Ayurvedamagazine

Tag: Public health

  • Is Sugar Needed in Anganwadi Nutrition Mix, asks Keralam Child Rights Panel

    A seemingly routine ingredient in a staple meant to nourish Kerala’s youngest children has come under scrutiny, with the state’s child rights watchdog questioning whether sugar belongs in the nutritional mix served through anganwadis, in Thiruvananthapuram.

    The Keralam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has asked the Women and Child Development Department to consider removing sugar altogether from Amrutham Nutri Mix, distributed to children under the Integrated Child Development Services programme. The commission has suggested that, if a sweetener is considered necessary, a small quantity of jaggery could be explored instead. 

    The intervention follows a petition filed by K Sahla of Pattithara in Palakkad, who alleged that the Amrutham powder contained around 20 per cent sugar. The petitioner argued that regular consumption by children between six months and three years could potentially expose them to lifestyle-related health risks at an early age. 

    For the commission, the issue is larger than the presence of one ingredient. It has called for the nutritional composition of products supplied to children to be examined scientifically, directing the WCD Director to constitute a high-level committee for the purpose.

    The commission has also sought clearer rules on how much Nutri Mix a child should receive under the Take Home Ration scheme, with quantities determined according to age and aligned with central government guidelines. It wants nutritional information and recommended serving quantities printed on the packets. 

    The emphasis on labelling and portion size points to another concern: nutrition programmes for young children cannot be judged merely by what goes into a food product, but also by how much is consumed and how it is prepared.

    The commission has therefore asked the department to step up awareness among anganwadi workers and beneficiaries about the preparation and use of Amrutham Nutri Mix and other nutritional supplements. It has suggested using both direct programmes and digital platforms such as Poshan Tracker and WhatsApp groups to spread the information. 

    At the heart of the commission’s observation is a simple but significant question: should a food designed as a public nutrition intervention for infants and toddlers contain added sugar at all?

    The commission has taken the view that excessive sugar intake could have long-term health consequences and would run counter to the best interests of children and their right to nutrition. 

    The next step now rests with the WCD Department. Rather than an immediate ban, the commission’s order sets in motion a broader examination of the formulation, quantity and communication surrounding Amrutham Nutri Mix.

    In effect, Keralam’s child rights watchdog has turned the spotlight from merely feeding children to a more demanding question — what exactly are we feeding them, in what quantity, and with what nutritional justification?

    References: PTI; ET Health; The Print

  • AIIA Launches ‘AyurVarta’ Digital Series Ahead of Ayurveda Day

    The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has launched a new digital dialogue series, ‘AyurVarta’, to promote wider public engagement with Ayurveda through discussions on its traditional knowledge, scientific foundations and contemporary relevance.

    The initiative, launched in New Delhi on September 1, ahead of Ayurveda Day on September 23, will feature conversations with Ayurveda experts, physicians, academicians, scientists, researchers and policy specialists from India and abroad. The series will cover topics ranging from research and education to public health, innovation, and Ayurveda’s expanding role in global healthcare.

    The inaugural episode brought together Professor (Vaidya) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, and Professor (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas, Dean, Ph.D., AIIA, for a discussion on the theme, “Why is Ayurveda Day celebrated on 23 September?”

    A key focus of the discussion was the decision to move the annual observance of Ayurveda Day from Dhanvantari Jayanti, traditionally associated with Dhanteras, to a fixed date of September 23.

    According to the AIIA, a fixed date is expected to provide greater consistency to the annual observance and strengthen Ayurveda Day’s national and international identity. Prof. Prajapati said the move was part of broader efforts to strengthen Ayurveda as a healthcare and knowledge system with growing relevance globally.

    Prof. Vyas highlighted another dimension of the date, noting that September 23 falls around the Autumnal Equinox, when day and night are approximately equal in duration. He linked this natural equilibrium with Ayurveda’s emphasis on balance, harmony and equilibrium as important principles of health and well-being.

    AIIA said ‘AyurVarta’ will continue as an ongoing digital platform for informed conversations on Ayurveda. Upcoming episodes are expected to examine its scientific foundations, contemporary research, education, public health, technology and innovation, medicinal plants, preventive healthcare and integration with modern medical sciences.

    The series will also explore evidence generation, international opportunities and Ayurveda’s potential contribution to global health.

    Episodes will be distributed through AIIA’s official digital and social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, X and Instagram, making the discussions accessible to students, healthcare professionals, researchers, academicians and the general public.

  • Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Intensifies; WHO Warns of Escalating Health Crisis

    The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is intensifying rapidly, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that the virus continues to spread across multiple provinces amid conflict, displacement, and strained healthcare services. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has become one of the most challenging public health emergencies in the region. 

    Health officials say the disease has expanded beyond its initial epicentre, fuelled by population movement, insecurity, and delayed detection of new infections. The absence of an approved vaccine or targeted treatment for the Bundibugyo strain has further complicated containment efforts, forcing health workers to rely on surveillance, isolation, supportive care, and community engagement. 

    WHO has urged an urgent scale-up of international support, warning that overwhelmed treatment centres, shortages of protective equipment, and logistical challenges threaten to outpace the response. Humanitarian agencies also caution that the outbreak is deepening food insecurity and disrupting livelihoods in eastern Congo, where conflict has already displaced millions. 

    Despite the worsening situation in the DRC, WHO maintains that the risk of wider international transmission remains low, although neighbouring countries continue heightened surveillance and border screening. Health authorities stress that early detection, rapid isolation of cases, and sustained global funding will be critical to preventing the outbreak from escalating further.

  • Uganda Declares End to Latest Ebola Outbreak

    Uganda has officially declared an end to its latest Ebola outbreak after completing the required surveillance period without any new confirmed cases. The announcement marks a significant public health achievement and highlights the effectiveness of the country’s rapid response measures.

    Health authorities confirmed that the outbreak was successfully contained through early detection, swift isolation of infected individuals, extensive contact tracing, and strong community awareness campaigns. Medical teams, supported by international health organizations, worked closely with local communities to prevent further transmission of the deadly virus.

    The outbreak had raised concerns owing to Ebola’s high fatality rate and its potential to spread quickly through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. However, coordinated efforts by healthcare workers, government agencies, and global partners helped limit its impact and prevent a wider public health crisis.

    Uganda’s Ministry of Health expressed appreciation to frontline healthcare workers, volunteers, and citizens for their cooperation during the emergency. Officials also emphasised that although the outbreak has officially ended, surveillance and preparedness efforts will continue to ensure any future cases are detected and managed promptly.

    Public health experts praised Uganda’s response, noting that investments in disease surveillance and emergency preparedness have strengthened the country to tackle infectious disease outbreaks. The experience gained from previous Ebola epidemics also played a crucial role in improving response strategies.

    The World Health Organization welcomed the declaration, recognising Uganda’s commitment to controlling the outbreak and protecting public health. Health officials have encouraged neighboring countries to remain vigilant, as Ebola remains a recurring threat in parts of Central and East Africa.

    While the end of the outbreak is a major milestone, authorities continue to urge the public to practice good hygiene, report suspected illnesses promptly, and support ongoing disease monitoring efforts. Uganda’s successful containment serves as an example of how rapid action, public cooperation, and international collaboration can effectively combat infectious disease outbreaks.

  • Over One-Fifth of Indian Teenagers Face Moderate to High Risk of Substance Use: Study

    A new study has raised concerns over the growing vulnerability of adolescents in India to substance use, revealing that more than one in five teenagers may be at moderate to high risk of developing substance-related problems. The findings underscore the need for early intervention, stronger awareness programmes, and improved mental health support for young people across the country.

    Over 6000 teenagers from 108 government and private schools across India were part of the study.  Researchers found that approximately 22 percent of participants exhibited behavioural patterns associated with moderate or high risk of substance use. The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia, assessed the use of tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, and other psychoactive substances through standardised screening methods.

    Researchers noted that peer influence, academic stress, family conflicts, and easy access to addictive substances were among the major factors contributing to the increased risk. They also observed that substance use often coexisted with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, making early detection crucial.

    Health experts involved in the study stressed that adolescence is a critical period for physical, emotional, and psychological development. They warned that substance use during these formative years could have lasting effects on brain development, academic performance, and overall well-being.

    The study recommends integrating routine substance-use screening into school health programmes and strengthening counselling services in educational institutions. Researchers also called for greater parental awareness and community-based initiatives to help identify at-risk adolescents before substance use becomes a serious dependency.

    Public health specialists believe that preventive education, life-skills training, and accessible mental health services can significantly reduce the likelihood of substance misuse among teenagers. They emphasized that collaborative efforts involving schools, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers are essential to address the issue effectively.

    The findings add to growing evidence that substance use among adolescents is emerging as an important public health challenge in India, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies aimed at safeguarding the country’s youth.

  • Andhra Reports 10 New Covid Cases; State Count 49

    Andhra Pradesh has recorded 10 fresh Covid-19 cases, taking the total number of active infections in the state to 49, according to the latest health department data.

    While the numbers remain relatively low compared to previous waves, the fresh uptick has prompted health authorities to intensify surveillance and urge people not to let their guard down. Officials said all identified patients are under medical observation, with most experiencing mild symptoms and recovering under home isolation.

    Health experts maintain that there is no immediate cause for alarm, but caution that sporadic infections continue to surface due to the circulation of Covid-19 variants. They have advised senior citizens, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those with weakened immunity to take appropriate precautions, particularly in crowded public spaces.

    The state health department has reiterated the importance of maintaining basic preventive measures, including hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, besides seeking medical attention in case of persistent flu-like symptoms. Hospitals and district health authorities too have been asked to remain vigilant and ensure preparedness to handle any rise in infections.

    Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and have appealed to the public to rely on verified information rather than rumours. They stressed that vaccination and timely medical consultation remain the most effective safeguards against severe illness.

    With the state’s Covid-19 tally now standing at 49 active cases, health authorities are keeping a close watch on the evolving situation while emphasising that there is no indication of a widespread outbreak at present.

  • Poor Muscle Health Could Raise Tendency to Develop Diabetes: Study

    A new study has highlighted the important role that muscle health plays in preventing type 2 diabetes, suggesting that people with poor muscle quality may face a significantly higher risk of developing the disease. The findings add to growing evidence that healthy muscles are essential not only for strength and mobility but also for maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

    Researchers found that individuals with lower muscle mass, reduced muscle strength, or poor muscle quality were more likely to develop diabetes over time. Since skeletal muscles are responsible for absorbing a large portion of the glucose from the bloodstream after meals, weakened or unhealthy muscles can reduce the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar effectively. This may contribute to insulin resistance, one of the key factors behind the development of type 2 diabetes.

    Health experts explain that muscle tissue acts as a major site for glucose storage and utilisation. When muscle mass declines owing to aging, inactivity, or poor nutrition, the body becomes less efficient at processing glucose. As a result, blood sugar levels may remain elevated, increasing the likelihood of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

    The findings underscore the importance of maintaining muscle health through regular physical activity, particularly strength-training exercises. Resistance training, combined with aerobic exercise, has been shown to improve muscle function and enhance insulin sensitivity. Researchers also emphasized the role of a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals in preserving muscle mass and supporting overall metabolic health.

    The findings are especially relevant as diabetes continues to pose a major public health challenge worldwide. According to global health estimates, the number of people living with diabetes has increased steadily over the past few decades, driven by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and rising obesity rates. Identifying additional risk factors, such as declining muscle health, could help improve prevention strategies and encourage earlier interventions.

    Medical professionals caution that poor muscle health should not be viewed as the sole cause of diabetes. Factors including genetics, obesity, age, diet, and physical inactivity also play significant roles in determining an individual’s risk. However, improving muscle health may offer an effective and accessible way to reduce that risk while providing additional benefits such as better mobility, stronger bones, and improved overall well-being.

    Researchers hope the findings will encourage healthcare providers to consider muscle health as part of routine assessments for diabetes prevention. They also call for further studies to better understand the relationship between muscle quality and metabolic diseases and to identify the most effective interventions for different age groups.

    The study reinforces a simple but important message: maintaining strong and healthy muscles is not only beneficial for physical fitness but may also be a key factor in protecting against type 2 diabetes. As research continues to explore the connection between muscle health and chronic diseases, experts recommend regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and an active lifestyle as essential steps toward long-term health.

  • CCRAS Unveils Three Major Initiatives to Boost Ayurveda Research and Digital Governance

    CCRAS Unveils Three Major Initiatives to Boost Ayurveda Research and
    Digital Governance

     

    In a bid to strengthen India’s
    evidence-based research ecosystem, education and digital governance, The
    Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the apex research
    body under the Ministry of Ayush, launched three initiatives at the fifth
    executive committee (EC) meeting. The meet was convened under the chairmanship
    of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush on July 3. The
    initiatives aim to promote research, education, scientific writing and digital
    transformation.

    The initiatives include a new textbook on
    research methodology, the launch of the Expression of Interest for the CCRAS
    PRAYATNA 2026–27 programme, and the introduction of the CCRAS Digital Ecosystem
    Dashboard. The meeting  highlighted the
    Council’s recent achievements in accreditation, digital innovation and
    international research collaboration too.

    Addressing the Executive Committee, Vaidya
    Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, commended CCRAS for its
    contribution to advancing evidence-based Ayurveda research, education and
    public health. He praised the Council’s role in strengthening the national
    research ecosystem and encouraged it to continue focusing on innovation and
    scientific excellence.

    Kotecha also acknowledged several
    milestones achieved by the Council, including securing 21 NABH and NABL
    accreditations across its institutes, establishing the Ayush Diksha platform,
    undertaking international collaborative research projects, and conducting a
    large-scale study on anaemia among adolescent girls.

    Welcoming the members of the newly
    reconstituted Executive Committee, CCRAS Director General and Member Secretary
    Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya outlined the agenda and reviewed the
    Council’s key accomplishments.

    “CCRAS remains committed to building a
    globally respected, evidence-based Ayurveda research ecosystem. Our progress in
    scientific research, institutional excellence, digital transformation,
    international collaborations and capacity building reflects our commitment to
    advancing Ayurveda through innovation, quality and scientific validation,”
    Prof. Acharya said.

    A key highlight of the meeting was the
    release of a textbook on Research Methodology under the Ayurved Prabodhini
    Granthamala     series. Written by 50 research scientists and faculty members,
    the publication has been developed in line with the Outcome-Based Dynamic
    Curriculum prescribed by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine
    (NCISM) for postgraduate and doctoral Ayush programmes. The textbook aims to
    strengthen research skills and promote evidence-based scientific practices
    among MD, MS and Ph.D. scholars.

    The Council also launched the Expression of
    Interest (EoI) for CCRAS PRAYATNA 2026–27, its flagship programme designed to
    promote scientific writing among postgraduate and doctoral Ayurveda students.
    Alongside the announcement, the official poster for the initiative was
    unveiled. Through structured workshops at academic institutions, the programme
    seeks to improve scientific writing and publication skills while fostering a
    stronger research culture among young scholars.

    Another significant development was the
    launch of the CCRAS Digital Ecosystem Dashboard, an integrated online platform
    that brings together the Council’s digital resources and web-based services.
    The dashboard is intended to improve public access, enhance transparency and
    facilitate wider dissemination of research outputs and institutional resources.

    The meeting was attended by senior
    officials from the Ministry of Ayush and CCRAS, including Hoveyda Abbas,
    Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser; Satyajit Paul, Senior Statistical
    Adviser; Dr. A. Raghu, Adviser (Ayurveda); Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, former
    Chairman of NCISM; Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Sharma, Vice Chancellor of the National
    Institute of Ayurveda; Dr. N. Srikanth, Deputy Director General, CCRAS; and
    Deepak Kochhar, Deputy Director (Administration), among other Executive
    Committee members.

    The meeting ended with a renewed commitment
    from CCRAS to advance evidence-based Ayurveda research by strengthening
    scientific excellence, academic capacity building and digital innovation to
    support public health and the wider healthcare ecosystem.

  • ICMR Team Reaches Kozhikode as Kerala Intensifies Nipah Containment Measures

    An expert team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) arrived in Kozhikode on Saturday following the confirmation of a Nipah virus infection in the district, as health authorities stepped up surveillance and containment efforts to prevent any further spread of the disease.

    Officials said the ICMR delegation met Kerala Revenue Minister AP Anil Kumar, who is overseeing the district’s response to the outbreak, and reviewed the situation with local health authorities. The team also held discussions with doctors, epidemiologists, and district administration officials to assess the containment measures already in place and identify additional steps required to curb transmission.

    The ICMR experts are expected to remain in Kozhikode to support the state’s response and provide technical guidance on disease surveillance, contact tracing, testing, and infection-control protocols.

    In a positive development, health officials confirmed that laboratory tests conducted on three close relatives of the infected patient returned negative results. However, authorities cautioned that surveillance would continue as a precautionary measure, given the highly infectious nature of the virus and its history of causing localized outbreaks in Kerala.

    Meanwhile, experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are also expected to visit the district to assist with epidemiological investigations and risk assessment.

    Earlier in the day, Revenue Minister Anil Kumar chaired a high-level review meeting at the office of District Collector MS Madhavikutty. The meeting focused on strengthening containment measures, ensuring adequate treatment facilities for the patient, and monitoring individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person.

    Officials reviewed arrangements for isolation wards, testing facilities, protective equipment for healthcare workers, and public awareness campaigns. Authorities were instructed to ensure that all contacts are traced promptly and monitored closely for symptoms.

    Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans and can also spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. Symptoms range from fever and headache to severe respiratory illness and encephalitis. The virus has a high fatality rate, making rapid detection and containment critical.

    Kerala has experienced multiple Nipah outbreaks since 2018, particularly in Kozhikode and nearby districts, leading to the development of a robust surveillance and response framework. Health officials have urged the public to remain vigilant, follow hygiene guidelines, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, breathing difficulties, or neurological complications occur.

    Authorities emphasized that while the situation is being closely monitored, there is currently no cause for panic, as extensive containment measures have been activated to prevent community transmission.

  • India’s Growing Health Challenge: Obesity and High Blood Sugar Levels Rise Sharply Among Adults

    India is witnessing a worrying surge in obesity and elevated blood sugar levels among adults, according to findings from the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), indicating a growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases across the country.

    The survey, conducted during 2023-24, reveals that nearly one in three women and more than one in four men aged 15-49 years are now overweight or obese. Health experts warn that the trend could fuel a sharp increase in diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other non-communicable diseases in the coming years.

    According to the survey, the proportion of overweight or obese women aged 15-49 years rose from 24 percent in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 30.7 percent in NFHS-6. Among men in the same age group, the figure increased from 22.9 percent to 27.3 percent. The findings point to a rapid shift in India’s public health landscape, where concerns about undernutrition increasingly coexist with rising rates of obesity and metabolic disorders.

    The survey also recorded a significant increase in elevated blood sugar levels. Among women aged 15 years and above, the share of those reporting high or very high blood sugar levels—or taking medication to control blood sugar—rose from 13.5 percent to 17.8 percent. Among men, the corresponding figure climbed from 15.6 percent to 20.9 percent.

    Regional disparities were evident across the country. Among women aged 15-49 years, the highest prevalence of overweight or obesity was reported in Puducherry, followed by Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Among men, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded the highest prevalence, with Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Goa also reporting obesity rates exceeding one-third of the adult male population.

    Public health specialists say the findings reflect the consequences of changing lifestyles, increasing urbanization, reduced physical activity, and greater consumption of calorie-dense processed foods. While India has made substantial progress in reducing child malnutrition and improving maternal health indicators, the country is now confronting a new challenge: managing diseases linked to excess weight and poor metabolic health.

    The growing prevalence of obesity is closely linked to the rise in diabetes. Research has consistently shown that excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, increases the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies indicate that a significant proportion of Indian adults are already at high risk of developing diabetes, with obesity emerging as one of the strongest predictors.

    Health experts are particularly concerned about what some describe as India’s “hidden obesity” problem. Many Indians may appear lean but carry excess visceral fat and have low muscle mass, increasing their risk of metabolic disorders despite having a normal body mass index (BMI). This phenomenon has prompted calls for more comprehensive health assessments beyond traditional BMI measurements.

    In response to the findings, the Union Health Ministry has emphasized the need for preventive healthcare, behavioural change initiatives, and balanced nutrition strategies. Officials have highlighted the dual challenge facing India: continuing efforts to combat undernutrition while addressing the rapid rise in overweight, obesity, and lifestyle-related diseases.

    The NFHS-6 survey covered more than 7.1 lakh women and over one lakh men across India, making it one of the country’s most comprehensive health assessments. The data serve as a reminder that India’s health priorities are evolving, with chronic non-communicable diseases increasingly shaping the nation’s healthcare agenda.

    As obesity and diabetes rates continue to climb, experts argue that early intervention, healthier diets, regular physical activity, and routine screening will be critical to preventing a larger public health crisis in the years ahead.