The recently released National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6 data for 2023-24 shows remarkable gains in child health, with reduced stunting and wasting, increased institutional deliveries, and higher full immunization coverage. India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has also stabilized at 2.0, below replacement level. However, the survey also exposes a 'dual public health burden': rising obesity among men and women, persistent malnutrition, and a decline in exclusive breastfeeding. The data underscores the need to address lifestyle diseases and metabolic disorders through comprehensive screening, behavior change communication, higher taxes on sugary foods, and bolstering health systems at all levels to prevent future health crises, especially as India undergoes a demographic transition.
- NFHS-6 (2023-24) shows significant improvements in child health indicators, including reduced stunting and wasting, and increased institutional deliveries and immunization.
- India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has stabilized at 2.0, falling below the replacement level of 2.1.
- The survey highlights a 'dual public health burden' characterized by rising obesity rates alongside persistent malnutrition and a decline in exclusive breastfeeding.
India faces a recurring public health crisis due to mass deaths from illicit liquor consumption across several states. Recent tragedies, like the Pune-Pimpri Chinchwad incident, reveal a sophisticated supply chain involving industrial-grade methanol. High state taxes on legal alcohol push low-income individuals towards cheaper illicit options, while adding methanol boosts profits for illegal vendors. Weak enforcement, regulatory loopholes in tracking methanol, and the marginalization of victims contribute to this 'perfect storm.' Public health experts note that higher prices for legal liquor and total bans (like in Bihar and Gujarat) often divert the market to criminal syndicates, exacerbating the problem.
- India experiences recurrent mass deaths due to the consumption of illicit liquor, often involving industrial-grade methanol.
- High taxes on legal alcohol and the profitability of illicit liquor drive low-income individuals towards dangerous alternatives.
- Weak enforcement, regulatory gaps in tracking methanol, and alleged complicity of local authorities sustain the illicit liquor trade.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) for 2023-24 indicates a significant increase in C-section deliveries, obesity, and diabetes across Maharashtra, with urban areas showing higher incidences. Institutional births reached 96.4%, but C-sections rose to 33.6% from 25.4% in 2019-21, with private hospitals reporting higher rates (48.5%). Obesity increased among women (23.5% to 31.1%) and men (24.7% to 32.8%). Diabetes also saw a jump, affecting 16% of women and 17.7% of men. Improvements were noted in children's health, with reduced stunting and wasting, and improved vaccination coverage.
- NFHS-6 data for 2023-24 shows an increase in C-section deliveries, obesity, and diabetes in Maharashtra.
- C-section deliveries rose to 33.6%, with private hospitals accounting for a higher share.
- Obesity rates increased significantly for both women (31.1%) and men (32.8%).
The NFHS-6 data reveals a concerning trend in child nutrition, with only 15.3% of children aged 6-23 months receiving an adequate diet, though this is an increase from 11% in NFHS-5. This indicates that many Indian toddlers lack diverse and frequent meals essential for healthy growth. The survey also shows a decline in exclusive breastfeeding among children under six months, from 63.7% in NFHS-5 to 55.8% in NFHS-6. However, there's an encouraging rise in the proportion of children aged 6-8 months receiving solid or semi-solid food alongside breast milk, from 45.9% to 59.5%. Experts emphasize the need for diverse and frequent meals to ensure proper growth and brain development in young children.
- NFHS-6 data highlights a significant challenge in child nutrition, with only a small percentage of toddlers receiving adequate diets.
- The proportion of children aged 6-23 months receiving an adequate diet increased from 11% in NFHS-5 to 15.3% in NFHS-6.
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates for children under six months declined from 63.7% in NFHS-5 to 55.8% in NFHS-6, raising concerns among health experts.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) reveals a significant increase in obesity among adults and C-section deliveries across India, particularly in southern states. Nationwide, 27.3% of men and 30.7% of women aged 15-49 are classified as overweight or obese. C-section deliveries account for 272% of deliveries nationwide, with specific high rates in Andhra Pradesh (62.2%) and Telangana (46.9%). This rise in obesity and C-section births poses increased risks for non-communicable diseases like Type 2 diabetes, highlighting growing public health concerns. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted the NFHS-6 survey in 2023-24.
- The NFHS-6 survey reveals a significant increase in obesity among adults and C-section deliveries across India, particularly in southern states.
- Nationwide, 27.3% of men and 30.7% of women aged 15-49 are classified as overweight or obese.
- C-section deliveries account for 272% of deliveries nationwide, with specific high rates in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) reveals significant progress in India's maternal and child health. Institutional deliveries rose to 90.6% (from 88.6% in NFHS-5), and 95.6% of infants under six months were breastfed. Child health indicators improved, with stunting declining to 29.3% and severe wasting to 5.2%. Antenatal care coverage increased, with 95.9% of pregnant women receiving care and 54.9% consuming iron-folic acid supplements for 100+ days. However, the survey flagged a sharp increase in caesarean section deliveries to 27.2% (40% in urban areas), exceeding WHO optimal thresholds, and noted persistent challenges from non-communicable diseases and rising obesity.
- The NFHS-6 shows that 90.6% of Indian babies are now born in hospitals, a rise from previous surveys.
- Significant improvements were recorded in child health, with a decline in stunting and severe wasting among children under five.
- Maternal health services saw increased coverage for antenatal care and iron-folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.
Eight lion cubs have died this week in Gujarat's Gir Somnath and Amreli districts due to suspected Babesia infection, a parasitic disease transmitted by ticks. Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia confirmed the deaths and stated that disease-control measures have been intensified around the Gir wildlife sanctuary. Large-scale tick-removal operations have been launched, and lions within a 10-km radius of affected areas are being isolated. Officials are treating the infection as a "potential threat" due to its rapid transmission possibility. Samples from the dead cubs have been sent for examination to confirm the cause of death.
- Eight lion cubs died in Gir Somnath and Amreli districts of Gujarat from suspected Babesia infection.
- Babesia is a parasitic disease transmitted through ticks, causing weakness, fever, coughing, and nasal discharge.
- The Forest Department has intensified disease-control measures, including large-scale tick-removal operations.
The National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates for India 2022-23 indicate that households still bear nearly half of the current health expenditure (OOPE), despite increased government and insurance spending. While the government claims a rise in its health expenditure as a percentage of GDP, experts like Abhay Shukla point out that public financing has dropped back to pre-COVID levels, with GHE as a share of CHE sharply declining. Private health insurance expenditures are three times higher than government-financed schemes, suggesting PMJAY and similar programs fail to provide substantial protection. The health system remains deeply privatized, leading to inequities and high costs, with a low focus on preventive care.
- Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) constitutes nearly half of India's current health expenditure, placing a significant burden on households.
- Despite government claims of increased public health spending, the share of Government Health Expenditure (GHE) in Current Health Expenditure (CHE) has declined sharply post-COVID.
- Private health insurance spending significantly outweighs government-financed schemes, indicating inadequate financial protection for citizens.
The Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak in Congo and Uganda has exposed a critical gap in international vaccine preparedness, as there is no licensed vaccine for this rare species. The article explains the complex and costly process of vaccine development, requiring BSL-4 facilities, primate trials, and substantial funding. It highlights that neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like Bundibugyo ebolavirus suffer from "neglect" due to small commercial markets, lack of financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies, and the diseases primarily affecting poor, rural, and politically marginalized populations. Despite international declarations and initiatives, R&D remains patchy, compounded by weak healthcare systems.
- The Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak reveals a lack of licensed vaccines for this specific species.
- Vaccine development for such rare and neglected diseases is hindered by high costs, limited commercial incentives, and weak R&D infrastructure.
- Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect poor and marginalized populations, leading to insufficient investment.
India's out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) as a share of total health expenditure has significantly declined to 43.4% in 2022-23, from 64.2% in 2013-14. This decline is attributed to increased government health expenditure, particularly through the operationalization of Ayushman Arogya Mandir wellness centres, which provide free preventive and curative services. The report, based on National Health Accounts (NHA) estimates, also indicates an increase in government health expenditure as a percentage of GDP (from 1.15% to 1.43%) and general government expenditure (from 3.78% to 4.89%). The share of private health insurance has also risen, indicating improved health-seeking behavior.
- Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on health in India has decreased significantly.
- This reduction is linked to increased government health spending and the expansion of Ayushman Arogya Mandir wellness centres.
- Government health expenditure as a percentage of GDP and general government expenditure has risen.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) were responsible for 60% of all deaths in India during 2022-2024, a significant increase from 52.8% in 2015-2017, according to the SRS Statistical Report 2024. NCDs are more prevalent in urban areas (64.8%) and among men (62.3%). Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause, accounting for 32.1% of all deaths and 37.3% in the 30-69 age group. India is undergoing an epidemiological transition, with chronic illnesses dominating mortality trends while infectious diseases remain a challenge. Suicide is the leading cause of death for the 15-29 age group (19%), indicating growing mental health pressures. Regional disparities show Empowered Action Group (EAG) states with lower NCD mortality (53.9%).
- NCDs are now the leading cause of death in India, accounting for 60% of all deaths in 2022-2024.
- Cardiovascular diseases are the primary NCD cause, significantly impacting the 30-69 age group.
- India is experiencing an epidemiological transition, with chronic diseases rising while infectious diseases persist.
India's Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda reviewed the country's preparedness and surveillance measures against the Ebola virus outbreak in Africa, expressing concern about its potential global spread. The Health Ministry confirmed that India has not reported any cases of Bundibugyo Ebola disease and is actively monitoring the situation, collaborating with the National Centre for Disease Control and other agencies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued directives for airlines, mandating passengers from affected regions to fill out health forms, and implementing segregated seating and personal protective equipment for suspected cases, alongside mask distribution for nearby passengers.
- India's Health Ministry is closely monitoring the Ebola virus situation in Africa and has strengthened national surveillance and preparedness.
- No cases of Bundibugyo Ebola disease have been reported in India to date.
- The DGCA has issued specific directives for airlines regarding passengers traveling from or transiting through Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
India is undergoing a significant demographic transition, moving from a 'population explosion' to an ageing population, as evidenced by the latest SRS bulletin (2024). The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, and the birth rate has fallen from 21 in 2014 to 18.3 in 2024. While India currently enjoys a demographic dividend with a median age of 29.2 years, this will eventually disappear. The article highlights the need for policy reassessment to address the needs of a greying nation, including better healthcare access, education, and addressing regional disparities in child survival and infant mortality rates.
- India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating a significant demographic shift.
- The country is transitioning from a young, expanding population to an ageing one, which will eventually lead to the disappearance of the demographic dividend.
- Factors like urbanisation, better education, and access to contraception contribute to the decline in fertility rates.
Ensitrelvir, an oral anti-COVID-19 drug, has been granted full authorization in Japan and shown to effectively prevent symptomatic COVID-19 infection post-exposure, reducing incidence by 67%. Developed by Shionogi, it targets the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) using computational chemistry, avoiding the issues of Pfizer's Nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid). This drug represents a significant milestone beyond COVID-19, as it targets a protein common to betacoronaviruses, a sub-family responsible for SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. Its success provides scientists with a valuable starting point for rapidly developing drugs against future viral outbreaks.
- Ensitrelvir, an oral anti-COVID-19 drug, has received full authorization in Japan.
- Clinical trials (SCORPIO-PEP) showed Ensitrelvir reduced symptomatic COVID-19 incidence by 67% post-exposure.
- The drug targets the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), a key enzyme for viral replication.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in 204 deaths from 867 suspected cases across three provinces, with one death also reported in Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international emergency. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned that ten other African countries are at risk, including Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia, highlighting the need for regional preparedness and response.
- The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has caused over 200 deaths.
- The World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international emergency.
- One death was also reported in Uganda, indicating cross-border spread.
Infertility affects 10-15% of adults in India, yet it remains a neglected public health issue with minimal government policies or services. The sector is heavily privatized, making advanced treatments like IVF prohibitively expensive for many, with costs ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per cycle, often requiring multiple cycles. Limited insurance coverage forces individuals to fund treatments out-of-pocket, leading to significant financial and emotional strain. Experts argue that reproductive autonomy, enshrined under Article 21, should encompass infertility care, not just contraception and abortion, highlighting a critical disconnect between constitutional promises and healthcare realities.
- Infertility impacts 10-15% of Indian adults but is largely ignored as a public health issue.
- The fertility treatment sector is dominated by private players, with high costs and negligible public health services.
- IVF treatments are expensive, ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per cycle, often requiring multiple attempts.
Following the WHO's declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Indian Centre has instructed all States and Union Territories to strengthen surveillance, hospital preparedness, and rapid response systems. Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the need for adequate preparedness due to growing international trade and travel, despite the low current risk to India. States are asked to intensify surveillance under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), identify isolation facilities, ensure trained personnel and PPE, and reinforce infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings.
- The Centre has directed all States and UTs to strengthen Ebola surveillance and preparedness.
- This directive follows the WHO's declaration of an Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- States are advised to intensify surveillance under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) for individuals with recent travel history to affected regions.
India has postponed the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), originally scheduled from May 28 to 31 in New Delhi, due to the evolving Ebola public health emergency in Africa. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the African Union (AU) jointly announced the decision, emphasizing consultations regarding the health situation. This is not the first time; the third IAFS in 2014 was also postponed due to an Ebola outbreak. India has expressed solidarity and pledged support to African governments, adopting an "Africa-led" approach. The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit, planned concurrently, has also been deferred. India has issued a health advisory for travelers from high-risk Ebola-affected countries.
- India postponed the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit and the International Big Cat Alliance Summit due to the Ebola crisis in Africa.
- The decision was made after consultations between the MEA and the African Union, citing the evolving health situation.
- India has pledged support to African nations in dealing with the crisis, adopting an 'Africa-led' approach.
The Supreme Court sought a response from the Centre and States on a plea highlighting the lack of uniform excise laws across States, leading to deceptive packaging and promotion of cheap alcohol. The Chief Justice emphasized the need for a clear, uniform, and harmonious definition of terms like "bottle" and "juice" in excise laws. The petition argued that liquor packaged as "juice" poses health risks, increases ease of smuggling, and contributes to public consumption, especially among juveniles. The court noted that such packaging makes it difficult to distinguish liquor from actual juice, leading to public health concerns and inflation worries.
- The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the lack of uniform excise laws across Indian States.
- The court called for a clear and consistent definition of terms like "liquor" and "bottle" in excise laws.
- Deceptive packaging of cheap alcohol as "juice" poses significant public health risks, especially for juveniles.
A 73-year-old woman in Kerala died from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but lethal central nervous system infection. The infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba found in freshwater, lakes, rivers, and poorly maintained swimming pools. The woman developed symptoms like fever and headache on May 6 and is suspected to have contracted the infection by washing her face with water from a canal. Following her death, local health authorities initiated superchlorination of water sources, including wells, to prevent further spread.
- A woman in Kerala died from Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- PAM is a rare and lethal central nervous system infection.
- It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba found in freshwater bodies and poorly maintained pools.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, specifically involving the uncommon Bundibugyo strain. This strain's efficacy against standard countermeasures like vaccines is currently untested. The outbreak, notified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, is concerning due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and potential for undetected spread. WHO's early alert aims to solicit global cooperation for effective patient and contact tracing, intensive support, safe burials, vaccinations (if effective), and social mobilization to control the disease, which has a 25-50% fatality rate.
- WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, involving the uncommon Bundibugyo strain.
- The efficacy of existing vaccines and therapies against the Bundibugyo strain is currently unknown, raising concerns.
- The outbreak is concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, with risks of wider spread due to regional conflict and displacement.
The Supreme Court refused to modify its 2025 order directing states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from high-footfall public institutions. It clarified that such dogs cannot be "re-released" even after vaccination and sterilization. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria also permitted legally permissible measures, including euthanasia, for "rabid, incurably ill or demonstrably dangerous or aggressive dogs." The court emphasized the need for a balance between human safety and animal welfare, directing states to establish at least one Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre in every district and ensure proper infrastructure and trained personnel.
- The Supreme Court upheld its 2025 order for the removal of stray dogs from public institutions, clarifying they cannot be re-released post-vaccination/sterilization.
- Euthanasia is now permitted for stray dogs that are rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous/aggressive.
- The court stressed the importance of balancing the right to live with dignity for humans and the welfare of animals.
The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, driven by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain. This highest global health alert signifies a serious, sudden, unexpected, or unusual event posing an international risk. The outbreak has caused confirmed and suspected cases and deaths, with cases reported in Ituri Province (DRC) and Kampala (Uganda). Ebola, a zoonotic disease, spreads through bodily fluids. The response focuses on rapid isolation, intensive supportive care, case/contact tracing, safe burials, infection control, and deploying approved vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, alongside social mobilization campaigns to build trust.
- The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda.
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain, a severe and often fatal zoonotic disease.
- PHEIC signifies a serious health event with international spread potential, requiring a coordinated global response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and neighboring Uganda, caused by a rare Bundibugyo virus, a public health emergency of international concern. With over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths, and a confirmed case in Congo's capital Kinshasa, the outbreak poses a risk of international spread. Ebola is highly contagious, transmitted via bodily fluids, and often fatal. The WHO emphasized the seriousness and need for a coordinated international response, though it advised against closing international borders. There are currently no approved therapeutics or vaccines for the Bundibugyo variant.
- The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
- The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, a variant of Ebola for which no approved treatments or vaccines exist.
- Ebola is highly contagious and transmitted through bodily fluids, with over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths reported.