Is genetic engineering the right way to cure the problem of invasive species?
A new gene-based technology allows curbing the population of species such as mosquitoes which spread malaria or dengue. But there are dangers involved
Managing malaria
The case of malaria is an example of how excessive reliance on insecticides has damaged the environment and harmed public health
Over 50% of world population to face water shortages by 2050: FAO urges countries to prepare for it
With agriculture contributing to 70% of freshwater consumption, agrifood systems thus become central to the water scarcity faced by the world, …
COVID-19: Sharp dip in TB cases during lockdown, timely diagnosis major worry
A 25% reduction in TB detection due to the COVID-19 pandemic in three months could lead to a 13% increase in TB deaths, according to WHO
Why dengue is not the devil
Lack of preparedness in our fight against this vector-borne disease is much to blame for it spreading fast
Rare dengue strain resurfaces in Maharashtra after 30 years
Individuals’ immunity to other strains is most likely the reason for emergence of this rare serotype, believe experts
Climate impacts on health: most nations yet to evolve policy plans
Greater focus on preventative public health measures could ease pressure on health services and provide a more supportive environment for …
Malaria biggest killer of kids in Chhattisgarh, says report
Community-based survey report shows malaria prevalence is what differentiates high mortality districts from low mortality ones
Death rate has declined globally since 2006
The leading causes of global deaths declined by 30% in just a decade, says a latest study, which is the world’s largest scientific …
Sting operation: How Odisha’s Malkangiri controlled malaria
One of India’s worst malaria-affected districts is on its way to win the fight against this scourge
Accidents cause maximum deaths among young population, says WHO
Road accidents and non-communicable diseases emerge as major killers according to the World Health Statistics 2017 report
Droughts bring disease: Here are 4 ways they do it
Prolonged dry spells, particularly in semi-arid and arid regions, may have serious impacts, particularly if people aren’t prepared
Autonomous Africa CDC a game-changer on disease outbreak response: Experts
Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention will now be in a position to assess disease outbreaks on the continent and declare it an …
Pact on pollutants
Negotiators at a United Nations-sponsored meeting in Geneva have decided to eliminate eight toxic pesticides and chemicals. However, DDT remains …
Take Unani medicines seriously
HAKIM MOHAMMED KHALID SIDDIQUI, director of Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, New Delhi, tells VIBHA VARSHNEY that …
Why's malaria taking its toll?
Assam faces a spate of malaria deaths. As the disease assumes near epidemic proportions, it is becoming increasingly clear that the government …
A close hard look
Malaria is easy to check. Just do not let mosquitoes breed. This is the essence of the bioenvironmental way to control such tiny big disease …
‘Manipulate market, lower drug prices’
In times of rising costs of healthcare compounded by shortage of funds, UNITAID, a UN organisation, was set up in 2006 to improve access to life-…
The microbes strike back
Diseases that were cheerfully believed to have been eradicated are inexplicably cropping up again in India in deadlier, drug-resistant forms
Malarial vector back with a vengeance in Rajasthan
Incessant rains and the resultant stagnant water in canals and fields have spawned a malaria epidemic in the western part of the state
Under-five child mortality drops 53 per cent from 1990 to 2015: report
Despite progress, a large number of children are still dying due to preventable causes. Sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia are the regions …
World Health Day focus on controlling vector-borne diseases
Dengue poses tough challenge; over 40 per cent of the world population is at risk from dengue, says WHO
75% emerging infectious diseases zoonotic: UN Report
Document emphasises on importance of a ‘One-Health’ approach to manage and prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks and pandemics
Why do we need to worry about antimicrobial resistance in the time of COVID-19?
As more and more antimicrobials are used to control the virus and the co-infections, this indiscriminate use will further increase AMR
World Health Statistics 2015: some achievements, many concerns
Down To Earth highlights the world’s performance on health-related development goals, where our successes lie and where efforts are still a …