In the last five years antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has gained greater importance and climbed up higher on the global health and development agenda. In 2011, an initiative by India was culminated in the Jaipur Declaration on AMR by the 11 countries of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) South-East Asia region. In response to request by the 68th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO coordinated the development of a global action plan (GAP) against AMR through extensive process of consultation.

To assess the effect of a combination strategy for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on the incidence of HIV infection, researchers analyzed the association between the incidence of HIV and the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and medical male circumcision in Rakai, Uganda. Changes in population-level viral-load suppression and sexual behaviors were also examined.

Original Source

Although significant progress has been made in reducing malaria transmission globally in recent years, a large number of people remain at risk and hence the gains made are fragile. Funding lags well behind amounts needed to protect all those at risk and ongoing contributions from major donors, such as the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), are vital to maintain progress and pursue further reductions in burden.

Adapting international guidelines to suit local context can drive evidence based practice in low and middle income countries, say Abha Mehndiratta and colleagues, as they describe a pragmatic approach to develop standard treatment guidelines for India.

Original Source

India’s national health policy was reformed this year, but lack of accessibility and out-of-pocket expenses still leave rural areas behind.