India's $16 Billion Economic Burden of Suicide: A Call for Urgent Policy Action Content Editor: PHC Editor November 4, 2024 at 5:47:33 PM Suicide, Economic Burden, India, Suicide Prevention A 2019 study reveals India's economic burden of suicide to be over $16.7 billion , with a significant impact on young adults aged 20-34, who account for 53% of this cost. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra alone contribute nearly 45% of this burden, reflecting high suicide rates and economic loss. The financial toll on females was notably higher than males in 20 Indian states and Union Territories, underscoring gendered vulnerabilities. The study calls for intersectoral efforts across finance, youth, and rural development ministries to reduce the suicide burden. Emphasizing the cost of inaction, the authors advocate for strengthened funding and interventional strategies under India’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). Previous Next

World AMR awareness week 2023 Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary November 23, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Antimicrobial Resistance, WHO With almost 5 million deaths annually attributed to bacterial infections and inadequate investment in new antimicrobials, the WHO identifies AMR as a top global health threat. World AMR Awareness Week, scheduled for November 18–24, emphasizes the crucial actions required to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with the theme of “preventing antimicrobial resistance together.” AMR arises when microorganisms no longer respond to medicines designed to treat them, leading to increased disease spread and mortality risks. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human health and food production drive AMR. Despite 93% of countries having AMR national action plans (NAPs), only 27% have budgeted plans, revealing a need for enhanced governance, leadership, and financial support. The WHO's Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) antibiotic book (published in December 2022) aims to optimize global antimicrobial use. The World AMR Awareness Week advocates collaborative efforts to protect antimicrobials and public health. Additionally, the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting in September 2024 will urge countries to make bold commitments to address AMR. Previous Next

The Impact of an Inflatable Colon Exhibit on Colorectal Cancer Awareness The Impact of an Inflatable Colon Exhibit on Colorectal Cancer Awareness Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay September 25, 2024 Center For Disease Control Colorectal cancer, Research study, international health news The research evaluated the impact of an inflatable colon exhibit on colorectal cancer (CRC) knowledge and screening intentions among 940 men at two state fairs in the Midwest in 2023. Using an observational cohort design, participants completed a presurvey, walked through the inflatable colon, and then completed a postsurvey. The surveys assessed changes in both actual and perceived knowledge of CRC and intentions to undergo screening. Results revealed a notable improvement in understanding key CRC concepts, such as the role of polyp removal in cancer prevention. Men over 45 had higher factual knowledge but lower perceived awareness. A majority (95.4%) found the exhibit to be an effective educational tool. The study concluded that community-based efforts, like the inflatable colon, are effective in boosting CRC knowledge and encouraging screening. It highlights the importance of using state fairs and similar events to reach underserved groups and promote early cancer detection. Click here to read more

World sickle cell disease day: Aim to cover 1 million screenings Content Editor: Shayari Nag July 2, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Sickle Cell Anaemia, Anemia, Screening The World Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Day events focused on halting transmission and promoting early diagnosis, access to treatment, and quality care for SCD. The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM ), a monumental initiative launched in 2023, is set to eliminate SCD in India by 2047, underscoring the scale of our commitment . Since its inception, over 33.9 million screenings have been recorded, and over 11.2 million Sickle Cell Status ID cards have been distributed. The key features of the program are: - Focus on screening and managing individuals aged 0-40 years. - Focus on the Tribal communities in the 17 high-burden states - Awareness generation and pre-marital counseling - Holistic management at primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels PM Narendra Modi and Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized the importance of NSCAEM and its approach, On SCD Day 2024, 44,751 events held across 17 high-burden states, resulting in: - 615,806 individuals screened - 259,193 Sickle Cell ID cards distributed Awareness activities will continue for 15 days, targeting 1 million screenings and 300,000 ID cards. Awareness events were also held in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Jharkhand. Click here to read more. Previous Next

CDC Report: Trends in U.S. death rates among older adults CDC Report: Trends in U.S. death rates among older adults Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay July 25, 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mortality Rate, International Health, Public health A report details trends in death rates among older adults in the United States. Titled "QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Death Rate Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years, by Sex — United States, 1970–2022 ", it analyzes data spanning from 1970 to 2022. The results of the study are as follows: Significant Decline: There has been a notable decrease in death rates for adults aged 65 and older since 1970, with the age-adjusted death rate falling from over 6,700 per 100,000 people to approximately 4,000 in 2019. Recent Variations: Death rates increased slightly in 2020 and 2021 but decreased again in 2022. Gender Disparities: Males have consistently experienced higher death rates compared to females throughout the entire period. The report's data is sourced from the National Vital Statistics System. Click here to read more.

Asia Pacific Leader's Conclave on Malaria Elimination Asia Pacific Leader's Conclave on Malaria Elimination Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti April 27, 2023 Press Information Bureau Malaria, Elimination On 24th April 2023 , a day before World Malaria Day , New Delhi hosted the "Asia Pacific Leader's Conclave on Malaria Elimination." The Ministry of Health of India and the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) countries like the Solomon Islands, the Republic of Fiji, and the Regional Director of WHO SEARO attended the conclave. Uplift political commitment towards an Asia Pacific Free from Malaria by 2030. Only India has reported a decline in malaria cases during the COVID-19 pandemic among 11 countries , that are part of the High Burden to High Impact initiative by WHO for targeted Malaria response.

Partnership to enhance animal vaccine cold chain management in India Partnership to enhance animal vaccine cold chain management in India Content Editor: Shayari Nag June 11, 2024 Press Information Bureau One Health, Animal Health, Vaccine Management The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve animal vaccine cold chain management in India. This partnership aims to: Enhance digitalization of vaccine cold chain management. Improve capacity building for animal healthcare workers. Develop a communication plan for the department's activities. The project will utilize UNDP's Animal Vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN) for real-time monitoring of vaccine stocks, temperature, etc. enabling better management of resources and addressing inequities in vaccine supply. The goal is to ensure vaccines are delivered in the right quantity, and quality, on time, and optimal temperature, ensuring increased immunization coverage and outreach This collaboration with a One Health approach will benefit both animals and humans by strengthening animal health and reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Click here to read more.

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 SEAR July 2025 Update on India’s Infectious Disease Landscape Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay August 2, 2025 at 7:09:42 AM Infectious Diseases, Disease Outbreak, Nipah As of July 2025, India is managing multiple infectious disease threats, according to the WHO South-East Asia Region report. Kerala has reported a fresh outbreak of Nipah virus (NiV) with three new cases in June–July 2025, bringing this year’s total to four. The infections involved individuals from Malappuram and Palakkad districts with no known epidemiological link, suggesting separate spillover events. One patient is in critical condition, and two have died. A total of 609 contacts have been identified across four districts, and hospitals in six districts are on alert. Health authorities have mobilized 26 teams for tracing and public awareness, and testing has been intensified. India also reported a laboratory-confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in Karnataka in May 2025 , with genome sequencing data submitted to GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data). COVID-19 cases saw a minor uptick between weeks 17 and 20 of 2025, with 105 new cases and five deaths reported in week 28 (7–13 July). One dominant variant in India is XFG* , which accounts for 77% of recent sequences. The WHO continues to assess the public risk from these variants as low. Seasonal influenza activity remains moderate, with Influenza A(H3) circulating predominantly in India, based on laboratory surveillance data from weeks 26–28, 2025. Dengue remains endemic in southern India . Kerala reported 5,793 cases in 2025 so far, with a 9.7% increase in week 27 alone. Karnataka logged 2,567 cases year-to-date, with a slight weekly decline. India remains the primary contributor (10 of 15 cases) to monkeypox (Mpox) Clade Ib infections in the region, many involving travel history from the UAE . The country continues to strengthen surveillance, testing, and response systems . It provides key data to WHO for COVID-19, influenza, and other priority pathogens under regional health security frameworks. Previous Next

WHO highlights the importance of a PRET workforce Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy October 31, 2023 at 1:00:00 PM Global health, WHO, epidemiology, Health emergency, Health planning, PRET A Safetnet scientific conference was held in Australia in September 2023, bringing together FTEP directors from regional as well as global levels to discuss the scenario of pandemic planning and control initiatives. The head of the WHO global initiative PRET highlighted that the organization encourages all nations to enhance their pandemic preparedness. WHO suggests all nations develop a multi-sectoral and multi-level strategy to tackle any future pandemics and minimize their impact on society. In this regard, WHO suggests training and retraining programs for field epidemiologists with leadership modules, pandemic response training, and simulation exercises to equip a robust public health workforce. WHO proposed that its PRET team contribute to planning training curricula focused on pandemic response. WHO also proposed to strengthen collaborations between health systems and field epidemiology stakeholders Previous Next