polio

Western Australia has detected vaccine-derived poliovirus in Perth's wastewater, a strain seen globally. Health officials emphasize the risk to the public is extremely low due to a high vaccination rate of 92% among children. This discovery, while not a public health emergency, serves as a crucial reminder of polio's presence elsewhere and the vital importance of ongoing vaccination efforts.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is preparing to lay off up to 500 employees, approximately 20% of its workforce, as part of a cost-control effort. This move aligns with the foundation's plan to wind down by 2045 and aims to cap operating expenses at $1.25 billion while increasing program spending to a record $9 billion in 2026.

In an unprecedented move, the KSDSU senate has passed a deficit budget of Rs 456.63 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, marking a significant challenge as expenses outpace revenue. Amidst this financial backdrop, Governor-cum-chancellor Lt General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain has committed to addressing higher education concerns through strategic administrative reforms and the integration of automation.

In a world that glorifies busyness, Melinda French Gates advocates for laser-focus to maximize impact. Science shows multitasking is actually task-switching, costing valuable productive time. By concentrating efforts on a few key priorities, individuals can move from being merely busy to truly impactful, achieving mastery and significant change.

Despite significant annual allocations for India's National Immunisation Programme, a substantial portion of funds remains unspent, raising concerns about implementation efficiency. While vaccine coverage has improved, RTI data reveals consistent spending shortfalls, highlighting a need for better fund utilization and accountability in this crucial public health initiative.

Tech mogul Elon Musk sparked global vaccine debate by sharing his severe reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine dose, contrasting it with a mild virus infection. His remarks followed testimony by a former Pfizer toxicologist raising concerns about vaccine safety. Health authorities, however, continue to affirm the vaccines' safety and efficacy for the general population.

Comedian Samay Raina's jokes about Amitabh Bachchan on Kaun Banega Crorepati have sparked controversy. Actor Ajaz Khan has issued a strong warning to Raina, threatening him for his remarks. Khan stated that Bachchan's fans are searching for Raina. Mukesh Khanna also criticized Raina's comments, calling him unfit.

Stand-up comedian Samay Raina has once again landed in controversy after a recent stand-up clip, where he joked about Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan. The remarks have triggered backlash online, with Ajaz Khan also reacting strongly. The actor didn’t hold back, calling out Samay’s remarks and warning him to “show respect.”

Comedian Samay Raina is back with his no-holds-barred special Still Alive, where he opened up about everything from his Kaun Banega Crorepati appearance to the controversy around India’s Got Latent. Recalling his time on KBC, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, Samay admitted that he wasn’t being truthful when he claimed his grandmother was a fan of the megastar.

Wilma Rudolph, once told she might never walk, became the fastest woman on earth. She won three Olympic gold medals in Rome, breaking world records. Rudolph's victories transcended sport, symbolizing Black excellence and resilience. She also championed integration, refusing to participate in a segregated parade.

Global health alerts are up for polio. The CDC warns travellers to take extra care. poliovirus is detected in many countries. This reminds everyone the fight is not over. Pharmacists play a key role in educating travellers. They check vaccination status and advise on boosters. Staying protected is vital before international travel.

Argentina has officially exited the World Health Organization, following a year-long announcement by President Javier Milei's administration. Citing the WHO's alleged mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic and political motivations over science, Buenos Aires has completed its withdrawal. This move mirrors the United States' earlier departure and raises concerns about global health coordination.

A 52-year-old polio survivor in Bengaluru was allegedly murdered by his nephew, Masrur Ahmed, after a dispute over property. Ahmed reportedly assaulted his uncle, Inayathulla Pasha, and then fabricated a story of an accidental fall. Police suspicion was raised by friends, leading to an investigation and Ahmed's confession.

A British man with an immune deficiency has been found to be shedding a highly virulent, mutant strain of polio virus for nearly 30 years.

Planning to travel to any of the seven nations still affected by polio? Or coming from a holiday or work from Kenya, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, and Ethiopia, then please get yourself a shot of the polio drops.

While the country is preparing for a 100% polio free tag by end of the coming year, Haryana and Punjab have been found to be one of the five states countrywide, which are at the risk of importation of wild polio virus.

An estimated 10 lakh children below the age of five will be administered oral polio vaccine as part of the nation-wide immunization drive on January 18. Over 16,400 health staff will carry out the drive in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and rural parts

Health authorities in Dakshina Kannada administered polio drops to 2,326-children in the target age-group of zero to five years on January 22.

A sustained immunization campaign to eradicate polio from Thane, once identified as a high risk area, has yielded positive results, with not a single case of the dreaded virus reported from the district since 2009.

No polio case has been reported in UP Since April last year, said principal secretary health and family welfare Sanjay Agarwal while inaugurating a pulse polio booth at Bal Avum Mahila Chikitsalaya , Aliganj, on Sunday.