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WHO updates recommendations on use of antibiotics for Covid-19 patients

The WHO has recommended against the use of antibiotics even in patients with severe Covid when a concurrent bacterial infection is not suspected. The global health body has released updated recommendations for the clinical management of people with Covid which, it said, are based on evidence generated from recent meta-analysis of outcomes of patients treated with antibiotics for Covid. "For patients with non-severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, we recommend no empirical antibiotics. For patients with severe COVID-19 and a low clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection, we suggest no empirical antibiotics," the WHO said. The WHO said that as COVID-19 epidemiology and severity have changed, and as emergency measures have subsided, the evidence behind a number of recommendations has changed. In parallel, evolution of health systems and the global environment have meant that the recommendations are implemented in a very different

World breastfeeding week 2025 calls for better support for new mothers

Global campaign highlights the need for shared responsibility across workplaces, families, and health systems, while emphasising early breastfeeding support as critical to infant survival

World Hepatitis Day 2025: What it is, why it matters, what you can do

From silent infections to deadly outcomes, World Hepatitis Day urges testing, vaccination and awareness

Chikungunya on the rise: WHO flags growing risk of global epidemic spread

Rising infections and expanding mosquito habitats signal potential global health threat with over 5.6 billion people living in areas at risk

US to leave UN's cultural body UNESCO again, citing bias against Israel

The US will leave UNESCO again by end-2026, citing "anti-Israel bias," just two years after rejoining under Biden, marking its third exit and second under a Trump administration

Israeli tanks enter Gaza's Deir al-Balah, raising alarm over hostages

Israel's push into Deir al-Balah prompts concern from hostage families and UN agencies, as WHO confirms staff detentions and Gaza warns of starvation deaths

World Brain Day 2025: Brain health for all ages, push for global equity

From early childhood to old age, this year's campaign pushes brain health as a human right and seeks equitable access to care, awareness, and early intervention worldwide

South Asia achieves record immunisation coverage: WHO, Unicef data

South Asia has achieved its highest-ever immunization coverage for children, with notable progress in India and Nepal, according to new data released on Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF for 2024. India reduced its number of zero-dose children those who have not received a single vaccine by 43 per cent, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. Nepal achieved a 52 per cent reduction, from 23,000 to 11,000, a WHO statement said. Pakistan also recorded its highest-ever DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) coverage at 87 per cent. However, Afghanistan continued to struggle, with the lowest coverage in the region and a one percentage point decline since last year, it added. The progress marks a milestone in the region's efforts to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases. "This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, ...

Over 14 million infants missed all vaccines in 2024, warn WHO and UNICEF

Despite stable global coverage, over 14 million infants received no vaccines in 2024, a worrying gap as efforts to meet Immunization Agenda 2030 targets remain off-track

70% vaccines sourced by WHO are from India; US imports 14% generics

Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said on Monday 70 per cent of total vaccines sourced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and 14 per cent of generics imported by the US are from India. She delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session of the Second Policymakers' Forum organised by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) here. An international delegation of policymakers and drug regulators from 24 countries is participating in the forum. Aimed at promoting the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and collaboration in India's initiative for flagship affordable medicines -- the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) -- the Forum is being organised by the IPC under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in association with the Ministry of External Affairs. In her keynote address, Patel emphasised India's commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality-assured medicines and stressed the importance of regulatory ...

India recorded 8.6 mn deaths in 2022, down 15% from Covid peak: CRS data

India registered 8.6 million deaths in 2022, a 15% drop from 2021's Covid peak, while births rose by 5% to 25.4 million, according to Civil Registration System data released by the Registrar General

Covid-19 cases rise in India: WHO releases new global action roadmap

As Covid cases slowly rise again in India, the WHO's latest 2025-2030 roadmap and standing recommendations outline how countries should manage ongoing coronavirus risks without repeating past mistakes

India partners with WHO to mainstream Ayush globally through an agreement

In a landmark development poised to transform the global standing of traditional medicine systems, an agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO). The agreement inked on Saturday marks the beginning of work on a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), the Ayush Ministry said in a statement. Highlighting the significance of this achievement during the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said,*Friends, something has happened in the field of Ayurveda... Just yesterday, i.e. on 24th May, an MoU was signed in the presence of WHO Director General and my friend Tulsi Bhai." "Along with this agreement, work has started on a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions. This initiative will help in making Ayush reach maximum number of people across the world in a scientific manner," h

New WHO agreement on pandemic response: What's it is and what it will do

With lessons from Covid-19, WHO members back treaty to improve equity, vaccine access, and emergency coordination during future outbreaks

WHO to back use of weight-loss drugs for adults globally, raises cost issue

More than a billion people now have obesity worldwide, according to the WHO, and around 70% of them live in low and middle-income countries, the World Bank estimates

Air pollution levels across India well above global standards: WHO official

Strategies like LPG subsidies and a switch to cleaner cooking fuels could help India become a leader in meeting this challenge, says Dr Maria Neira, director of environment and health at WHO

Anti-ageing millionaire Bryan Johnson raises alarm over India's pollution

Tech entrepreneur says breathing in India equates to smoking multiple cigarettes daily

WHO sends 3 tonnes of medical supplies to hospitals in quake-hit Myanmar

Responding to the immediate health needs of the thousands of people injured in the earthquakes that rocked Myanmar, WHO has provided nearly three tons of medical supplies to hospitals in Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay -- the two cities hit the worst by the tremors. In a statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the supplies, including trauma kits and multipurpose tents, had already reached a 1,000-bed hospital in Nay Pyi Taw and would soon reach the Mandalay General Hospital -- the two main facilities treating the injured in these areas. These supplies were rushed from the emergency WHO stockpile in Yangon within 24 hours of two strong earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 6.4 hitting central Myanmar on Friday, it added. Rescue operations are underway. Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Shan South and East and Sagaing were among the towns and cities to bear the maximum brunt of the quakes. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with thousands of injured in need of medical care. There is huge

Delhi's 'satisfactory' air was temporary, pollution crisis continues

Year after year, India cities are failing to breathe easily due to hazardous levels of pollutants

Trump's 'America First' era: Are global institutions losing relevance?

World leaders are increasingly questioning the relevance of major global institutions, including the UN, WHO, WTO, and climate summits such as the Paris Agreement, in a multipolar world