Pollution in news on May 11
Here’s a round-up of today’s news reports and debates on pollution
India bans 18 pesticides, has many more to go
The ban is delayed and addresses only a part of the problem of toxic pesticides in India
New study finds loopholes in previous research on mass deworming
Mass deworming of school children is practised by countries that cannot afford expensive diagnosis, previous studies say
More than a quarter of the world's population has vision impairment: WHO
The first-ever World Vision Report warns that ageing populations mean a dramatic rise in vision impairment world-wide
Low vaccine coverage could be behind measles outbreaks: WHO
The world saw 300 per cent more cases in the first three months of 2019 compared to last year
US non-profit urges quick-service restaurants to get antibiotics off menu
Use of antibiotics in food-producing animals is recognised by WHO as contributing to the global antibiotic resistance burden in humans
Undetected window
India cannot eradicate tuberculosis unless it treats the infection in cattle. The country accounts for 23 per cent of the global TB burden
The Americas declared free of measles
The region is the first in the world to eliminate measles
World Health Assembly agrees to new ‘Health Emergencies Programme’
Programme aimed at providing rapid and comprehensive support to countries and communities for tackling crises hazardous to human health
WHO proposes plan to improve district health systems in Africa
The framework aims to provide essential health services to 80% per cent people in African countries by 2030
Child health programme failed to deliver in 100 countries: WHO
A paper presented at the Alma Ata declaration said less than half of the women in the world get the four mandatory ante-natal check-ups done
WHO launches new five-year plan for universal health coverage
This three-point strategy aims at ensuring that 1 billion people get health coverage, are better protected from emergencies and enjoy wellbeing …
Pollution in news on May 10
Health ministers in G20 Summit commit to address antimicrobial resistance
Through Berlin Declaration, the health ministers emphasised the need for combating AMR through appropriate monitoring and surveillance
Genes might be useful while treating kidney diseases
New study shows how genetic testing could be used to personalise diagnosis and manage kidney disease
Gaming: How much is too much?
The WHO's decision to list gaming disorder as a mental health condition has several gamers and experts debating on its acceptance and validity
Pollution in news on May 4
Pollution in news on May 3
Taxing sugary drinks can tackle obesity, diabetes: WHO
A new report by the international health agency proposes fiscal policies that lead to at least a 20 per cent increase in the retail price of …
European Commission comes out with draft policy on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
Policy defines EDCs and lays out basis for legislation on them
World no tobacco day: Push for plain packaging to save lives
Plain packaging of tobacco products restricts advertising and promotion and increases the effectiveness of health warnings
Pollution in news on May 2
Here’s a round-up of today’s news reports and developments on pollution
Depression, an invisible burden for TB patients; and we must urgently address this
The risk of people with mental disorders being prone to developing TB has often been overlooked
Depression single largest contributor to global disability, says WHO
The alarming thing is that the number of people with common mental disorders is increasing, particularly in low-income countries
OIE releases new strategy to fight antimicrobial resistance
Agency exhorts international community to come forward and outline a work plan