Argentina formally withdraws from World Health Organization

Source:  DD News Subject:  International Organisation Context: Argentina has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), effective March 2026, following a one-year notification period initiated by President Javier Milei’s administration. About The World Health Organization (WHO): What it is? The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international …

WHO Issues First Global Guideline on Infertility

Context: WHO has released its first-ever global guideline on infertility, calling for safer, fairer and affordable fertility care worldwide. It aims to help countries integrate infertility prevention, diagnosis and treatment into public health systems as infertility affects 1 in 6 people globally. About WHO Issues First Global Guideline on Infertility: What the Guideline Is? WHO’s …

Global TB Report 2025

Source:   WHO Subject: Health Context: The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, shows that India remains the country with the highest TB burden (25% of global cases) despite achieving a 21% reduction in incidence since 2015. About Global TB Report 2025: What it is? The annual global assessment of tuberculosis trends, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment at …

“The WHO leads global health governance, but its authority is shaped by state compliance”. Describe WHO’s institutional structure and assess its performance in recent times.  Also examine constraints on its enforcement capacity.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate. Q4. “The WHO leads global health governance, but its authority is shaped by state compliance”. Describe WHO’s institutional structure and assess its performance in recent times. Also examine constraints on its enforcement capacity. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Easy Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question: Asked …

Polio

Source: NIE Context: India has been placed on high alert after a rise in polio cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the only two remaining endemic countries. About Polio: What it is? Polio (Poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis or even death in severe cases. The …

Maldives Achieves Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT)

Source:  WHO Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives as the first country in the world to achieve “triple elimination” — stopping mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, marking a historic global public health milestone About Maldives Achieves Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT): What It Is? Triple Elimination refers …

WHO officially classified Hepatitis D virus as carcinogenic

Source:  BS Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have officially classified Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic, placing it in Group 1 — known causes of liver cancer, alongside Hepatitis B and C. About WHO officially classified Hepatitis D virus as carcinogenic: What is Hepatitis D …

Gaza Hunger Crisis

Context: The Gaza hunger crisis has escalated, with over 2 million people now food insecure and dozens dying from starvation, as confirmed by Palestinian and UN agencies. WHO has called this a “man-made mass starvation”, exacerbated by aid blockades and attacks near food distribution points. About Gaza Hunger Crisis: What It Is? A severe man-made …

Codex Alimentarius

Source:  TOI Context: India’s millet standard and leadership in Codex committees were appreciated at the 88th Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC88) in Rome. About Codex Alimentarius: What it Is? Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally recognized food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. It promotes food safety, consumer protection, and fair-trade practices in international food …

PEN-Plus approach

Context: The WHO African Region released a report, highlighting that 20 African countries have expanded access to critical services for severe non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by adopting the PEN-Plus approach. About PEN-Plus Approach: What it is? PEN-Plus stands for Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease interventions Plus. It is an integrated healthcare model aimed at managing severe …

World Pandemic Treaty

Source:  CNN Context: After over three years of negotiations, WHO Member States finalised the draft World Pandemic Treaty to boost global pandemic preparedness. About World Pandemic Treaty: What it is? A legally binding international instrument aimed at strengthening global response to future pandemics. Developed by: Negotiated by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), constituted under WHO …

US withdrawal from WHO

Syllabus: Multilateral Institution Source:  IE Context: Recently, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has signed an executive order to withdraw from WHO, citing reasons such as mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of reforms within the organization. About WHO: Aim and Functions Aims Ensure universal health coverage and promote health equity. Strengthen …

Trachoma Elimination

Source: PIB Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024, making it the third country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. The achievement aligns with the WHO’s 2021–2030 Neglected Tropical Disease Roadmap, which targets the elimination of 20 diseases …

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 9 October 2024

  The Insights IAS Secure Initiative for UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice enables you to practice daily answer writing, enhancing your skills and boosting your scores with regular feedback, expert tips, and strategies. Let consistency be the hallmark of your preparation and utilize UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice initiative wisely   Click on EACH question to …

How has the WHO contributed to improving public health systems in developing countries? Examine its initiatives and the challenges it faces in addressing health disparities.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate Q4. How has the WHO contributed to improving public health systems in developing countries? Examine its initiatives and the challenges it faces in addressing health disparities. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the Question India pledges $250 million for traditional medicine centre; part …

Drowning: A Neglected Public Health Crisis

Syllabus: Health/Social Issues/Disaster Management  Source: The Hindu Context: The increasing frequency of drowning incidents globally (including the recent case of drowing in Rau’s IAS basement library) highlights the need for comprehensive public health interventions and policy measures to prevent such tragedies.   What is Drowning? It is defined as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment …