WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION
Cheers? U.S to scrap longstanding guidelines on daily alcohol limits, raising eyebrows and happy hours alike
The United States may soon revise its alcohol consumption guidelines. The new guidelines might remove the recommendation of one or two drinks per day. Instead, it may suggest moderation due to health risks. Health experts have expressed mixed reactions. Some fear the change could downplay the risks of even moderate drinking.
Giant dust storm equal the size of 48 US states likely to hit Florida this week. Is it heading your way?
A giant haboob from the Sahara desert is about to reach the southeastern USA, predicted to hit Texas and Florida on Wednesday. The dust storm which is equivalent to the size of 48 US states is set to hit Florida this week. This particular haboob – sometimes referred to as the Saharan Air Layer – is a particularly large one, and is expected to reach the US coast before dispersing.
86.5 lakh deaths in 2022, 15% dip over Covid-hit 2021: CRS data
India witnessed a notable decrease in deaths in 2022, with 86.5 lakh fatalities reported. This marks a 15% decline from the 1.02 crore deaths in 2021, a year heavily impacted by Covid-19. Birth registrations increased to 2.54 crore in 2022, a rise of 5.1% from the previous year.
Rising Covid cases push experts to seek sewage surveillance
Amid rising Covid-19 cases in India, experts advocate for enhanced surveillance. They suggest using waste water analysis and genome sequencing. This helps in early detection of outbreaks. A new variant, NB 1.8.1, is under observation. While the current threat is low, vigilance is crucial. Elderly and immunocompromised individuals should take precautions. Following Covid-appropriate behavior is important.
Waive risk-based inspections, urges MSME pharma body
Laghu Udyog Bharati requests the government to waive risk-based inspections for companies upgrading their facilities. The association seeks an extension for Schedule M implementation for smaller firms. Concerns arise over inspections being conducted like raids. LUB highlights the role of MSMEs in supplying medicines during Covid. They request special attention for manufacturers with less than Rupees 50 crore turnover.
WHO Chief Tedros lauds PM Modi for supporting Pandemic Accord
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his virtual participation in the 78th World Health Assembly. The assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement. Tedros expressed gratitude for India's commitment and support to the WHO. Modi emphasized inclusion, integrated vision, and collaboration for a healthy world.
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New JN.1 Covid variant cases surge in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand: Should India be worried?
Covid News Today: A sudden rise in Covid-19 cases across parts of Asia, notably Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand, has raised alarms globally. But India’s health authorities say the domestic situation remains “under control” with only 257 active cases. Most Indian cases are mild, with no reported hospitalisations. Officials attribute the Asian spike to waning immunity and the spread of new Omicron variants. India is maintaining strict surveillance while closely monitoring regional trends to prevent any future escalation.
IIT Guwahati develops fluorescent sensor to detect cyanide in water and human cells
IIT Guwahati researchers have created a fluorescent sensor that detects cyanide in water and human cells using UV light. The sensor changes color and emits bright fluorescence upon cyanide detection, offering a cost-effective solution for environmental monitoring and forensic analysis. This technology can be used in river water, tap water, paper strips and live cell imaging.
WHO faces financial crisis as US withdrawal looms, China set to become the top donor
The World Health Organisation will face a major funding cut as the United States exits in January 2026. This will leave a $600 million gap. The WHO plans to prioritize key functions like vaccine approval. It will also cut programs in wealthier nations. China will increase its contribution. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will continue its support.
Hypertension, the 'silent killer' you shouldn’t ignore for a longer life: 5 summer foods that may help control your BP
World Hypertension Day is observed every year on May 17. It reminds people about the dangers of high blood pressure. The day encourages regular blood pressure checks. It highlights risks like heart disease and stroke. The 2025 theme is 'Measure, Control, Live Longer'. The focus is on accurate monitoring and management.
Is there a new global health threat? Fungal superbugs spread panic with climate change expanding its reach
A new global health threat is emerging as drug-resistant fungal infections such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Coccidioides are spreading, driven by climate change. Infecting millions, these infections are difficult to treat because fungi are genetically close to humans. Read on to know what experts have to say about this.
UNAIDS 50 percent workforce cuts is a major threat to global HIV response amid funding crisis: Key points
UNAIDS faces a major funding crisis. The agency will cut its workforce by more than half. It plans to scale back its presence in many countries. This is due to funding cuts from the US and other donors. The agency warns this could reverse gains in the global fight against HIV. UNAIDS considers moving posts to cheaper locations.
Oats recalled over fears of plastic contamination. Is there chance of serious adverse health consequences
Grain Millers made the announcement for recall on February 11, according to the FDA. The voluntary recall, classified under Class II recall, ended on April 25. The affected batches were purportedly sold to retailers in Indiana and California.
Dengue fever outbreak reported in Cook Islands; Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji already in viral infection's grip
Several Pacific island nations, including Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, are facing a rise in dengue fever cases. A Samoan boy recently died in Auckland due to the viral infection. Cook Islands reported three new cases, prompting health advisories and calls for precautions against mosquito breeding.
US condemns China's 'misuse' of UN resolution at Security Council debate
The US representative to the UN has condemned China for misusing a 1971 resolution to block Taiwan's inclusion in international organizations. During a UN Security Council meeting, the US criticized China's actions and affirmed its commitment to countering Beijing's efforts to impose authoritarian principles at the UN. Taiwan's government expressed appreciation for the US stance.
Israeli strikes on Gaza kill more than 90 people in last 48 hours, Palestinians say
Recent Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in over 90 fatalities in 48 hours, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The attacks, part of intensified efforts to pressure Hamas, have impacted even designated humanitarian zones, killing women and children. A blockade lasting six weeks has exacerbated the crisis, leading to widespread malnutrition, particularly among children.
Building resilience, sustaining health: Abu Dhabi’s blueprint for future-ready care
At the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a blueprint. Here’s how ADGHW is catalysing global action and regional implementation to build systems that can endure, adapt, and thrive. Don’t miss the agenda of this forum, held from 15-17 April 2025.
What's in your basket: Easter eggs or chocolates? Will high egg prices force families to crack easter traditions?
This Easter, egg hunts might look different. Bird flu has caused egg prices to soar. A dozen eggs cost almost double last year. Some stores limit egg purchases. Restaurants add surcharges on egg dishes. Spring offers hope as outbreaks decrease. However, rebuilding poultry farms takes time. Until a vaccine is available, prices may fluctuate.
'No safe level of air pollution', experts warn as India refuses to link pollution to deaths
Marina Belen Romanello from Lancet Countdown emphasizes the proven link between air pollution and adverse health outcomes in India, contradicting the Indian government's stance on the issue. Despite initiatives like PMUY, a significant portion of the population still relies on biomass for cooking, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. WHO highlights the global health risks of air pollution, urging immediate action.
Pakistan: Four samples collected from four cities tests positive for Wild Poliovirus 1
Environmental samples collected from four cities in Pakistan, including Karachi and Peshawar, have tested positive for Wild Poliovirus 1 (WPV1). The samples are said to belong to Afghanistan. This comes after samples from three other cities also tested positive for the poliovirus. Pakistan's Health Minister, Dr Nadeem Jan, expressed concern over the situation and urged officials to take all necessary steps to protect children from the disease.
World Health Organisation junks vaccine allocation group
It has been decided to put off operations of IAVG until a situation arises where steering by the group is needed. The triggers that would re-activate the IAVG include significant supply-demand imbalance, causing equity to become a concern.
World Health Organisation to decide on authorising Indian-made vaccine
Dr. Mariangela Simao, a WHO assistant director-general for vaccines, says the UN health agency's assessment of the Bharat Biotech vaccine was "quite advanced" and officials hoped for a decision by mid-September.
Superbug-related death spurs drug regulator warning
The Centre has also asked state drug regulators to take "strong policy measures including stringent regulatory action on the over-the-counter (without prescription) sale of high-end antibiotics".
22% of Indian kids are obese, face health risks: WHO
Obesity at a young age can cause high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis in adulthood.
Cell tower radiation may not be dangerous
Even as the blamegame over call drops intensifies, ET puts together a graphic based on industry, DoT and World Health Organisation (WHO) data.
Ban on gutka has positive impact: World Health Organisation
Stringent state-level laws banning gutka have a positive impact as reduced product availability has resulted in decreased consumption of gutka, according to WHO.
World Health Organisation stresses on improving indoor air quality
Over 60 per cent of homes in WHO South-East Asia Region still use solid fuel for cooking. In India, this amounts to some 700 million people.
World Health Organisation calls for raising tax on tobacco to check consumption
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for increasing tax on tobacco products to highlight health risks associated with its use.
World Health Organisation calls for greater investment to check malaria
Even though the number of confirmed malaria cases in the region decreased from 2.9 million in 2000 to 2 million in 2012, malaria remains a significant threat.
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