WHO prequalifies first malaria drug designed for newborns and infants
The World Health Organization has granted prequalification to artemether‑lumefantrine, the first malaria treatment formulated specifically for newborns and infants. This infant‑specific formulation addresses dosing accuracy and safety concerns that previously arose when using medicines designed for older children. Prequalification confirms the medicine meets global standards of quality, safety, and efficacy, enabling public health programs to procure it with confidence. The development is expected to improve treatment outcomes for the youngest patients, supporting broader malaria control and elimination efforts in high‑burden regions and improving equity in access to essential medicines.
First infant‑specific malaria treatment approved by WHO prequalification
Drug: artemether‑lumefantrine
Addresses dosing safety for newborns and infants
Prequalification enables public procurement and wider access
Supports malaria control goals in high‑burden areas
Guntur wins GEM Award 2026 for women‑led urban service initiative in Vienna
Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has received the Gender Equality Mobilization (GEM) Award 2026 in Vienna, recognizing its Women Empowerment Initiative. The program deployed over 200 women as electric auto drivers for door‑to‑door waste collection, combining clean energy use with efficient urban services and livelihoods. The award was presented at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) event during the International Day of Women in Industry celebrations, with Tarja Halonen among attendees. GMC officials accepted the honor, highlighting inclusive governance and sustainable urban development. The recognition positions GMC on the international map for gender equality and urban resilience.
GMC awarded GEM Award 2026 in Vienna
Program employed 200+ women as electric auto drivers
Focus on clean energy and waste management
Presented during UNIDO event on International Day of Women in Industry
Tarja Halonen attended the event
Apr 24, 2026
Bagalkot University to confer honorary doctorates at first convocation
Bagalkot University in Karnataka will confer honorary doctorates at its first convocation. Space scientist S. Nambi Narayanan, religious leader Sri Gurumahanth Swami, and tech entrepreneur-philanthropist Mahesh Bellad will receive the honours. The maiden convocation, a milestone for the university established in 2023, will be held at Darbar Hall, BLDE Association campus, Jamkhandi, on 24 April 2026 at 11:30 a.m., symbolising the formal academic beginning after the first batch graduated in 2025. The university currently has 72 affiliated colleges and offers postgraduate programmes along with professional courses such as B.Ed and BP.Ed. Narayanan is renowned for his contributions to India's space programme with ISRO.
Honoris doctorates to S. Nambi Narayanan, Sri Gurumahanth Swami, and Mahesh Bellad
First convocation of Bagalkot University (established 2023)
Ceremony on 24 April 2026 at 11:30 a.m. in Jamkhandi
University has 72 affiliated colleges; offers PG and professional courses
Narayanan recognised for ISRO contributions
Apr 22, 2026
Ahilyanagar tops National Nutrition Fortnight awareness campaign
Ahilyanagar district in Maharashtra has topped India’s National Nutrition Fortnight campaign by the Women and Child Development Department. The district conducted 324,075 awareness activities so far in the eighth edition of the campaign, highlighting the focus on child nutrition and healthy development. Pune district ranks second nationwide, according to Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Gajanan Patil. This year’s Fortnight theme is 'Brain Development in the First Six Years of a Child’s Life', and government officials say the activities aim to improve feeding practices, growth monitoring and caregiver education across rural and urban areas. The campaign runs through the current financial year and involves frontline workers, anganwadi centers and health volunteers.
Ahilyanagar tops the Fortnight campaign nationwide.
Total activities reported: 324,075.
Pune second in the national rankings.
Theme focuses on brain development in early childhood.
Programs involve anganwadi workers and health volunteers.
Aims to improve feeding and monitoring practices.
Apr 19, 2026
World Liver Day 2026: Theme Solid Habits, Strong Liver
World Liver Day 2026 is observed globally on 19 April to raise awareness about liver diseases, their prevention, and the importance of early detection. Leading liver research bodies coordinate the campaign, including the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the Asia Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), and the Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver (ALEH). The annual theme, Solid Habits, Strong Liver, emphasizes that liver health is built over time through everyday choices about food, movement, alcohol, and self-care. Public messages encourage regular screening and healthier life choices to protect long-term liver health.
Theme: Solid Habits, Strong Liver; four habits include balanced diet, physical activity, reduced alcohol, and regular liver checks.
World Liver Day is observed on 19 April 2026 by major liver societies worldwide.
Liver health improves with daily lifestyle choices and early detection through screening.
Campaign promotes awareness of diseases such as hepatitis, NAFLD, and cirrhosis.
Official partners include EASL, AASLD, APASL, and ALEH.
Apr 17, 2026
World Hemophilia Day 2026 highlights early diagnosis
World Hemophilia Day 2026 is observed on 17 April with the theme Diagnosis: First Step to Care. The campaign highlights that early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and substantial numbers of people with hemophilia remain undiagnosed, especially in developing countries. The World Federation of Hemophilia promotes awareness and calls for better diagnostic systems and access to treatment worldwide. The observance underscores the need for coordinated efforts among governments, healthcare workers, patient groups, and researchers to improve prevention, care, and support for people with bleeding disorders.
World Hemophilia Day observed on 17 April 2026.
Theme: Diagnosis: First Step to Care; early detection essential.
Global issue with many undiagnosed cases, especially in low-income regions.
Campaign advocates stronger diagnostic and treatment access.