2020-2022: A chronicle of the pandemic
Some 100 journalists and researchers document the first three years of the pandemic. Their verdict: "It is a prologue to a world that would never …
UN General Assembly 2023: Political declaration on pandemics approved, critics call it 'rhetoric'
Demands of developing countries ignored, pathway to equitable access to quality health services not defined, say experts
Who gets to decide when the pandemic is over?
Despite a long-held wish for the pandemic to end, our findings suggest many may feel it is far from over, and that the public may disagree over …
Global leaders call for international pandemic treaty
The treaty would be rooted in the constitution of the WHO, drawing in other relevant organisations key to this endeavour, in support of the …
COVID-19 & the ‘Dharavi Model’: Reportage from the ground
Down To Earth hit the ground to see how the densely populated Dharavi was tackling the pandemic. This 3-part series delves into …
Centre’s Rs 64,000 cr plan for future pandemics: What does it consist of?
New policy aimed at improving tertiary care, diagnostics and surveillance; it will supplement National Health Mission, says government
How dangerous is Disease X?
A One Health approach which aims at bridging institutional gaps and emphasising mitigation strategies for emerging pathogens should be developed …
When schools rose to the challenge of COVID-19
Schools provide the required emergency infrastructure and function more than learning ecosystems; Long-term investments in schooling …
Pandemic treaty draft negotiations to begin in February 2023
Ensuring equity and solidarity, promoting preparedness while respecting sovereignty will form the crux of this document
Global pandemic treaty: Soumya Swaminathan promises draft in 18 months
WHO chief scientist says most countries on board for pact to ensure fair sharing of vaccines, data during future pandemics
Governments discuss over 300 proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations
This is the 2nd meeting where countries worldwide came together to strengthen the mechanism in place to mitigate public health threats
COVID-19: How do things look 6 months since it all started
India did not get its 1st novel coronavirus positive case before end-January; But the situation has escalated to much worse
COVID-19 in 2023 and beyond — why virus trends are more difficult to predict three years on
In total, 13 billion vaccine doses have been administered — but not equitably.
COVID-19: Expect a million deaths in India by August 1
India’s COVID-19 cases are 20 times more than officially declared
COVID-19: The virus in our genes
Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to change our genetic makeup
PRET: WHO launches initiative to make world better prepared for future pandemics
The current focus of the initiative is on respiratory viruses but will soon include other groups of pathogens
Greater trust in government, people could have reduced COVID-19 caseload, fatality rate: Study
Less corrupt government resulted in more widespread, efficient COVID-19 vaccine coverage in some countries
COVID-19: The novel pandemic may extract a heavy human cost
It was foretold, but we never believed that a crumbling infrastructure in the wealthy world would make all of us victims
Counting gifts for children as another pandemic year comes to a close
Let’s hope the New Year rings in positive news related to the beginning of vaccination for all children
Listening to young people could help reduce pandemic-related harms to children
Among other things, the pandemic has also adversely affected children’s mental health
WHO: Global health systems have started showing signs of post-pandemic recovery
Most countries have made strides in incorporating COVID-19 services into routine health service delivery
World Health Summit: Global agreement on health need of the hour, says WHO
Conference to focus on pandemic treaty, polio eradication, digital health and universal health coverage
China’s definition of COVID deaths ‘very narrow’, country’s data ‘under-represents’ severity: WHO
Updated definition is narrow since it counts only those deaths caused by COVID-induced pneumonia or respiratory failures
One Health: What it is & how it can be implemented in India
Nexus of science, social science, indigenous knowledge and policy necessary
COVID-19 immunity: Treading turbulent waters
We constantly hear of pills and food supplements that we must consume or lifestyle changes we must inculcate to boost our immune system. …