Public Health News Snippets 13-19th August, 2023
Measures implemented by the Centre to alleviate health hazards linked to climate change
Climate change is projected to negatively impact human health, primarily through increased occurrences of extreme weather events like heat waves, cyclones, floods, and droughts.
The National Disaster Management Authority's 2019 plan has assigned various government departments the responsibility of addressing health risks associated with such hazards.
The Union Health Ministry, acknowledging its role, has launched the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH).
This initiative aims to
Increase awareness,
Build capacity,
Enhance health sector readiness
Form partnerships.
Key efforts include
Crafting a National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health,
Issuing alerts for environmental concerns,
Disseminating seasonal health advisories, and
Conducting nationwide awareness campaigns and workshops.
Environmental health surveillance is conducted at various levels, and guidelines for flood-related public health issues have been issued.
Additionally, many states have developed their own action plans to address the specific challenges posed by climate change to human health.
Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Climate Change, Environmental Health
ICMR’s take on non - sugar sweeteners
The non-sugar sweetener aspartame has been linked to adverse health outcomes, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
IARC and the WHO-FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) jointly evaluated it.
According to the report, there is "limited evidence" of possible human carcinogenicity.
Aspartame is classified by the IARC as "potentially carcinogenic" to humans (IARC Group 2B), and the JECFA has reiterated that 40 mg/kg of body weight is the safe daily intake.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set guidelines for artificial sweeteners in line with risk assessments and ADI established by JECFA, aligned with Codex Alimentarius Commission standards.
Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
Thursday, August 17, 2023
ICMR, FSSAI, Artificial Sweeteners
Dengue outbreak in Bangladesh
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh, has reported 69,493 confirmed Dengue cases from July 1 to August 7.
The disease mortality was 327, and the case fatality rate was 0.47%. (DENV 2>DENV3).
Six hospitals have been put in force to strengthen case management.
The core areas enforced to enhance the management are
Improvised Laboratory Facilities.
Vector Control Activities.
WHO has categorized Bangladesh as a ‘high’ risk area for Dengue.
WHO has also emphasized strict vector control measures, especially in high-risk places (schools, workplaces, and residences) via Integrated Vector Management which aims at eliminating the adult and larval stages of Aedes mosquitoes.
IVM includes the use of larvicides, including fogging and Personal protective measures.
Content Editor: Akhila Nandan
WHO news section
Source :
Published on :
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Global Health, Dengue, Integrated Vector Management
Inauguration of the Phase 2 of the Mass Drug Administration for Filariasis
The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare pledged to eliminate filariasis by 2027 during the inauguration of the 2nd phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration.
The 2nd phase shall cover nine endemic states (Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh).
The minister has also emphasized the importance of a holistic approach toward achieving this goal.
He also cited that both treatments, as well as prevention by vector control measures, should be the focus of action, which could be achieved by:
The synergy between the state and central governments.
Mass campaigns.
Community engagement.
Content Editor: Akhila Nandan
Press Information Bureau
Source :
Published on :
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Public Health Laws and Regulations, Filariasis Elimination, Mass Drug Administration, NVBDCP
Railway Board emphasizes on Mental Health of RPF personnel
The Railway Board has taken prompt measures to rectify a tragic event in which a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable killed four persons on a moving train.
To avoid such incidents in the future, a six-member high-level group was formed with a critical mandate: to recommend comprehensive mechanisms for examining the mental health of RPF personnel before they are entrusted with weapons.
Their primary focus will be on the precaution that must be taken before issuing guns to RPF.
The Railway Board has requested that the committee conduct a thorough evaluation of existing rules for both physical and mental health exams and submit a detailed report.
The presumed psychotic diagnosis of the accused constable, Chetan Singh, was withheld from RPF authority, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
By implementing the recommendations, the Board aims to strengthen the mental health evaluation process for RPF personnel, ensuring a safer and more secure environment.
Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay
The Hindu
Source :
Published on :
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Mental health , Health evaluation, Pre-placement Examination