WHO | DD News

October 13, 2025 1:37 PM

PM Gati Shakti completes four years, Piyush Goyal calls it a cornerstone in India’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat’

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday hailed four years of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), saying it has become a cornerstone in India’s journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Speaking on the occasion of the scheme’s four-year anniversary, Goyal said PM Gati Shakti, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13, 2021, has reduced logistics costs and improved service delivery. “Marking four years of PM Gati Shakti, a game-changing initiative...

October 7, 2025 12:57 PM

WHO estimates at least 15 million teenagers use e-cigarettes worldwide

At least 15 million people aged 13 to 15 use e-cigarettes globally, with young people on average nine times more likely to vape than adults in countries with data, the World Health Organization said on Monday. In its first global estimate of e-cigarette use, the WHO said more than 100 million people worldwide are now vaping, including at least 86 million adults, mostly in high-income countries. The figures come as global tobacco use continues to decline, with the number of tobacco users falli...

September 18, 2025 8:56 PM

Alcohol, tobacco and food giants block health reforms, says WHO

Pressure from tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food companies is stopping governments from putting in place life-saving health policies, the World Health Organization said on Thursday. The United Nations will dedicate a day to tackling non-communicable diseases, like cancer and heart disease, next Thursday during its annual gathering in New York. The WHO, the UN's health agency, says the products contribute to such conditions. In a separate report, the WHO found that $3 per person investe...

September 16, 2025 12:37 PM

WHO backs weight-loss drugs for obesity and urges change in mindset

The World Health Organization will recommend using weight-loss drugs to treat obesity in adults, according to draft guidance from the agency that urged countries to take the condition seriously as a chronic disease. The WHO’s expert committee concluded that the popular GLP-1 drugs, first developed by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, are part of the solution for the long-term treatment of obesity for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, alongside counselling on lifestyle and behavi...

August 6, 2025 12:25 PM

WHO lauds India’s study on the impact of nutrition on TB outcomes

A study conducted by India that demonstrated the positive impact of nutrition on tuberculosis (TB) outcomes has contributed to global guidance on combating the world’s most infectious disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. The agency also called for increased research and innovation to fight TB. Led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the study — conducted in Jharkhand — provided the first evidence that offering additional nutrition helps prevent TB cases and red...

July 26, 2025 10:26 AM

India advances Siddha’s global reach with WHO standards, cementing role as Ayush knowledge hub

India has taken a significant step toward globalizing its traditional medical systems, with the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush and the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), concluding a two-day WHO External Expert Group Meeting on July 24–25. The meeting focused on finalizing the Draft WHO Technical Reports on Training and Practice in Siddha, aiming to establish globally harmonized standards for this ancient Indian medical system. In his ...

July 18, 2025 12:33 PM

UAE and WHO Complete Major Health Assessment Phase in Yemen’s Socotra Island

Field teams from the United Arab Emirates and the World Health Organization have successfully completed the first phase of a comprehensive health assessment on Socotra Island in Yemen, conducted in close coordination with Yemen's Ministry of Public Health and Population. The multi-phase operation will comprise four scheduled field visits over a one-year period, representing the initial phase of an ambitious program designed to reduce mortality related to poor health and malnutrition by 20 perce...

July 3, 2025 9:38 AM

WHO pushes countries to raise prices on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50%

The World Health Organization is pushing countries to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% over the next 10 years through taxation, its strongest backing yet for taxes to help tackle chronic public health problems. The United Nations health agency said the move would help cut consumption of the products, which contribute to diseases like diabetes and some cancers, as well as raising money at a time when development aid is shrinking and public debt rising. "Health taxes...

June 29, 2025 2:10 PM

From WHO to ILO, PM Modi highlights India’s achievements in health, social security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is making steady progress across various sectors, particularly in healthcare and social protection. He cited major milestones such as the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the country Trachoma-free and the significant increase in the number of people covered under social security schemes. Addressing the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi said that India is advancing in every sphere - from healthcare...

May 21, 2025 11:37 AM

WHO members adopt global pandemic accord, but US absence casts doubts

Members of the World Health Organization adopted an agreement on Tuesday intended to improve preparedness for future pandemics following the disjointed global response to COVID-19, but the absence of the U.S. cast doubt on the treaty's effectiveness. After three years of negotiations, the legally binding pact was adopted by the World Health Assembly in Geneva. WHO member countries welcomed its passing with applause. The pact was touted as a victory for members of the global health agency a...