India launches nationwide free HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls
India’s Union Health Ministry announced a nationwide HPV vaccination program for 14-year-old girls, offered free at government health facilities on a voluntary basis. The vaccine used is Gardasil, a quadrivalent formulation protecting against HPV types 16 and 18, as well as types 6 and 11. Officials estimate about 1.15 to 1.2 crore doses will be required annually to cover girls turning 14 each year. Global and Indian data suggest that a single-dose schedule can provide durable protection in the target age group. The program aims to reduce cervical cancer burden and align with WHO elimination targets, with state-level implementation and monitoring to ensure coverage.
Target group: girls turning 14 annually.
Vaccine: Gardasil quadrivalent, free at government facilities.
Estimated annual doses: ~1.15–1.2 crore.
Evidence: single-dose protection supported by global and Indian data.
Goal: reduce cervical cancer burden and meet WHO elimination goals.
Feb 28, 2026
India Ranks 60th in Global Mind Health Study 2025 for Youth
India’s young adults ranked 60th among 84 countries in the Global Mind Health 2025 study by Sapien Labs. The report analysed mental well-being across 78,000 internet users in India, using the Mind Health Quotient, a 47-indicator composite. The 18–34 age group scored an average MHQ of 33, ranking 60th globally, indicating a widening generational gap. In contrast, Indians aged 55 and above scored 96, reflecting near-normal mental functioning and ranking 49th. The findings highlight evolving mental health needs, youth stressors, and the importance of accessible mental health services, education, and stigma reduction as part of public health priorities.
Global sample included 84 countries; 78,000 Indian respondents.
MHQ is a composite of 47 cognitive, emotional, social and physical indicators.
Young adults (18–34) scored 33 on MHQ; ranked 60th globally.
Vizhinjam seafood deaths: tetrodotoxin suspected in coastal poisoning case
Health and food-safety authorities in Thiruvananthapuram are probing a suspected marine toxin poisoning after several people fell seriously ill following seafood consumption at a Vizhinjam restaurant. Three members of a six-member family became critically ill on the night of 16 February, with two fatalities within hours. Six additional cases were later linked to the same establishment. Preliminary tests ruled out spoilage or common bacterial food poisoning. Investigators are examining naturally occurring marine toxins, with tetrodotoxin (TTX) emerging as the primary suspect. Officials are collecting samples to confirm the toxin source and prevent further incidents.
Illness began on 16 February; two family members died.
Six more cases linked to the Vizhinjam restaurant.
Preliminary tests rule out spoilage and bacteria.
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) suspected as primary toxin.
Authorities collecting samples for toxin confirmation.
Feb 20, 2026
IELLAB: South India’s Indigenous & Endangered Languages Lab
Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) partnered with the University of Madras to inaugurate the Indigenous & Endangered Languages Laboratory (IELLAB) on the university campus. Implemented under KVB’s CSR program with the Gabo Alliance Foundation, IELLAB is South India’s first dedicated facility for documenting, preserving, and academically studying indigenous languages. The lab aims to build language databases, support research, and engage communities to safeguard linguistic heritage. The inauguration was led by the Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, with participation from university leadership and CSR partners, marking a milestone in cultural preservation and linguistic scholarship.
IELLAB established at University of Madras (South India’s first).
Funded through Karur Vysya Bank CSR and Gabo Alliance Foundation.
Aims: document and preserve Indigenous languages; support research.
Inaugurated by KVB's MD & CEO.
Feb 18, 2026
Third AYUSH Conference in Dubai Calls for Global Health Integration
The third international AYUSH conference and expo concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting over 1,500 delegates and around 20,000 visitors from 30 countries. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and AYUSH Minister Pratap Rao Jadhav attended the valedictory session. Organised by the Science India Forum and the World Ayurveda Foundation, with support from India’s AYUSH Ministry and Indian missions in the UAE, the event highlighted the need for responsible, quality‑assured integrative healthcare. Participants urged structured growth, robust pharmacovigilance, and scientific rigour to advance global acceptance of AYUSH systems. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-set-to-stake-claim-as-global-techbio-hub-with-bioasia-2026/articleshow/128434728.cms?utm_source=openai))
Third international AYUSH conference concluded
Over 1,500 delegates and 20,000 visitors from 30 countries
Goa Chief Minister and AYUSH Minister attended
Focus on responsible, quality health integration
Emphasis on pharmacovigilance and scientific rigour
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