability assessment 5.Advocacy needed for resource mobilization ,engagement of local and national stakeholders etc 6. Regular reviews and updates to review and overcome bottlenecks 7.Helplines and Information center establishment to improve LF patients’ access to support. Content Editor: Dr. Sivanthiga The Lancet Regional health Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 Physical disability, Rehabilitation, Filariasis Genetic clues: Research links specific viruses as risk factors for major psychiatric conditions Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) were conducted to analyze HERV(Human Endogenous Retroviruses) expression, and RNA sequencing and genetic data from 792 post-mortem brain samples were utilized. The major focus was on precise genomic locations of HERV expression. The main findings of the study include: 1. 1238 HERVs were identified in Europeans, and 26 were associated with psychotic disorders. Of these, two signatures were specific to the risk of schizophrenia, one for major depressive illness and 2 for shared risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. 2. No significant HERV expression signatures were found for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Autism Spectrum Disorder among Europeans. Overall, the study suggested the potential for further exploration of neurological HERV expression in understanding complex neuropsychiatric traits. Click here to read more. Content editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal Nature Communications Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 Mental disorders, Retrovirus, Research Findings Rise in mumps cases: Do we need to add MMR vaccine in the NIS? Doctors have concluded that there is a resurgence of mumps in Tamil Nadu city as more youngsters visit clinics with symptoms such as fever, headaches, swollen jaws, and puffy cheeks. Though seen as "self-limiting," it is forcing an increasing number of kids with severe consequences into hospitals. Mumps cases have risen to at least 25 a month, according to a statement by a doctor from a government hospital. Physicians have reported that they also observe long-term hearing loss, pancreatitis, and, in rare cases, pneumonia , as well as male testicular inflammation or orchitis (which raises the risk of infertility). While the MR (measles and rubella) vaccine is currently administered, it is crucial that we take a proactive approach. Doctors are pleading with the Union government to add the mumps immunization to the schedule and create the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. This comprehensive vaccine is our best defense against these preventable diseases. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal Social Trends Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 Re-emerging infections, Mumps, Outbreak, Communicable diseases FSSAI clears the air around Indian spices Spice factories across India were inspected, and domestic products were tested following export recalls of MDH and Everest spices. Authorities collected samples from both MDH and Everest manufacturing facilities to ensure the safety and quality of spices consumed in India. These samples, 25 from MDH and nine from Everest underwent comprehensive testing across various parameters, such as potential contaminants like insect and rodent infestations, heavy metals, and harmful toxins like aflatoxins . Additionally, moisture content, pesticide residues, and the presence of microbes were all scrutinized to guarantee the spices met safety standards. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) declared that samples of spices taken from MDH and Everest facilities across the nation contained no evidence of the carcinogen ethylene oxide (EtO). According to the food regulator, no similar levels were discovered in 300 samples of other Indian spices taken from manufacturing facilities. Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal Social Trends Source : Published on : May 29, 2024 Food safety, Food Standards, Carcinogens, Public Health FSSAI to ensure the prohibition of calcium carbide in fruit ripening. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted traders, fruit handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly comply with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, focusing on its excessive use during the mango season. FSSAI also advises the Food Safety Departments of States and UTs to take strict actions against person(s) indulging in such practices as per the provisions of FSSAI. Due to the dangers, calcium carbide used for ripening fruits has been banned under the Regulation of the FSSAI. The authority permits the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative to Calcium carbide for fruit ripening . The ethylene gas treatment of unripe fruits accelerates the natural ripening process until the fruit naturally starts producing ethylene in required quantities. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Aiswarya Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 Artificial Fruit ripening, Natural ripening, harmful calcium carbide. Mortality rates among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Analysis of the pre-vaccine data A study published on May 15, 2024, in Emerging Infectious Diseases, is based on 2,479,423 COVID cases from 21 jurisdictions reported to the CDC from May 1, 2020, to December 1, 2020. They also analyzed 4,708,444 cases from 22 jurisdictions for a death dataset during the same time frame. The case hospitalization dataset covers 25.5% of the US population, and the case-fatality dataset covers 43.7% of the US population. Overall case-hospitalization rate among patients was 5.7% and the rate by sex for males was 6.2% and 5.2% for females. It was lowest for children aged 5-14 years and highest for 75 years and older. In the death dataset, overall case fatality was 1.7%. Higher rates were seen in infants, lowest in children of 5-14 years of age and it increased steadily with age. The fatality rate was 0.6% in non-hospitalized patients, 17.6% among hospitalized and 44.2% in patients admitted to ICU. The study reiterates the findings of previous studies that have shown a 50% mortality among patients admitted to the ICU during the pandemic. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Centre for Infectious Disease Research Research and Policy Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 COVID-19, International health, Mortality rates Indoor air pollution - A study on NO2 emissions from gas stove The study found that Americans living with gas stoves are exposed to NO2 at higher levels than the World Health Organization and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deem safe. Compared to the national average, NO2 exposure from gas stoves is 60% higher in American Indian and Alaska Native households. It found that 50,000 current cases of childhood asthma were traced to NO2 exposure from gas stoves. And when other pollutants from gas stoves, such as carbon monoxide are factored in, the impact may go up to 200,000 cases. Researchers also noted that NO2 exposure is also linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, preterm birth, and diabetes. People living in small homes (less than 800 sq. Feet) face quadruple the long-term NO2 exposure than people living in large homes(more than 3,000 sq. Feet) Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar Harvard School of public health Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 International health, Health research, pollution Do heart failure patients benefit from COVID-19 vaccination: Findings from a South Korean study A comprehensive study conducted on heart failure patients in South Korea has revealed that COVID-19 vaccination has had a significant impact in reducing the risk of mortality, hospitalization, and various cardiovascular complications. The study, involving 651,127 patients from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, found that vaccinated patients had an advantage as follows: 82% lower risk of death 47% lower risk of heart failure hospitalization 13% reduced risk of COVID-19 infection over six months Furthermore, the research also indicated a diminished risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. This is the first major study on vaccine effectiveness in heart failure patients and suggests strong benefits for vaccination. Nevertheless, the researchers caution that the findings may not be universally applicable to all heart failure patients, and individuals with unstable conditions are advised to consult with their healthcare provider to thoroughly evaluate the associated risks and benefits. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 COVID-19, Vaccination, international health news Impact of adulterants on cooking oils A few of the most common adulterants of cooking oils include: 3-MCPD (3-monochloropropanediol esters) is formed >140^oC in the presence of chloride ions and is known to have a possible effect on kidney & male fertility. GE (Glycidyl Esters) is formed rapidly >220^oC at a long retention time and is genotoxic and carcinogenic and a main for pre-cursor Diacylglycerides (DAG). Trans Fatty Acid is formed rapidly > 240^oC at long retention in deodorizer during processing and selective Hydrogenation. This is the main precursor of unsaturated Fatty Acid and a leading cause of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). These also lead to a rise in trans fat and saturated fat levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reduced trans fatty acid levels in oils and fats to 3% and 2% by 2022, respectively. Hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (HVP) contain dietary contaminants, including GEs and 3-MCPDs. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that these contaminants are mainly found in bread, margarine, preserved meats, and vegetable oil. The EFSA sets the tolerable daily intake for 3-MCPDs at 0.002 ppm/kg body weight. However, the FSSAI lists laws for "standards and additives" and "contaminants, toxins, and residues" in a categorical manner, yet it omits to mention GE & 3-MPCD levels. It has developed procedures for determining the adulterants at par in a lab setting. Newer guidelines and regulations are necessary for food control systems, continuous improvement, and assessment, which lead to accountability and complementary benefits. These are based on current trends and recommendations from the Food & Agriculture Association (FAO/WHO) and meetings held at the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Besides this, PepsiCo India said recently that it will be testing an oil blend to replace palm and palm olein oil in Lay's chips. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Shubham Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Source : Published on : May 27, 2024 Food Adulteration, Public Health Laws and Regulations Baby blues a reality for 85% mothers but societal stigma still remains Baby blues encompassing depression, anxiety, and long periods of crying is experienced by nearly 85% of women either during or after pregnancy. But despite prevalence in a majority this aspect of maternal health is wrought with taboos and stigma worldwide. These misconceptions result in misplaced guilt and fear to seek help among women. These obstacles to maternal mental health must be identified early and tackled promptly to safeguard healthy development and wellbeing of mother and child. The US FDA recently approved Zuranolone, a fast acting antidepressant making it the second approved pharmacotherapy for postpartum depression. Further research is direly needed to evaluate efficacy of existing and exploration of new treatment options. Raising awareness, conducting screening to identify perinatal depression and designing effective preventive interventions is the need of the hour. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy Editorial, The Lancet Regional Health Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Mental health, Research findings, perinatal health, MCH, maternal mortality Recent trial finds Metformin beneficial as a cancer-preventive agent A case-control research was undertaken to explore benefits of metformin use for MPN, using population registries of Denmark. People diagnosed with MPN between 2010-2018, were taken as cases and controls were selected from the Danish general population matched for age and sex. Metformin use data was secured from the country’s National registry of prescriptions. History of Metformin use in Cases before their diagnosis of MPN was determined and compared with the age-sex matched control group to estimate adjusted odds ratio to check association between metformin use and MPN. The study concluded that odds of MPN was significantly lower in those with a history of metformin use. [OR: 0.84 (0.73-0.96)] Furthermore, the strength of association displayed a significant dose-response relationship with rising treatment durations and these results were consistent in both sexes and all age groups. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy Blood Advances journal, American Society of Hematology Publications Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Research findings, Oncology, non-communicable diseases, clinical trial Study says Measles vaccine less effective in kids born via C- section According to the study, measles vaccination had 2.6 (1.06- 6.37) times higher odds of being ineffective in kids born by C-section compared to those born naturally . The study was conducted by modeling the antibody levels of 1505 individuals. The reason for this as explained by the researchers from the University of Cambridge UK and Fudan University, China could be due to development of gut microbiome as a result of which the child's immune system doesn't produce antibodies to fight against the measles infection. Studies say that natural birth transfers a greater variety of microbes from mother to baby. Furthermore the researchers have however found that the second dose of measles vaccine induced a robust immunity in such kids. Kids these days are more prone to this as a fact that many women are preferring to undergo C-section for childbirth instead of natural birth, it takes longer to catch up in developing their gut microbiome and with it the ability of the immune system to be primed by vaccines against disease including measles. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Aiswarya Nature Microbiology Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Measles, Vaccination, Immune response, Research Findings Hepatitis E outbreak in Chad, reports say 2092 suspected cases, including seven deaths Two health districts in Ouaddai province, Adre and Hadjer-Hadid, reported a total of 2092 suspected cases, including seven deaths, between January 2 and April 28. Ninety-five percent of these came from seven camps and transit locations for refugees. There were 27 pregnant women among the suspected cases, and the age categories most afflicted were 18–59 (representing 23.9%) and 6–17 (53.2%). Hepatitis-E cases have been documented from camps in the Ouaddai district of eastern Chad that house Sudanese refugees and returnees from Chad. In the impacted districts, response efforts are underway with assistance from UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, MSF Spain, MSF Switzerland, and WHO. The activities include epidemiological surveillance, laboratory confirmation of cases, Infection prevention and control, Water, sanitation and hygiene(WASH), risk communication and community engagement (RCCE). MSF Switzerland and WHO have educated community health professionals to assist with response efforts. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar WHO International news section Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Disease Outbreak, International Health Childhood lung function trajectories may be beneficial for predicting adult cardiovascular diseases The study was done to test the hypothesis that subnormal lung function trajectories from childhood to adulthood are associated with indicators of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers utilized data-driven methods for determining lung function trajectories from childhood to early adulthood. They also utilized ECG and carotid artery scan data as predictors of cardiovascular risk and function. The participant data used for the study were from 3 independent UK birth cohorts [ 4874 from ALSPAC, 809 from IOW, & 801 from MAAS] The results demonstrated a significant association between diminished lung function trajectories and the propensity of cardiovascular morbidities . The study highlights the importance of measuring lung function from an early age to improve health outcomes in adulthood. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. KH Reddy Thorax, BMJ Journals Source : Published on : May 25, 2024 Research Findings, Preventive Medicine, Non Communicable Diseases, Public Health Importance of self-management among people living with HIV A study by Dadi et al. aimed to understand the perspectives of service providers and experts on the importance of self-management for People Living With HIV (PLWH). It was a qualitative study involving systematic expert interviews with experts and service providers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. A thematic analysis was subsequently done using the Atlas TI version 9 software. The themes were divided into 2 broad dimensions: contextual and process. The problems identified under the contextual dimension were further sub-divided into: Disease-specific Facility related Social environment related. The problems identified under the process/individual dimension included: Ignorance Low self-esteem Lack of social support The study shows that there is a need to integrate self-management practices into standard management practices, especially for chronic diseases such as AIDS that have a long natural history and a lot of stigma and unawareness associated with them. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Tanya Tanu BioMed Central Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 Self-Management, Chronic Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, HIV International Nurses Day celebration by the Military Nursing Service International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 11 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. It was celebrated by the Military Nursing Service at Ayurvigyan Auditorium, Army Hospital (R & R), Delhi on May 11, 2024. The chief guest was Maj Gen Kanwarjit Singh, Offg. Commandant Army Hospital (R&R). The International Council of Nurses has declared the theme for this year as ‘Our Nurses, Our Future, The Economic Power of Care’ The celebrations included a debate on ‘Artificial Intelligence in Nursing: Boon or Bane’ and a panel discussion was also conducted on this year’s theme. The panel discussion was centered on, but not restricted to the following: The challenges faced by nursing professionals The approaches to empowering nurses Digitalization in healthcare Nurse burnouts The work done by the nursing fraternity with passion was commemorated and appreciation certificates were also handed over to nursing officers for their work. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 Nursing, Internation days, International Health Current status of the treatment cascade of hypertension in India The “treatment cascade” of hypertension is an important tool to understand and assess the performance of health systems in delivering health care to patients with hypertension. The various stages of the hypertension treatment cascade include The proportion of people screened for hypertension The proportion of people aware of their diagnosis The proportion of people on appropriate treatment The proportion of people with their blood pressure under control Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 survey of 1,267,786 people , which included males 15-54 years and females in the reproductive age group females was analyzed to identify the proportion of people at each stage of the treatment cascade. The national prevalence of hypertension was found to be 18.3% , among which men had a higher prevalence at 21.6% as compared to women at 14.8%. Though 70.5% of hypertensives had been screened at least once, only 34.3% were aware of their hypertensive status. The proportion of hypertensives under treatment was abnormally low at 13.7%, out of which only 7.8% had their BP under control. Multinomial logistic regression found males, illiterates, poor, never married, residents of rural areas, smokers/tobacco users, and alcoholic users were less likely to be at any level in the treatment cascade. Hence there is a need to make hypertension diagnosis and treatment more accessible , especially to the vulnerable groups. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 Noncommunicable disease, Hypertension, NFHS Undernourishment and the risk of TB among exposed household contacts 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. Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 Tuberculosis, Nutrition, TB Prevention Rise of FLiRT variants of COVID-19 in the United States KP.2 belongs to the variant type known as “FLiRT ,” which has been derived from the JN.1 variant. FLiRT is the term used for a family of different variants that have picked up the same set of mutations. FLiRT’s or FLiPs refer to the position of spike protein, which in this case is 456, 346, and 572. Two of these mutations, 456 and 346, act by eliminating binding sites for antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2. However, in addition to evading antibodies, it has lost some ability to bind to receptors and enter the cells. The difference is just one or two amino acids, so there are still a lot of other places where antibodies can bind. Fortunately, the JN.1 infection does provide strong protection against all FLiRT variants. After years of vaccination and infection, most people can fight off an infection without much concern . The period of infectiousness remains the same as in JN.1 and previous Omicron variants. It is contagious 1-2 days before developing and a few days after symptoms subside . It is recommended to test oneself if one is feeling sick, which will help in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Since this variation has the potential to have a severe impact on the susceptible population, extreme caution should be exercised. Click here to read more. Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health Source : Published on : May 22, 2024 International health, COVID-19, Infectious disease. Prevalence of STDs: Insights from a retrospective analysis A study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of STIs among attendees at the Suraksha Clinic in the Apex Regional STD Center in New Delhi. Suraksha Clinic is a chain of STI clinics established by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) to provide enhanced sexual health services and prevent HIV/AIDS in India. Retrospective data from January 2018 to December 2022 was statistically analyzed using Excel and SPSS. Out of 12,978 people, 58.92% were males and 40.94% were females. The outcomes showed a significant burden of STIs as follows: 26.24% for candidiasis 11.78% for chlamydiasis 11.64% for herpes genitalis 9.97% for bacterial vaginosis 7.80% for chancroid 3.36% positive for gonorrhea 3.06% for syphilis 1.74% testing positive for HIV 1.05% for trichomoniasis 4.01% for other non-STIs Researchers concluded that syndromic diagnoses, including vaginal/cervical discharge (21.22 %) and genital warts (8.00 %), highlight prevalent conditions, necessitating routine screening, early detection, and targeted interventions. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Anamika Brazilian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Source : Published on : May 21, 2024 Sexually Transmitted Infections, Communicable diseases, HIV 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 24-30th September, 2023 (5) View More 01-09th September, 2023 (11) View More 13 - 19 th August , 2024 (5) View More 23-31st July, 2023 (28) View More 17-23rd September, 2023 (10) View More 27-31st August, 2024 (16) View More 6-12th August, 2024 (16) View More 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) View More 10-16th September, 2023 (9) View More 20-26th August, 2024 (20) View More 1-6th August, 2023 (25) View More 1-8th July, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE