The World Health Organization (who)

Meanwhile, the central government has issued a directive for heightened vigilance at airports, ports, and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Mpox outbreak demands urgent global action; AI surveillance may be crucial

"Ultimately, a serious epidemic anywhere in the world is a concern for all of us, as it can spread globally through travel, as we saw with the COVID pandemic," the report noted.

Mpox outbreak hits crisis point: WHO declares global emergency as new strain spreads

So far this year, Africa has reported over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths from pox, surpassing last year’s numbers. A staggering 96% of these cases and fatalities are concentrated in Congo, where a new, potentially more deadly version of the virus has emerged.

China hospitals overwhelmed with 'mysterious pneumonia' in children, WHO seeks report

The WHO has expressed uncertainty about the potential connection between the outbreak in northern China and the widespread rise in respiratory infections previously acknowledged by Chinese authorities. It has requested additional comprehensive information from Beijing regarding the current situation.

CCHF: All about the deadly virus that’s sweeping across Europe, Africa and Middle East

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: Here is what we know so far about the deadly virus.

All about aspartame, the artificial sweetener in Coca-Cola under scrutiny over cancer concerns

The IARC along with the Joint Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JEFCA) are currently reviewing the effects and safety of aspartame.

Fresh trouble for tainted pharma firm linked with Gambia deaths in decade-old case

In September last year, three cough syrups supplied by Maiden Pharmaceuticals were linked to the deaths of nearly 80 children in Gambia, but later the Indian government said that in-country examination had found no contamination in the drugs supplied to the African nation.

MC Explains: What is Marburg virus and does India need to be on alert?

There are concerns that Marburg virus disease, an Ebola-like highly fatal disease, can spread globally and turn into a pandemic

Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea: 9 things to know

The World Health Organization says that Equatorial Guinea has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease. Here's what we know so far.

Flu, pneumonia shots see surge in uptake after COVID-19 pandemic

Low awareness and high costs meant that the uptake of these two vaccines was always low, but the trend has been positive since the onset of the pandemic, say specialists.

Drug standard watchdog inspects ‘suspicious’ manufacturing units across India

The move comes nearly a month after a detailed inspection at the drug manufacturing unit of Maiden Pharmaceuticals in Haryana found several Good Manufacturing Practices violations

China wants Covid patients to go to work even as hospitals fill up

China is experiencing a fresh Covid-19 outbreak that has left hospitals overwhelmed, but millions are being told to work even if infected.

India moves to develop its own growth standards for kids

The development comes amid growing evidence that Indian kids, even those from affluent backgrounds, have much lower values for height and weight against WHO standards. One expert warned that nearly 30% of Indian children under 5 are malnourished and by using the new standards, the government may show that to be just 15-20%

Cough syrups that killed Gambian kids not sold in India but spark questions on quality check

Officials at India’s drug regulator say that the licence to manufacture drugs was granted by the state drug administrator and as of now it was only being exported to Gambia

India looks to update monkeypox guidelines but risk factors for complications, death yet to be defined

In the present global outbreak, 25,000 cases of the disease have been reported from 78 countries and the highest number of cases has been confirmed in the US, Spain and the UK 

MC Exclusive | NMC seeks accreditation for global recognition of India’s medical colleges

The World Health Organisation and World Medical Education Federation guidelines for accreditation of basic medical education recommend that national standards be set at an acceptable international level.

India has more doctors than WHO standards, says Centre. Is that a valid claim?

The number of MBBS seats went up 79 percent since 2014 while PG seats in medicine rose 91 percent in this period, as per government data

MC Explains I Tecovirimat, a promising drug for monkeypox; will India need it? 

More than 17,000 monkeypox cases have been confirmed in over 70 countries. India has, so far, reported four cases

Government rushes to raise lab capacity as first case of monkeypox without international travel history is reported in India

Rapid expansion of lab capacity, rigorous contact tracing and isolation may be urgently required to stop extensive transmission of the viral disease in the country, say experts

WHO again considers declaring monkeypox a global emergency

Some experts worry these and other differences could possibly deepen existing medical inequities between poor and wealthy nations.

Kerala issues SOP for treatment, isolation of monkeypox cases

Kerala Health Minister Veena George, in a release, gave details of the SOP which are to be followed by all private and government hospitals

Explained | Poliovirus detected in sewage water in Kolkata: how worried should we be?

Experts say that as the live polio virus is administered through oral polio vaccine among kids under 5 years of age in India, it is not uncommon to sometimes find the pathogen in sewage as it is shed in stools. But it is important to track the type of virus that is leaking in the environment.

Omicron’s BA.2 lineage found in 82% COVID-19 samples in India

The BA.2 lineage differs from BA.1 in its genetic sequence, including some amino acid differences in the spike protein and other proteins. Studies so far have shown that BA.2 has a growth advantage over BA.1 but whether it is capable of causing more severe disease is yet to be conclusively established

NeoCov virus found in bats: Are humans at risk? WHO responds

Chinese researchers, in a study that is yet to be peer-reviewed, have said that NeoCov could pose a danger to humans if it mutates further.

COVID-19 pandemic was avoidable had leaders acted promptly: WHO Commissioned Report

The report reprimands global leaders and calls for major policy changes to bring the pandemic to an end and ensure it cannot happen again.