Why breastfeeding is crucial for building nutritional foundation beyond infancy

Breastfeeding is at the core of infant nutrition. But mothers in rural areas are avoiding it due to COVID-19 fears

COVID-19: How rise in child marriages impacts economy

The risks associated with child marriage do not end with girls married before 18: It leads to an intergenerational cycle of poverty …

Why pregnancy brings distress for women in Sierra Leone

A crumbling health system deters women from going to hospitals, making the West African country home to the world's highest maternal death rate

Science and Technology - Briefs

Mounting Evidence, Collapsing Public Health

IN SHORT

India Exposed!

It is unimaginable. Air quality in most Indian cities is at critical levels. And the culprit - respirable particulates - are way above danger …

Over 15 years of incentivised institutional delivery: Has it ensured safe births?

The nine focus states continue to have the highest MMR

How Tanzania’s spousal escort policy frustrates antenatal healthcare

Only 51% Tanzanian women make four or more visits during their entire pregnancy, according to a report 

Africa's non-communicable disease burden likely to worsen without political will

Africa has the resources and support to tackle non-communicable diseases; all it requires is political will to seize the opportunity

No Escape

A recent US study has conclusive evidence on the deadly nature of fine particulate matter in the air. These unseen particles, mostly emitted by …

Even the womb does not protect against pesticides

Air pollution is certainly an enemy of health. But there are others that may be even nastier. Chlorpyrifos -- a pesticide that can easily enter …

New biotech missions to focus on drug resistance, fortified crops

Union minister launches Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Missions

Supreme Court raps Centre over non-implementation of Food Security Act

Till now, the Centre has issued three notifications for the extension of the deadline

Physical violence during pregnancy high in rural areas: NFHS-5

People living in rural areas must be made aware of the adverse outcomes related to physical violence during pregnancy

Rising CO2 emissions may increase global iron deficiency risk

The estimated percentages of lost dietary iron under rising CO2 levels range from 1.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent

Why women in Jharkhand’s backward areas are denied basic maternal care

Adivasis, often believed to be "resistant", have made attempts to engage with the modern healthcare system. But it is the health …

Free ambulance service can reduce maternal deaths

Study by non-profit in two blocks in Bihar's Patna district says delay in decision-making and reaching healthcare centres caused maximum maternal …

In Short

Bytes

Ethiopia’s flagship health project considers behavioural change, prevention to address NCDs among women, children

Africa CDC eager to extract lessons from the project and extend them to other AU member states  

World Health Assembly approves draft resolution on health action plan for indigenous people

Global plan should focus on reproductive, maternal and adolescent health, resolution highlights

Population populism: How redundant is UP’s two-child policy?

The recent UP Population Policy aims to reduce the state’s current total fertility rate, which is 2.7, and bring it down to 2.1 

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Why dispelling stigma, promoting hygiene practices need govt intervention

The Rajasthan government allocated Rs 200 crore to Free Medicine Scheme to facilitate dispensation of free sanitary napkins 

25% healthcare centres lack water facilities, 20% sanitation facilities: WHO

The report highlights that each year 17 million women in least developed countries give birth in centres with inadequate facilities for water, …