14-May-17 There has been a progressive decline in the number of cases of malaria and the disease is likely to be eliminated from at least 15 states in three years, according to the health ministry of India. [image: ET Healthworld]

11-May-17 The World Bank approved a USD600 mn loan to China to help improve healthcare in Anhui and Fujian. "China... now faces new challenges: an aging population and an increasing burden of chronic diseases," said Ramesh Govindaraj, Lead Health Specialist. [image: National Health and Family Planning Commission of the PRC]

25-Apr-17 Obesity is increasing at a high pace with one in every five Brazilians obese. More than half the population is overweight. The prevalence of obesity has increased by 60% from 11.8% in 2006 to 18.9% in 2016. With little time to eat, people have reduced home-cooked meals and opted for faster, higher caloric foods. [image: Global Health Intelligence]

15-Mar-17 China could prevent three million premature deaths each year by enforcing tighter air quality standards and reducing particulate matter to the level recommended by the WHO. Air pollution appears to have a much greater impact on deaths due to cardiorespiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic lung disease (COPD), than it does on deaths due to other causes. [image: ET Healthworld]

02-Mar-17 Calls are mounting in Australia for government action against obesity and poor diets, which experts warn could lead to a public health crisis. In 2014-15, 63% of Australian adults were overweight or obese. The figure for children aged 5-17 years was 27%. Obese or overweight people are more prone to chronic conditions including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. [image: Reuters]