Polio eradication: we are not there yet
On the occasion of World Polio Day, we take a look at the challenges that three countries are facing in eradicating this debilitating disease
COVID-19 is already endemic, lack of data plagues understanding about vaccine efficacy: Gagandeep Kang
Gagandeep Kang, ex-officio member of a working group on COVID-19 vaccines at the WHO, talks to DTE on vaccines, their effectiveness and urgent …
COVID-19: How 2021 has become the ‘year of the variant’ as predicted
More dangerous variants are likely to emerge and spread across the world, according to the WHO
UNICEF to procure controversial pentavalent vaccine at lowest-ever prices
This step will significantly increase the distribution of pentavalent vaccine, which has been blamed for adverse health effects
COVID-19 vaccines for all: Why COVAX is not working
The initiative to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the poorest countries has not succeeded in its goal so far due to over-dependence on a few …
Life expectancy improves in some countries after big drops in 2020 — but US and others see further falls
New variants that evade existing immunity are likely to arise and the longer-term impact of COVID infections on the health of survivors is a big …
COVID-19: Where does India stand on syringe shortage?
55% of global population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; it is just 6.3% for low-income countries
WATCH: Will mixing COVID-19 vaccines be effective?
Some early studies have shown that combining vaccines produce a better immune response. But the efficacy of the vaccine combination is yet to be …
COVID-19 has suppressed influenza for now, but it will return with greater severity: Study
COVID-19 appropriate behaviour will delay competition among existing influenza lineages which will eventually expand, compete and once again …
Government to introduce four new vaccines as part of UIP
These include those against rotavirus, rubella and polio (injectable) along with Japanese encephalitis; is it a move to favour private companies?
There’s a ‘weak spot’ in all major novel coronavirus variants — and scientists have found it
The weakness can be targeted by neutralising antibodies, paving the way for universally effective treatments
After hoarding them, developed countries will now waste 241 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines
Redistribution of surplus vaccines could avert 1 million deaths by mid-2022, mostly in developing and poor countries
COVID-19: Scientists race to find treatment
Test which would check for the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were okayed by the Indian government on April 4, 2020
WHO announces council to speed up TB vaccine development
Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus announces plan to save millions of lives at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
COVID-19: Trials for cure at a glance
Scientists across the globe are working to develop vaccines for the novel coronavirus disease while exploring whether existing drugs can be …
World immunisation week: mobile app to remind parents of vaccine schedule
WHO focus on delivering health information directly to people’s mobile phones and social media accounts to curb vaccine preventable deaths
Global pandemic treaty: Soumya Swaminathan promises draft in 18 months
WHO chief scientist says most countries on board for pact to ensure fair sharing of vaccines, data during future pandemics
Lateral Thoughts: Waiting for bad news
Adverse reactions are part and parcel of vaccination. We can know about safety of COVID-19 vaccines being used in India only after people receive …
Polio eradication: ‘Need to invest in polio vaccines now to prevent resurgence’
Oral vaccine key defence against polio but also behind detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus in wastewater samples
WHO nod to first emergency use vaccine can tackle rising vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus occurs if a population is poorly vaccinated and there are enough susceptible children for excreted …
WHO report flags spike in cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus
At least 149 immunodeficiency vaccine-derived poliovirus cases were reported to WHO between 1961 and 2019
Cost of vaccination has risen 68 times in a decade, says report
Crisis looms as donor withdraws support to African countries; MSF urges GSK, Pfizer to slash vaccine price
Will there be a middle path for affordable COVID-19 vaccines?
It is expected for COVID-19 vaccines to be classified as 'global public goods', given their development is being substantially funded by …
COVID-19: Here’s the difference between vaccines, antibodies
Vaccines are chemicals that help the body develop antibodies while antibodies are developed by the body’s immune system to fight pathogens
As told to Parliament (December 21, 2022): 42.1 million hospital admissions under PMJAY
The admissions were worth Rs 49,468.6 crore and helped reduce out-of-pocket health expenditure