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Among the more pressing concerns today, given the changing global health environment and the withdrawal of a major funding source – the United States- are those about emerging pathogens. Only a very short sighted approach can camouflage the threat to the human race from deadly viruses and pandemics. In this very important story, Emerging pathogens: what does the future hold? Dr. Soumya Swaminathan and Harkabir Singh Jandu discuss the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases—illnesses transmitted from animals to humans—and their potential to cause future pandemics. Factors such as climate change, deforestation, and increased human-wildlife interaction are accelerating the emergence of these diseases. The article emphasises the importance of global surveillance, early detection systems, and international collaboration to mitigate these threats. It also highlights the need for research into vaccines and treatments for high-risk pathogens, as well as proactive measures to prevent spillover events from animals to humans.
As the WHO stresses, emerging pathogens—newly identified or evolving microorganisms—pose significant threats to global health, especially as human activities increasingly disrupt natural ecosystems. Increasingly our paths should take us on to the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health disciplines, and is essential for understanding and mitigating these threats. Approximately 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, originating from animals, with over 30 new human pathogens detected in the past three decades, 75% of which have animal origins. In the following article, Rajib Dasgupta points out that One Health is fast emerging as the new default, but it is unlikely to be a path paved with roses.
As mentioned earlier, the United States’ President’s decision to move America out of the central role that it has been playing in funding healthcare and development activities across the globe has the sector teeter tottering for the moment. It was therefore, good to hear of: Judge orders Trump administration to temporarily allow funds for foreign aid to flowagain. Judge Amir Ali issued the temporary order Thursday in the U.S., in a lawsuit brought by two organisations, the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the Global Health Council, representing health organisations receiving U.S. funds for work abroad. In his order, Ali noted that the Trump administration argued it had to shut down funding for the thousands of USAID aid programs abroad to conduct a thorough review of each programme and whether it should be eliminated, but had not offered a rational explanation for why a blanket suspension of all congressionally-appropriated foreign aid was necessary for this.
We cannot ignore the fact, in the context, that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary after clearing a close Senate vote. Known for his environmental advocacy and vaccine skepticism, Kennedy’s appointment has sparked debate. Supporters highlight his commitment to public health and environmental issues, while critics express concern over his stance on vaccines. As Secretary, Kennedy will oversee key health agencies and play a pivotal role in shaping U.S. health policy.
Meanwhile, Maitri Porecha writes that Despite low prevalence, USAID shutdown to affect HIV projects in various Indian pockets. We have earlier argued that the quantum of assistance for India has dwindled, however, this sudden shutting off of funding will particularly leave an impact in the HIV sector, she argues.
Since these days the buzz is always about AI, let’s turn our attention there for a bit. The health sector was among the early adapters of AI, using vast data to train models to detect diseases, and in fact, perform a whole range of functions in the health care paradigm. Here, Surat Parvatam and Arvind Ramanathan argue that AI can make drug-testing more precise, relevant to human biology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising drug testing by enhancing precision and relevance to human biology, the authors claim. Traditional methods often rely on animal models, which may not accurately predict human responses. AI-driven approaches can analyse vast datasets to identify potential drug candidates and predict their effects on human systems more effectively. This advancement promises to streamline drug development, reduce costs, and improve the safety and efficacy of new treatments.
In other infectious diseases regressions around the world, Pakistan reported its second polio case of 2025, and the Guillane-Barre Syndrome outbreak shows no signs of abating in India: Mumbai reports first GBS death; death toll rises to 8 in Maharashtra. There is this update on Maharashtra’s GBS tally: Cases rise to 207. Down south, Nellore Sravani reports that 17 persons are undergoing treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. C. Aravinda tries to Understand the continuing challenges of malaria vaccination, even as elimination becomes achievable. He says developing a malaria vaccine is challenging due to the complex lifecycle and genetic variability of the Plasmodium parasite. Two vaccines have shown efficacy. However, logistical hurdles such as multi-dose administration, cold chain storage, and funding constraints hinder widespread rollout. Despite these challenges, sustained investment in research and healthcare infrastructure is crucial for successful vaccine deployment.
On the occasion of Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day, Shrabana Chatterjee writes on the pervasive Stigma, judgment, and misinformation in India. Here, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is hindered by pervasive stigma, judgment, and misinformation. Cultural taboos surrounding topics like menstruation and premarital sex contribute to inadequate sex education, leaving many, especially adolescents, uninformed. Societal pressures and misconceptions about contraception lead to high rates of unsafe abortions, and marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and sex workers, face heightened discrimination, limiting access to vital health services.
C. Maya touches on a topic that seems to have set off a minor storm in health circles. At the heart of the conflict is the question: Should mpox be labelled a sexually transmitted disease? Traditionally, mpox is known to spread through close physical contact, including direct contact with lesions, body fluids, and respiratory droplets. During the 2022–2023 outbreak, a significant number of cases were reported among men who have sex with men (MSM), with transmission primarily occurring through sexual contact. However, mpox is not exclusive to sexual transmission and can affect anyone through non-sexual close contact. Labeling it solely as an STD may overlook other transmission routes and potentially stigmatise affected communities, health professionals have argued.
Gopi Shankar Madurai picks up another thread and discusses at length, The fight for intersex rights in India. In India, intersex individuals face significant challenges due to societal stigma and medical practices that often involve non-consensual surgeries aimed at aligning their bodies with binary gender norms. Advocates argue that these interventions, typically performed on infants, violate bodily autonomy and can lead to long-term physical and psychological harm. The Madras High Court’s landmark 2019 ruling, based on a case filed by Gopi, banned such surgeries on intersex infants in Tamil Nadu. Despite this progress, nationwide legal protections remain limited, underscoring the need for comprehensive policies that uphold the rights and dignity of intersex people across India.
Mental health is another angle that we touch upon regularly, both in our columns and in this newsletter. This week, Serena Josephine M. brings to us some good news about beating stigma. Apparently, adolescents and young adults are now increasingly talking about mental health and seeking help too. Afshan Yasmeen brings to us, vital information on a digital learning resource to help avoid cannabis use for young people. Jahanavi T.R., writing on The two sides of internet-based self-diagnosis of mental illness touches upon an issue that has been worrying cousellors and psychiatrists alike.
This week’s tailpiece is going to be the initiatives, also involving a Shih Tzu, that have helped children in ICUs recover faster at this Chennai based hospital. Athira Elssa Johnson chronicles both. Private hospital in Chennai introduces pet therapy in paediatric ICU Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital has introduced pet therapy in its paediatric ICU, allowing therapy dogs to interact with young patients. This initiative aims to reduce stress and promote healing among children undergoing intensive care, and parents and children are seeing the benefits already, they claim. At the same hospital, doctors facilitate recovery in ICU through early mobilisation. By encouraging patients to engage in physical activity soon after admission, the approach aims to reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and improve overall outcomes for critically ill children.
We have some solid explainers that you might want to read up on this week:
Zubeda Hamid tells you All you need to know about the Diabetic Foot
Dr. Deepa Hariharan dwells on the Foetus in foetu phenomenon: a continuing twin mystery
Dr. Atul Surendra Prabhu turns the spotlight on congenital heart disease, ahead of Valentine’s Day.
The InFocus podcast on: Why India urgently needs to reduce its salt intake
Two decades after India’s public smoking ban, challenges persist in tobacco control
In case you have a few extra moments, you can also read the following stories, or book mark them for the future:
Serena Josephine M. At T.N.’s largest State hospital, new web portal gives doctors quick access to lab reports
Philip G. Altbach,Hans de Wit,Eldho Mathews write on The problematic globalisation of medical education.
Bindu Shajan Perappadan reports that ICMR seeks partners for development and commercialisation of typhoid and paratyphoid vaccine
Kerala Cancer Care Grid all set to be operational
For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
Published – February 18, 2025 02:39 pm IST