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WHO Urges Governments to Raise Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Alcohol to Curb Rising Health Risks

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments worldwide to sharply increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning that persistently low tax rates are making these harmful products more affordable and driving a surge in preventable diseases. Releasing two new global reports on Tuesday (January 13, 2026), the WHO said falling prices of sugary drinks and alcohol are contributing to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injury-related deaths, particularly among children and young adults. Weak taxation policies, the agency noted, are allowing these products to stay cheap while public health systems struggle under the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases. “Health taxes are among the most effective tools to protect people’s health,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He emphasized that higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks can curb harmful consumption while generating much-needed revenue for healthcare services. According to the WHO, the global market for sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages earns billions in profits, yet governments collect only a small fraction through health-focused taxes. This imbalance leaves societies to shoulder the long-term health and economic consequences. The reports highlight that while at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, many high-sugar products — including 100% fruit juices, sweetened milk beverages, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas — remain untaxed. Although 97% of countries impose taxes on energy drinks, this figure has not improved since 2023. On alcohol, the WHO found that 167 countries levy some form of tax, while 12 have complete bans. However, alcohol has become more affordable in many regions since 2022 because tax rates have not kept pace with inflation and rising incomes. Notably, wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries, largely in Europe, despite its known health risks. The WHO stressed that while industries continue to profit, the public bears the health fallout and societies absorb the economic costs. To address this, the organization has launched its “3 by 35” initiative, calling on countries to increase and restructure taxes so that the real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks rise by 2035, making them less accessible and reducing harm over time. Source: The Hindu

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India Bears Second-Highest Global Economic Burden from Diabetes: Study

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India is facing the world’s second-largest economic burden due to diabetes, estimated at USD 11.4 trillion, according to a new international study. The United States tops the list with costs of USD 16.5 trillion, followed by China at USD 11 trillion. The study, conducted by researchers from institutions including the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the Vienna University of Economics and Business in Austria, assessed the economic impact of diabetes across 204 countries between 2020 and 2050. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Medicine. Globally, diabetes-related costs are estimated at nearly USD 10 trillion when excluding unpaid care provided by family members, accounting for about 0.2 per cent of the world’s annual GDP. However, when informal caregiving is included, the total economic burden surges to USD 152 trillion, or roughly 1.7 per cent of global GDP. Researchers noted that informal care alone contributes close to 90 per cent of the total economic burden, as people with diabetes live significantly longer with the condition than they face mortality risks. This extended care often forces family caregivers to reduce work hours or exit the labour market, adding to economic losses. In purchasing power terms, the study estimated diabetes-related costs at INT$ 1.6 trillion for India, INT$ 2.5 trillion for the United States, and INT$ 1.0 trillion for China. When losses from informal care are included, the figures rise sharply, with India’s burden reaching INT$ 11.4 trillion. For India and China, the high costs are largely driven by the sheer size of the diabetic population, while in the United States, higher treatment expenses and diversion of physical capital are the main contributors. The study also highlighted stark disparities between high- and low-income countries, noting that treatment costs form a much larger share of the burden in wealthier nations due to better access to medical care. The researchers stressed that diabetes poses a greater economic challenge globally than conditions such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. They emphasized that prevention through healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and balanced diets, remains the most effective strategy to curb both health and economic impacts. Widespread screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment were also identified as critical measures. According to earlier research published in The Lancet in November 2024, more than a quarter of the world’s diabetic population currently lives in India. Source: PTI

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WHO Report Finds Less Than 5% of Disease-Focused Genomic Studies Conducted in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

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A recent global analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed a sharp imbalance in disease-focused genomic research, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) accounting for less than five per cent of such studies worldwide. According to the WHO, more than 6,500 genomic clinical studies were registered globally between 1990 and 2024 through its International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The number of studies rose sharply after 2010, driven by rapid advancements in genome sequencing technologies, reduced costs, and expanding clinical applications. Despite this growth, over 80 per cent of genomic research remains concentrated in high-income countries. China emerged as the leading country in terms of the total number of registered genomic clinical studies over the past three decades, followed by the United States and Italy. India ranked among the top 20 countries globally. However, the report noted that LMICs are rarely in leadership roles within such research. India participated in 235 studies, while Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria featured in 38, 17, and 14 studies respectively—mostly as part of multi-country collaborations rather than as lead partners. The analysis, titled “Human genomics technologies in clinical studies: the research landscape,” highlighted that cancer, rare diseases, and metabolic disorders together account for more than 75 per cent of all genomic studies globally. While these areas were early adopters of genomic approaches, the report flagged a major gap in research on infectious diseases. Communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria represented just three per cent of all genomic studies, despite their significant contribution to the global disease burden—particularly in low-resource settings. The authors described this as a missed opportunity to use genomics to better understand disease susceptibility, treatment response, and host–pathogen interactions. The WHO study also pointed to demographic gaps in genomic research. Over three-quarters of studies focused on adults aged 18 to 64, while only 4.6 per cent targeted children and just 3.3 per cent involved older adults. Calling for urgent action, the WHO urged more inclusive, geographically balanced, and locally relevant genomic research. Recommendations included greater investment in genomic infrastructure and research capacity in underrepresented regions, stronger leadership from LMIC-based institutions, better alignment of research priorities with local disease burdens, and increased inclusion of children, older adults, and other underrepresented populations. Source: PTI

WHO Report Finds Less Than 5% of Disease-Focused Genomic Studies Conducted in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Read More »

Climate change–driven heat and humidity may worsen child stunting in South Asia by 2050: Study

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Rising temperatures combined with increasing humidity due to climate change could significantly worsen child health outcomes in South Asia, potentially leading to more than three million additional cases of stunting by 2050, according to a new study. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, examined how exposure to extreme heat and humid conditions during pregnancy affects early childhood development in one of the world’s most densely populated regions. The findings were published in the journal Science. The study focused on “height-for-age,” a widely used measure of chronic health and nutritional status among children under five. Researchers found that exposure to hot and humid weather during pregnancy—particularly during the earliest and latest stages—was strongly linked to poorer growth outcomes in children. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to heat stress because of physiological and hormonal changes that reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature. High humidity further intensifies this risk by limiting the body’s capacity to cool down through sweating. The researchers noted that the impacts were most severe when heat and humidity occurred together. Exposure during the third trimester showed health effects nearly four times greater than exposure to high temperatures alone. The study used the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which accounts for humidity, radiant heat, and airflow in addition to air temperature, to better capture real-world heat stress. The analysis also revealed demographic effects. Each additional day with a WBGT above 29°C was associated with fewer live births six to twelve months later. In contrast, days with maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C were linked to a temporary rise in births within three months, suggesting shifts in pregnancy timing and possible increases in early-stage pregnancy loss. According to the researchers, these trends align with earlier studies showing that extreme heat can lead to premature births and reduced conception rates. Hot and humid conditions, they warned, pose a greater risk to fetal development than heat alone. With climate models projecting a sharp rise in hot and humid days across South Asia under continued global warming, the study cautioned that the true health impacts of extreme weather may be underestimated if humidity is not fully considered. The research drew on child health data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and daily climate data produced by the Climate Hazards Center at UC Santa Barbara. Source: PTI  

Climate change–driven heat and humidity may worsen child stunting in South Asia by 2050: Study Read More »

Licences of 176 Retailers, 39 Wholesalers Cancelled in Maharashtra Over Substandard Medicines

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Maharashtra has taken strong action against the sale of poor-quality drugs, cancelling the licences of 176 retail pharmacies and 39 wholesalers over the past year, State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal informed the Assembly on December 10, 2025. Responding in writing to a question raised by BJP MLA Amit Satam and others, Zirwal stated that the FDA had launched a special crackdown, during which samples of cough syrups and other medicines were collected and sent for testing. Inspections were carried out at 136 retail outlets and 93 wholesalers, with show-cause notices issued before the licence cancellations. Zirwal revealed that fake cough syrups were detected during an FDA drive in October 2024. Doctors and pharmacists were instructed not to prescribe or dispense medicines containing propranolol. Of the 36 samples tested across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur, 34 failed quality checks, including drugs used for hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, heart ailments and blood purification. Six samples of a particular paediatric cough syrup brand were also flagged for poor quality. The Minister said some medicines had altered or mixed components and were sold under new names, with fake or substandard batches even reaching government hospitals through unauthorised suppliers. A shortage of personnel contributed to weaker oversight, as 176 drug inspector posts remain vacant. Maharashtra currently has testing labs in Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune. Zirwal added that 109 inspector positions will be filled through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, and efforts are underway to upgrade laboratories in Nashik and Pune. Source: PTI Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

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Targeting TB Bacteria’s Fatty Outer Coat May Boost Drug Effectiveness: IIT Bombay–Monash Study

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Researchers from IIT Bombay and Monash University have discovered that the fatty outer coat of Mycobacterium tuberculosis—the bacteria that causes TB—plays a crucial role in helping it evade antibiotics. By altering this lipid-rich membrane, TB bacteria can survive drug treatment, especially when they enter a dormant state. Despite over a century of research, tuberculosis remains a major global threat. In 2023, 10.8 million people fell ill and 1.25 million died from the disease, with India recording more than 2.6 million cases in 2024. One of the biggest hurdles in treatment is the bacteria’s ability to slip into dormancy shortly after infection. In this phase, the bacteria remain alive but inactive, causing no symptoms and unable to spread. However, if a person’s immunity drops—due to HIV, illness or immunosuppressive medication—the bacteria can reactivate. Since standard TB drugs mainly target bacteria that are actively growing, dormant cells are far less affected and often survive long treatment cycles. The new study led by Prof Shobhna Kapoor of IIT Bombay and Prof Marie-Isabel Aguilar of Monash University examined how TB bacteria survive this drug assault. The researchers found that the dormant bacteria’s outer membrane undergoes changes that make it harder for antibiotics to penetrate. Drug concentrations needed to inhibit these dormant cells were up to ten times higher than those needed for active ones. Advanced mass spectrometry allowed the team to map more than 270 lipid molecules in the bacterial membranes, revealing significant differences between active and dormant bacterial states. According to the researchers, weakening this lipid barrier could make existing drugs far more effective. Instead of relying solely on new antibiotics, combining current treatments with molecules that disrupt the outer membrane could help kill persistent bacteria without promoting genetic resistance. Prof Kapoor noted that such an approach could shorten therapy durations and restore drug sensitivity, giving TB bacteria little room to adapt permanently. Source: PTI

Targeting TB Bacteria’s Fatty Outer Coat May Boost Drug Effectiveness: IIT Bombay–Monash Study Read More »

Single HPV Shot Shown to Offer Strong Protection Against Cervical Cancer, Major Study Finds

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A landmark international study suggests that one dose of the HPV vaccine may be just as effective as the standard two-dose regimen, potentially transforming cervical cancer prevention efforts worldwide. Researchers announced on Wednesday that a single human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine shot provided nearly the same level of protection against the virus strains most linked to cervical cancer. HPV is a widespread sexually transmitted infection, and while most cases resolve on their own, persistent infections can lead to cervical cancer and several less common cancers in both women and men. The HPV vaccine has been advised for U.S. girls since 2006, contributing to a decline in precancerous cervical conditions among women in their 20s — the first cohort vaccinated in adolescence. Still, cervical cancer remains a major global threat, causing around 340,000 deaths annually, particularly in parts of the world where vaccination access is limited. The promising findings come from a large Costa Rica-based trial led by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, involving more than 20,000 girls aged 12 to 16. Participants received one of two widely used HPV vaccines. After six months, half received a second dose while the other half were given a different childhood vaccine. Over five years of follow-up, researchers conducted regular cervical screenings and compared results with an unvaccinated control group. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study concluded that a single dose offered about 97% protection, essentially matching the effectiveness of two doses. Dr. Ruanne Barnabas of Massachusetts General Hospital, in an accompanying editorial, highlighted that while earlier studies hinted at single-dose efficacy, this research solidifies long-term confidence in the approach. “We now have the evidence and tools to eliminate cervical cancer — what’s needed is the global commitment to deploy them effectively and fairly,” Barnabas wrote. In the U.S., two doses remain the official recommendation for children aged 11 or 12, with catch-up vaccinations advised up to age 26. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 78% of teens aged 13 to 17 have received at least one dose. Worldwide, however, fewer than one-third of adolescent girls are vaccinated, according to the World Health Organization, which has already begun supporting single-dose strategies to improve coverage. Researchers noted that the study did not assess protection against other HPV-related cancers, such as those of the head and neck, and stressed that longer-term monitoring is still necessary. Source: AP

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Uranium detected in Delhi’s groundwater: New report sparks major public-health alarm

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A new assessment of Delhi’s groundwater has revealed a worrying rise in uranium contamination, placing the national capital among the top three affected regions in India after Punjab and Haryana. The Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2025 released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) shows that 13–15% of the city’s water samples now contain uranium levels exceeding the permissible limit of 30 ppb, raising red flags over drinking-water safety and long-term health implications, according to a Times of India report. Rising uranium levels: What the latest findings reveal The new report highlights a steady and concerning upward trend in uranium presence across Delhi: In 2020, uranium levels above the safe threshold were detected in 11.7% of samples, including a particularly alarming reading of 89.4 ppb from a tubewell in the North West district. By 2024, six districts — North, North West, South, South East, South West, and West — had consistently reported samples with unsafe uranium levels, contributing to a citywide contamination share of 10.7%. The 2025 assessment now indicates an even higher percentage of unsafe samples, signalling worsening groundwater conditions. Two localities — Auchandi in Narela (42 ppb) and Nizampur in Kanjhawala (46.5 ppb) — have been identified as emerging hotspots. Environmental groups demand data transparency and action The findings have prompted several environmental organisations to push for public disclosure of water-quality records and enforcement of treatment protocols. The group Earth Warrior, in a letter to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, warned that uranium contamination is occurring alongside high nitrate, fluoride, and salinity levels, creating a hazardous mix of pollutants. The group also highlighted systemic dependence on groundwater: The Delhi Jal Board operates around 5,500 tubewells that collectively supply nearly 450 million litres per day (mld) of semi-treated or untreated water to the public—making the situation even more urgent. National context: Uranium contamination rising post-monsoon Across India, CGWB analysed 3,754 groundwater samples during pre- and post-monsoon periods in 2024. Uranium above the safe limit was found in: 6.71% of pre-monsoon samples 7.91% of post-monsoon samples This slight increase after monsoon rains indicates that hydrogeochemical changes and leaching processes may be intensifying contamination. Punjab remains the most affected state, followed by Haryana and Delhi. Health hazards linked to uranium in drinking water The report underscores the severe health impacts of consuming water contaminated with uranium — a substance that is both a heavy metal and a radioactive element. Its major harm stems from chemical toxicity rather than radiation. Long-term exposure can lead to: 1. Kidney damage (most common) Uranium is known to accumulate in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and potentially causing chronic kidney disease. 2. Bone and skeletal disorders The metal can settle in bones, contributing to weakness, deformities, and long-term skeletal changes. 3. Neurological complications Research indicates possible effects on memory, behavioral functions, cognitive clarity, and the nervous system after prolonged exposure. 4. Increased cancer risk While natural uranium emits low radiation, extended consumption may slightly elevate the risk of certain cancers. 5. Higher vulnerability in children Infants and young children are at greater risk. Exposure can harm bone development, growth patterns, and cognitive functions. 6. Digestive and general health issues High concentrations may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach irritation, and may interfere with liver function and blood chemistry. Additional groundwater concerns: Salinity and agricultural impact Beyond uranium, Delhi faces a significant problem with salinity. The report notes that the city recorded a sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of 179.8, placing it among the highest in India. This means: 1.11% of areas now have groundwater unfit for irrigation 7.23% show excess salinity or high electrical conductivity Such conditions degrade soil quality, reduce farm productivity, and enable toxic elements to build up in crops—posing further risks to public health. CGWB response and the way forward The CGWB has stated that it issues bi-weekly alerts to state agencies about groundwater quality variations to support timely mitigation and raise public awareness. Experts now emphasize the need for: Comprehensive mapping of uranium-prone zones Transparent disclosure of real-time water-quality data Expansion of water-treatment infrastructure Reduction of groundwater dependency through surface-water alternatives Stronger policy interventions to prevent further aquifer degradation With Delhi’s reliance on groundwater continuing to grow, the rising uranium presence signals a looming water-safety crisis that demands urgent scientific, administrative, and public-health action. Source: TOI & Economic Times

Uranium detected in Delhi’s groundwater: New report sparks major public-health alarm Read More »

AI Tool Boosts India’s Disease Surveillance, Generates Over 5,000 Alerts: Study

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An artificial intelligence–powered surveillance system deployed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has significantly strengthened India’s ability to track infectious disease outbreaks, generating more than 5,000 real-time alerts for health authorities since 2022, according to a new pre-print study. Developed by WadhwaniAI, the Health Sentinel platform has automated the labor-intensive task of scanning news reports for unusual health events. The system reportedly reduced manual workload by 98%, enabling faster outbreak detection and quicker public health action. The findings are currently under review and not yet peer-reviewed. Under India’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), media scanning and verification has long relied on manual review of print, television and online news. Health Sentinel upgrades this process by screening articles daily across 13 languages, applying AI models to highlight potential threats that are later reviewed by epidemiologists. According to the study, the platform has processed over 300 million news articles since April 2022, identifying 95,000+ unique health-related events, of which around 3,500 were shortlisted by NCDC experts as possible outbreaks. Researchers also estimate that the AI-enabled system triggered more than 5,000 actionable alerts between April 2022 and April 2025. Parag Govil, National Program Lead for Global Health Security at WadhwaniAI, said the tool preserves human oversight while eliminating the time-consuming manual scanning traditionally required. Epidemiologists validate flagged events before disseminating them to state and district authorities. The research team noted a 150% surge in published health events captured since adopting AI-assisted surveillance, compared to earlier years of fully manual analysis. In 2024 alone, 96% of reported events were identified through the AI system, with only 4% coming from manual review. Globally, event-based surveillance techniques that incorporate online media or social media sources are increasingly used to complement traditional “passive reporting” from healthcare providers. The volume of daily online content, however, has made manual screening impractical, making automated systems essential. The article also references other Indian studies highlighting the value of enhanced surveillance. A pilot conducted in six private hospitals in Kasaragod, Kerala, used an algorithm to analyse cases of acute febrile illness (AFI). The system detected 88 clusters, with several verified as outbreaks—including dengue and COVID-19—demonstrating the benefits of early, data-driven detection. International research supports similar conclusions. A 2020 review in the Journal of Biomedical Informatics found that machine learning–based analysis of social media posts, especially on Twitter, improved disease trend prediction. Another study, published in 2017 in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, showed that mining news articles can help fill gaps when official national case data is delayed. Overall, the findings underscore the growing importance of AI-driven surveillance systems in strengthening public health response capabilities and improving global health security. Source: PTI

AI Tool Boosts India’s Disease Surveillance, Generates Over 5,000 Alerts: Study Read More »

ICMR Study Finds 1 in 9 People Tested Positive for Infectious Diseases in 2025

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A recent nationwide analysis by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that 11.1% of patients tested across India were found carrying infectious pathogens — roughly one in every nine individuals tested. The large-scale study, conducted through ICMR’s Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network, aimed to track viral infections of public health concern. The five most commonly detected pathogens included Influenza A in acute respiratory infections (ARI/SARI), Dengue virus in cases of acute and haemorrhagic fever, Hepatitis A among jaundice patients, Norovirus in acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD) outbreaks, and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) cases. The ICMR report noted a rise in infection rates from 10.7% in the first quarter (January–March) to 11.5% in the second quarter (April–June) of 2025. Out of 2,28,856 samples tested in the first quarter, 24,502 showed the presence of pathogens, while 26,055 of 2,26,095 samples tested positive in the next quarter — marking an increase of 0.8 percentage points. A senior ICMR scientist cautioned that although the increase appears modest, it could be an early signal for seasonal outbreaks or emerging infections, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance. “Even small shifts in infection rates can serve as an early warning for potential epidemics. The VRDL network plays a vital role as India’s early detection system,” the scientist said. Between April and June 2025, 191 disease clusters were investigated, identifying infections such as mumps, measles, rubella, dengue, chikungunya, rotavirus, norovirus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and astrovirus. In comparison, 389 clusters were probed between January and March 2025, detecting a similar range of pathogens including hepatitis, influenza, Leptospira, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). From 2014 to 2024, the VRDL network tested over 40 lakh samples, identifying pathogens in 18.8% of them. The network has seen rapid expansion — from 27 laboratories in 2014 to 165 labs across 31 states and Union Territories by 2025 — and has so far tracked 2,534 disease clusters nationwide. Source: PTI Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

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