Heat action plans: The necessity to update them Heat action plans: The necessity to update them Content Editor: Dr. Shubham July 11, 2024 Social Trends Climate Change, Heat waves, Disaster management Heat Action Plans (HAPs) from nine cities (such as Delhi, Ahmedabad) and five districts (like Ferozepur, Vellore) were analysed. The analysis discovered that current heat response plans require more financial and legal support and do not clearly evaluate the effects of heat on the local people. More targeted plans are needed to address local problems, such as mapping people that are at risk. According to iForest's analysis (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology), the report recommends: Updating the definitions of heat waves, Reporting them as disasters under the Disaster Management Act, Taking high nighttime temperatures and relative humidity into consideration. India is predicted to experience more heat waves, which highlights the significance of comprehensive HAPs in preserving lives and livelihoods.

From pandemic to pancreas: Unmasking COVID-19's impact on type 1 diabetes development Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy September 18, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM COVID-19, Diabetes Mellitus, Non communicable diseases A recent study examined whether there was a relationship between COVID-19 infection and the development of islet cell autoantibodies in people with a higher genetic risk. Increased genetic risk was defined as a risk of developing multiple islet autoantibodies by the age of six that was greater than 10%. A total of 1050 children aged 4–7 months were enrolled in the study, of which 885 were finally involved. The findings of the study are as follows: At a median age of 18 months, 19.2% of the 885 people tested positive for SARS-COV-2 antibodies. In addition, 60 participants developed islet cell autoantibodies. Six of those who developed autoantibodies were also positive for SARS-COV2 antibodies, and another six were positive 2-6 months after the SARS-COV2 antibodies became positive. The islet cell autoantibody incidence was calculated as follows: In children without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the rate was 3.5 (95% CI, 2.2 to 5.1) per 100 person-years. In children with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the rate was 7.8 (95% CI, 5.3 to 19.0) per 100 person-years. The hazard ratio was higher in children under 18. [HR: 5.3; 95% CI: 1.5 to 18.3]. The study found that COVID-19 was linked to a higher risk of developing islet cell autoantibodies in people with a higher genetic risk. Previous Next

20-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 15 - 21st May, 2023 Safety of Rotavirus vaccine among infants exposed to biologic agents in-utero A Canadian prospective cohort study investigated the efficacy of giving live rotavirus vaccine to infants exposed to immunomodulatory biologics during pregnancy. Of the 202 assessed infants, 191 were enrolled, with exposure to various biologic agents. In most cases, exposure to the biological agent continued into the third trimester. There were no detectable abnormalities in the mitogen responses, quantitative immunoglobulins, or lymphocyte subsets that were clinically significant. After the assessment, 98% of infants were recommended for rotavirus vaccination, of whom 80% completed the series. No serious adverse events were reported, indicating that rotavirus vaccination is generally safe for infants exposed to anti-TNF agents in utero. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr Ashwini Priyadarshini Singh The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health Source : Published on : Tuesday, August 1, 2023 Maternal and Child Health, Vaccine administration Sudden rise in conjunctivitis cases in Delhi There has been a sudden rise in cases of conjunctivitis. The rapid spread can be attributed to water stagnation, heat, and humidity. Major government and private hospitals have reported that the caseload is more than three times the average. Even though the disease has a viral etiology, antibiotics are advocated for shortening the course of the disease and reducing its severity. A few of the chief preventive measures to stop this growing epidemic consist of: Reduce repeated rubbing of the eyes Washing hands Hygiene maintenance Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal The Hindu Source : Published on : Tuesday, August 1, 2023 Infectious diseases, WASH, Epidemic Increasing burden of communicable diseases among older children and adolescents The Global Burden of Diseases study from 1990-2019 systematically analyzed the communicable disease burden among children and adolescents aged 0-24 years. The salient results of this study were: Reduction in overall burden (DALY) of communicable diseases except HIV. The incidence of rare diseases such as the RHD and the NTD has increased. In 2019, among individuals aged 0-24 years, 3 million deaths and 30 million Years of Healthy life lost to Disability (YLD) were attributable to communicable diseases. This represents 57.3% of the total communicable disease burden across all ages. Among the children and adolescents, 44.1% of the deaths and 16.6% of the total disability were attributable to communicable diseases. This burden disproportionately affected the countries with low sociodemographic development. Their incidence has declined drastically among children <5 years of age, especially in countries with low sociodemographic development. Among children and adolescents, 60% of the burden was attributable to 3 groups- enteric infections, LRTI, and malaria. However, URTI and infectious skin conditions were more prevalent among the countries with high sociodemographic development. Among older adolescents aged 20-24, HIV and TB were the leading causes. The study findings emphasize the need for continued capacity building of the National programs related to communicable diseases, with a focus on adolescents and older children . Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy The Lancet Source : Published on : Tuesday, August 1, 2023 Communicable disease, Child health, Adolescent health Portal to report violations of the PECA and the COTPA act The Health Ministry has launched an online portal (www.violation-reporting.in ) to address the ongoing sale of e-cigarettes on e-commerce sites, despite their ban by the Union government in 2019. This portal aims to facilitate reporting of violations under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) , which grants the Union government control over the electronic cigarettes industry. The Act defines electronic cigarettes as devices that heat a substance, with or without nicotine and flavors, to produce an aerosol for inhalation . Concerns about e-cigarettes include their addictive nature due to nicotine content, potential harm to brain development, and the harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary MoHFW Source : Published on : Tuesday, August 1, 2023 Respiratory Health, E-cigarettes, Laws and Regulations Intersectoral Global Action Plan: for enhanced care and cure of neurological disorders. The WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) has highlighted the guidelines for enhanced care and cure of patients with neurological disorders, as they are the second largest killers (Lancet 2020). The Director-General of the World Health Organization cited the “burden” of such disorders also includes the associated stigma and discrimination. The WHO Director for Mental Health and Substance Use adds that IGAP will be a giant leap for: A holistic approach to neurological disorders treatment Ensuring that such patients can live off-edge from its stigma and discrimination. The five goals to be hit by the action plan are: Governance Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Research Public health approach Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Akhila Nandan WHO News Section Source : Published on : Monday, July 31, 2023 Global Health, Neurological disorders, Stigma NHM to PMSSM- a nominal change or a push in the right direction? The National Health Mission will soon be renamed Pradhan Mantri-Samagra Swasthya Mission (PM-SSM) by the central government. The announcement was anticipated to be made during the Central Council for Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) meeting on July 14-15th, 2023. The decision has already been approved by the Mission Steering Committee, headed by the Union Health Minister. NHM mainly focused on primary and secondary care, whereas the PM-SSM will focus on developing tertiary care facilities at district hospitals. This two-day Chintan Shivir will also provide further information on issues of the National Organ Transplant Program and District Residency Program , among others. However, no official announcement has been made yet. Content Editor: Dr. Akhila Nandan The Indian Express Source : Published on : Monday, July 31, 2023 National Health Program, Universal Health Coverage, National Health Mission Doctors oppose appointments of non-medical Postgraduates in Medical Colleges The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has requested the Health Ministry's urgent intervention to ensure that only medical postgraduates are considered eligible for appointment in medical colleges. They also propose that non-medical postgraduates currently teaching in medical colleges be adjusted within the 15% limit already set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2021. Previously, non-medical postgraduates in para-clinical subjects were appointed as faculties in medical colleges due to a shortage of medical postgraduates. Also, non-medical teachers have filed a suit against the NMC's decision, but the Supreme Court has advised the ministry and NMC to address the matter during the upcoming hearing in July. Other medical associations have also issued similar press releases supporting the IMA. A peaceful protest for the same was also conducted by the IMA and FORDA representatives at Jantar Mantar, NMC and MoHFW on 19th July. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary Indian Medical Association Source : Published on : Monday, July 31, 2023 Health Education, Medical Colleges, Medical Education Updated dietary recommendations for daily fat and carbohydrate consumption WHO (World Health Organization) has revised the recommendations on the daily total fat and carbohydrate intake. The new recommendations include- Reaffirmation that the daily fat intake should be <30% of the daily total energy intake. For children ≥2 years, fat intake should mostly consist of unsaturated fatty acids, with restriction of saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids to <10% and <1%, respectively. Fiber consumption should be at least 15g, 21g, and 25g per day for children 2-5 years, 6-9 years, and adults, respectively. The recommended vegetable and fruit intake should be at least 250g, 350g, and 400g per day for children 2-5 years, 6-9 years, and adults, respectively. Furthermore, new guidelines with respect to the intake of PUFA and low-sodium salt intake will also be included soon. Click here to read more Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay WHO News section Source : Published on : Monday, July 31, 2023 Nutrition, Diet, Lifestyle modifications Record breaking high temperature in China The temperature in China hit a new record of 52.2 degrees Celsius in the North-western part of the country. The authorities have asked the individuals at Sanbao Village, which lies on the outskirts of Turpan City, to stay at home and have ordered special vehicles to spray water on major roads. In some parts of Turpan City, ground surface temperatures had touched 80 degrees Celsius. Scientists have noted that the temperature in the Northern Hemisphere has continued to be record-setting high, which is further exacerbated by climate change. Furthermore, the Chinese authorities have given warnings about “multiple natural disasters” and advised people to take extra precautions this summer. Content Editor: Dr. K. Hima Swetha The Hindu Source : Published on : Monday, July 31, 2023 Global Health, Climate Change, Environment Economic development following the floods of 2018 in regions of Kerala In Kerala, the economic consequences and loss of livelihood after the floods of 2018 were catastrophic. However, women in India have found a footing in this crestfallen condition and have come up with entrepreneurial ideas. A group of six women have opened a water sports and entertainment park at Payattupakka in Neelamperoor, Kerala. The park is situated on a large waterlogged paddy polder and offers visitors kayaking, pedal boat, dinghy, and coracle services. The water sports park and related activities have been funded under the Rebuild Kerala Initiative-Entrepreneurship Development Programme (RKI-EDP). Another all-women team has opened a health tourism clinic at Pulinkunnu. Similarly, other groups have taken up roles as tourism providers and have opened cafeterias and restaurants in different parts of the region. These activities have helped in the economic development of the region. Content Editor: Dr. K. Hima Swetha The Hindu Source : Published on : Saturday, July 29, 2023 Economic development, Entrepreneurship, Health Are we at a standstill in our efforts to reduce anemia? Anaemia is a significant global public health issue. Anaemia has severe consequences, impairing development, increasing infection and death risks, and impacting families and communities economically. However, the 2023 World Health Statistics report reveals a decade of non-significant improvement in key health indicators, including anemia. In 2019, 40% of children aged six months to 5 years, 36% of pregnant women, and 30% of women aged 15-49 experienced anemia. However, the reduction rate since 2000 has been only 0-1% annually , much slower than other health indicators. Accurately measuring anemia is challenging, especially in resource-limited settings and among young children. Costly and complex tests hinder the acquisition of reliable data. To address anemia effectively, updated and comprehensive national surveys covering all age groups, particularly adolescents, are necessary. The newly published WHO framework emphasizes context-appropriate interventions informed by local data. While iron deficiency is a common cause, addressing other factors specific to populations and settings is vital. Effective interventions may include improved water, sanitation, hygiene, infection prevention, control measures, awareness, and treatment for inherited blood disorders. A holistic approach is essential in tackling poverty, food insecurity, healthcare access, education, conflict, climate change, and gender inequality. Integrating anemia screening and treatment with existing programs for antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and school-based initiatives can yield positive results. Fortification, supplementation, and nutrition education also contribute to reducing anemia risk. Urgent action led by local communities and supported by global leadership is necessary to combat anemia and improve global public health. Content Editor: Dr. Ashwini Lancet Source : Published on : Saturday, July 29, 2023 Anemia, Maternal and Child Health Effect of mother's employment on the child's nutritional status In 2018, the Ecuadorian National Statistical Office reported the prevalence of malnutrition in under-5 children to be 23%. To explore the potential trade-off between maternal employment and child malnutrition in Mexico and to provide policy recommendations, an observational study titled ‘Maternal employment and child malnutrition in Ecuador’ was conducted. This cross-sectional study used data from two national surveys, the ECV (Living Conditions Survey) 2014 and the ENSANUT (National Health and Nutrition Survey) 2018. The findings of the study were: Maternal employment is significantly associated with stunting in under-five children; i.e., children born to working mothers were 4.2 to 18.1% more likely to develop stunting when compared to unemployed mothers . However, Maternal employment wasn't associated with other forms of malnutrition. Income inequality, poverty, poor health status, and inadequate dwelling features were other factors leading to child malnutrition. The effect of maternal employment on child malnutrition was found to be heterogeneous across various population subgroups, with the greatest impact observed among poor and rural households. As a result, policies should offer sufficient support for childcare activities. This study emphasized that a working mother's potential income increase cannot compensate for the time lost. However, the study had some limitations, so care must be taken when interpreting the findings. Click here to read more Content Editor: Sivanthiga.G International Journal of Environmental Research and Public health Source : Published on : Saturday, July 29, 2023 Maternal and Child health, Nutrition, Employment Final verdict: WHO guidelines say Nay to Non-sugar sweeteners for Health Based on the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence (283 studies), WHO suggested that non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) are not to be used as a means of achieving weight control or for reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. This recommendation applies to all except individuals with pre-existing diabetes and includes all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners that are not classified as sugars. Common NSS include acesulfame K, aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose; they neither are essential dietary factors nor do they have any nutritional value . Research points out that long-term use of NSS could potentially cause an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults. Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai WHO News Source : Published on : Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Nutrition, Noncommunicable diseases, Diet recommendations, WHO guidelines, non-sugar sweeteners Trail of destruction of Cyclone Mocha leaves Myanmar and Bangladesh in urgent need of aid Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm "Mocha", a powerful deadly tropical cyclone is the first storm of the 2023 Indian cyclonic season. It originated on 8th May in the North Indian Ocean and is affecting Myanmar and parts of Bangladesh. It has injured 712 people, killed at least 84 people, leftover 100 missing, and caused about $1.07 million in damages throughout Myanmar and Bangladesh, disproportionately affecting the refugee camps. Public health response(UNHCR, WFP, IOM, and Red Cross Society in liaison with local ministries of both countries) includes: 1. Evacuation of residents from low-lying areas, 2. Stockpiling of resources such as food, ambulances, medicines, and water purification pills. 3. Addressing the post-disaster threat of water-borne diseases. 4. Securing consistent funding for relief efforts is the need of the hour. Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai WHO NEWS Section Source : Published on : Friday, May 19, 2023 Global Health, Natural Disaster, WASH, Climate change, Disaster management ICMR's Drones Successfully clear Trial Mission of Blood bags Delivery The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR ) has successfully conducted a trial run of delivering blood bags by drones under its iDrone initiative . The iDrone was first used during the COVID-19 pandemic for distributing vaccines to unreachable areas. Following the successful delivery of blood and blood-related products, Investigators from LHMC, GIMS, and JIIT will conduct further drone flight trials to validate the quality of packed red blood cells, FFPs, and platelets in this study. This study's results will provide scientific evidence from India to examine the impact of drone transportation on blood products. These findings will lead to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for wider applicability. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Newer Initiatives, ICMR, iDrone Spot open for a lead consultant at MOHFW • The National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) is recruiting a Lead Consultant for its Community Processes/Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CP/CPHC) Division on a contractual basis . • The position involves working with a team to strengthen primary health systems and improve health service delivery in India with responsibility for policy formulation, program support, research, and implementation in the CP/CPHC Division . • Qualifications required include an MBBS/BDS with a postgraduate degree or Diploma/Masters in Public Health/Epidemiology , along with at least 10 years of experience in health program implementation. • The consultant will be based in New Delhi with travel to states and districts. • The contract duration is 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance. Remuneration ranges from Rs 1,30,000/- to Rs 1,70,000/- per month , along with additional benefits. • The application should be submitted online through the NHSRC website by May 30, 2023. Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Source : Published on : Monday, May 29, 2023 MoHFW, Job Opportunities WHO Strategizes a new Framework to Mitigate Anemia Globally Anemia , a strong overall health indicator showing little progress towards reduction globally, is of paramount public health concern . The WHO Interdepartmental Working Group on Anemia advanced a strategic framework with implementable measures- "Accelerating Anemia Reduction: A comprehensive framework for action." The framework aims at a 50% reduction of anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age, targeting SDG 2.2 - Ending all forms of malnutrition . The document details the priority interventions- Prevent Diagnose Treat Anemia with contributions from different sectors like nutrition, food and agriculture, education , etc. The outcome measures range from micronutrient status improvement to screening and management of inherited RBC disorders. Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti WHO News Section Source : Published on : Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Anemia, Global Health, WHO framework, Public health concern From Vision to Action: India's Priorities at the SCO Health Ministers Meet The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, international security, and defence organization representing 42% of the world's population, 22% of its land area, and contributing 20% of the global GDP. It comprises eight Member States (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) . India holds the Presidency of the SCO for 2022-23 and chaired the virtually-held sixth session of the Health Ministers meeting of the Shanghai Corporation Organization (SCO) member states. The focus remained on the following topics:- Global Health Architecture for Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response. Digital Health: Strengthening National Monitoring and Surveillance Systems. Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Mitigating the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases. Enhancing Access to Affordable and Quality Healthcare through Medical Value Travel. Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Monday, May 22, 2023 Global Health, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO SAKSHAM – A digital learning initiative launched by Union Health Ministry SAKSHAM (Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management) is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) , Government of India which provides all health-related training programmes to healthcare professionals of the country in digital mode. Currently 100 clinical (by National Medical College Network) and 200 public health courses (by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) available online. SAKSHAM will serve as centralised resource repository for training and teaching material; deal with case-based learning in the health sector; act as a central database of trained healthcare professionals in the country. Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Monday, May 15, 2023 Training and capacity building, Digital India Initiative Poshan bhi Padhai bhi- a new initiative to strengthen Early childhood care and education With recommendations from the National education policy (NEP) , the ministry has initiated “Poshan bhi padhai bhi” (PBPB) a novel early childhood care and education (ECCE) program, ensuring that India has the largest comprehensive network of high-quality preschools in the world. With the PBPB initiative, NEP stated that all 13.9 lakh Anganwadis across the country will be upgraded with quality infrastructure and trained teachers . It also stipulates that every child will receive two hours of quality preschool lessons every day. PBPB will promote a holistic approach emphasizing the interlinking of child health nutrition and early education . Using the mother tongue as the medium of instruction, community participation will be encouraged in boosting the foundations of our nation’s future generations. Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Monday, May 15, 2023 Public health laws, Maternal and child health Monkeypox - No longer global health emergency In July 2022 , the WHO deemed the illness a global public health emergency of international significance. Following the Emergency Committee meeting, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO , delivered the announcement. More than 87 thousand cases and 140 fatalities related to monkey pox have been reported to WHO from 111 countries overall for more than a year. According to the WHO, even though the monkey pox epidemic may no longer be in a state of emergency, it still presents public health concerns that necessitate a strong, pro-active, and long-lasting response. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal WHO NEWS section Source : Published on : Monday, May 15, 2023 Infectious disease, Monkey pox, International health Haryana worried about quitting doctors The Haryana Civil Medical Service lacks specialists. There should be 241 MD (medical) experts in the state, according to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) , however, there are only 50 . Only 95 of the 193 needed gynaecologists, 100 of the 231 required anaesthetists, 65 of the 146 required paediatricians, and 75 of the 143 necessary surgeons are present in Haryana. The state only has around 4,000 doctors compared to the 10,000 or more required as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. The main causes of specialist doctors leaving their jobs are thought to be overwork, lack of promotion (they only receive one in their entire career), inadequate pay, unfavourable working conditions, the weight of medical-legal cases and court evidence, a lack of medicines, workplace security concerns, and being denied the status of Class-I officer. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal The Hindu Source : Published on : Monday, May 15, 2023 Occupational heath, Management ICMR and Ayush together for research According to member (Health), NITI Aayog, V.K. Paul , this change will assist AYUSH departments in AIIMS in becoming departments of Integrated Medicine throughout the entire AIIMS infrastructure in India. The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) will also look at how the two organisations may work together to increase their research capacities and conduct more integrative health research . For the duration of the visit, joint research project, or programme, scholars, trainees, researchers, and faculty members of the organisation will also have access to advanced instrumentation systems and other infrastructural facilities. The Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR will establish a collaborative working group, which will meet once every three months to discuss potential areas of future cooperation and to work on deliverables. Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal The Hindu Source : Published on : Monday, May 15, 2023 Integrated Medicine, AYUSH, Health Research Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives View More View More View More View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

World TB Day coming up on 24th March World TB Day coming up on 24th March Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami March 9, 2024 WHO News Section Communicable diseases, Tuberculosis The theme for 2024 World TB Day is ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ which conveys the hope of getting stronger against the TB epidemic by turning commitments into actions. For this, WHO calls action on several fronts: Translating political declarations by high-level leadership into actions Sustainable investment for research and universal access to TB care Scaling the integration of TB screening with TB preventive treatment (TPT) Tackling underlying causes (like poverty, inequality, malnutrition, comorbidities, discrimination, and stigma - any two) by concerted action by all sectors, communities, and the civil society Tackling health inequities to ensure health for all There is also an advocacy and communications package developed by WHO which supports awareness building and drives action across all levels.

Pey Jal Survekshan- an initiative to foster healthy competition among cities Pey Jal Survekshan- an initiative to foster healthy competition among cities Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy March 23, 2024 Press Information Bureau Environment, Water, Sewage, and Water Quality As a part of mission AMRUT 2.0, P ey J al S urvekshan (PSJ ) was launched to evaluate the achievements in providing the following services: Water supply - quantity, quality, and coverage Sewerage and septage management The extent of reusing and recycling of water Conservation of water bodies In September 2022, a survey was conducted to assess them, and over 5.21 lakh household replies were registered. The first edition of these PSJ awards will focus on the water-linked services in 485 AMRUT cities. A set of nine awards each was awarded to the cities and the states, respectively, for their exceptional performance. The AMRUT Mitra initiative was also launched, wherein the role of women in urban water management was emphasized. This will further help uplift women's socioeconomic status and empowerment. Click here to read more

Abdominal Obesity in India- An NFHS data analysis Abdominal Obesity in India- An NFHS data analysis Content Editor: Dr. Shubham November 26, 2024 LANCET Regional Health Southeast Asia Central Obesity, Research findings The prevalence of abdominal obesity in India is alarmingly high, with 40% of women and 12% of men affected. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) data reveals that 5-6 out of 10 women aged 30-49 years are abdominally obese. A secondary data analysis of NFHS-5 reveals that this condition is more prevalent among older age groups, urban residents, wealthier sections, and non-vegetarians. In Telangana, 35-50% of women are abdominally obese, highlighting a significant public health concern. Abdominal obesity is linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to promote physical activity and healthy dietary habits , especially in rural areas where economic transitions have reduced female workforce participation. Addressing these factors is crucial for mitigating the health risks associated with abdominal obesity and improving overall public health outcomes in India. Click here to read more

Policies on Decriminalization of Small Usage Drug Addicts in Punjab Policies on Decriminalization of Small Usage Drug Addicts in Punjab Content Editor: Sumana mukhopadhyay July 17, 2023 The Tribune India Substance abuse , deaddiction, Rehabilitation, Legislation The government has decided to focus on a new integrative and multidirectional regulation regarding decriminalising drug use and paying attention to the addicts for proper patient care to achieve CM Bhagwat Mann’s “Rangla Punjab” dream. Drug use is still condemned legally. The emphasis will be : to detect addicts using small amounts and enable deaddiction. putting them up for rehabilitation and skills development instead of punishment. strong penalties for smugglers and dealers . Discussions have happened between various ministries and departments to collaborate and plan for providing services.

COVID-19 surge sparks central review: Is the nation ready to tackle the rising wave? Content Editor: Dr Pradipta S December 25, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM COVID-19, Surveillance The rising cases of COVID-19 in some states prompted the Health Minister to chair a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in India. The health minister called on all states to enhance vigilance, maintain adequate supplies, and conduct regular mock drills. India witnessed a steep rise in COVID cases , from 115 to 614 in two weeks. Most cases ( 92.8%) remain mild, with no substantial increase in hospitalizations. Certain states like K erala, M aharashtra, J harkhand, and K arnataka show heightened daily positivity rates. A case of 𝐉𝐍.𝟏 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃𝟏𝟗 has been detected in Kerala and is under scrutiny, with no immediate concern. Urgent directives have been issued to all states to remain prepared against new and emerging strains of the COVID-19 virus. Emphasizing the need for collective efforts between the Centre and the states, he urged the states to ramp up testing and surveillance. Previous Next

The Code on Social Security, 2020 The Code on Social Security, 2020 Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti April 17, 2023 Press Information Bureau Social Security, Law and Justice, Labour and Employment "The Code on Social Security, 2020" has been formulated to extend social security benefits to organized and unorganized sectors (including domestic workers). The e-Shram portal launched on 26th August 2021 for the self-registration of workers initiated to maintain a National Database of Unorganized Workers to include gig and platform workers. Some of the existing social security benefits for organized sector workers are the: Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948; Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952; Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923; Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. The social security benefits for unorganized sector workers are the: Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008; Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana; Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Breaking barriers: India's journey towards gender equality Breaking barriers: India's journey towards gender equality Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary October 18, 2023 United Nations Gender Equality, Regulations and Laws The United Nations hailed India's progressive move as a pivotal step towards global gender equality. On September 21, 2023, India passed the Women’s Reservation Bill, ensuring a minimum of 33% female representation in state legislative assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Currently, women hold roughly 14% of Lok Sabha seats, below global and Central/Southern Asia averages. Chhattisgarh leads in women legislators at 18%, while Himachal Pradesh has just one and Mizoram none. The law, pending the next census, will be effective for 15 years and doesn't affect the Rajya Sabha, where women constitute 13%. Such quotas, implemented in 64 nations, from Belgium to Rwanda, have spurred empowerment and equitable resource allocation. In 2003, Rwanda became the World's top country with a 30 percent quota for women in elected positions and currently has 64 % women occupying parliament seats