International health agency warns of deaths due to climate change
In 2012, 7 million people died from air pollution-related diseases, making it the world’s largest single environmental health risk
WHO survey reveals public misunderstanding about antibiotic resistance
The revelation comes at a time when the World Health Organization is scaling up its fight against antibiotic resistance
Limited access to pesticides reduced suicides in Tamil Nadu villages: WHO report
In rural India, poisoning accounts for four in 10 suicides due to swallowing of pesticides
Africa on its way to becoming a polio-free continent
It is likely that Nigeria will soon be removed by WHO from the list of countries where polio is endemic
New dengue vaccine provides ray of hope to India
CYD-TDV vaccine protected two out of three volunteers aged 9 years and older against dengue, finds study
Merck signs deal with UN-backed MPP for global access to COVID-19 drug
The agreement will help create broad access for the drug use in 105 low- and middle-income countries, including India, subject to regulatory approval
West Africa records 1st death from ‘highly infectious’ Marburg virus
Case fatality rate of the infection is 24-88%
COP27: Africa desperately needs a ‘loss and damage’ finance facility; here is why
The continent has limited socio-economic capacity and is ill-prepared to adequately respond to climatic disasters, build resilience and adapt …
Deluged Pakistan faces significant health threats, WHO warns
Threats include malaria, dengue fever, polio, diarrhoea, COVID-19 and cholera; Maternal health to be affected and domestic violence will rise, UN says
African health ministers adopt PEN-PLUS strategy against non-communicable diseases
Stretegy will help bridge access gap in treatment, care of patients with chronic & severe NCD
How African countries coordinated the response to COVID-19: lessons for public health
Decentralisation strategies and innovation played key roles in coordination. Financing was a challenge to coordination
Ghana reports first-ever suspected cases of Marburg virus disease
Second time the disease with high fatality rate has been detected in western Africa; WHO confirmation awaited
COVID-19 update: Deltacron & omicron subvariant — 2 looming threats?
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the United States, countries in Europe and Southeast Asia
Old vaccines for new infections: What we discovered
Studies have showed that several vaccines, including that for polio and tuberculosis, have several non-specific effects
Why India should prepare for COVID-19 recovered patients as ‘next big health crisis’
A recent study says besides other long-term health risks, patients face higher chance of death even after six months of recovery
Measles campaigns suspended in most countries; 140 million lives at stake, mostly children
In many countries the regular measles vaccine campaigns are delayed by over a year due to the pandemic disruptions
It’s taken roots: COVID-19 may soon turn endemic in many countries
India may be among endemic places; risk of the number of immune inidividuals dropping below a threshhold will remain
Africa reported 30% of global acute public health events in last 2 decades: WHO
Infections were main cause for public health emergencies in last 2 decades; Climate-led natural disasters fuelling acute public health events
Fine particulate air pollution shortens average Indian’s life by 5.3 years: University of Chicago
Nearly 40% of India’s population concentrated in Indo-Gangetic Plain to be affected most due to air pollution
WHO, US CDC are now tracking new COVID variant BA.2.86
Also called BA.X, lineage now under WHO’s variant under monitoring list
Handbook to assess foodborne disease burden: WHO shows the way
The handbook aims to develop framework for routine updating estimates; provide baseline against which food safety interventions can be evaluated
World has failed to respond to accidents and diseases at work
In 2017, 2.7 million workers died from work-related injuries and diseases, up from 2.4 million workers in 2014. With a nearly 20 per cent rise in …
Venoms of 26 deadly snakes in sub-Saharan Africa classified
Snakes considered most important medically; Classification to help develop effective anti-venoms
Tackling antibiotic misuse in dairy sector — with a few herbs and a prayer
Traditional veterinary medicines can go a long way in addressing the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance
World Malaria Day: sub-Saharan Africa in the spotlight
WHO recommends a package of prevention approaches, including insecticide-treated nets, spraying indoor walls with insecticides and preventive …