World Health Organization - India

In Psychiatry and Mental Health, physical exercise and sport have been neglected as essential tools in preventing the occurrence of mental disorders, in improving health and mental health, and in treating mental patients. This paper advocates for a better knowledge of this field by mental health workers in the best interest of care of mental patients.

Background: Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined by the world health organization (WHO) as a composite of all physical and mental capacities of an individual, is central to healthy ageing. The WHO integrated care for older people (ICOPE) step 1 screening tool is a rapid, feasible approach to detect early declines in locomotion, cognition, vitality, sensory function and psychological well-being. Indian evidence from primary care settings, especially urban health training centres (UHTCs), remains limited. To assess the prevalence of IC declines using the WHO ICOPE Step 1 tool among older adults attending an UHTC in Pune, and to determine associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 older adults (≥60 years) attending the UHTC in Pune. Consecutive sampling was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including socio-demographic factors, chronic diseases, falls, functional ability and the WHO ICOPE Step 1 screening tool. Results: The mean age of participants was 68.9±6.4 years; 54.2% were female. IC decline was present in 72.5% of older adults. Domain-wise declines were: sensory (52.5%), locomotion (48.3%), psychological (35%), cognition (31.7%) and vitality (28.3%). Age ≥70 years (OR 2.1; p=0.04), multimorbidity (OR 2.3; p=0.03) and ≥1 fall in past year (OR 3.0; p=0.01) were significantly associated with IC decline. ADL/IADL dependence was reported in 41.6% of those with declines. Conclusions: IC decline is highly prevalent among older adults attending the UHTC in Pune. The ICOPE step 1 tool is practical and effective for community and primary care screening.

Background: Odisha, home to a substantial tribal population, lacks robust community-based data on hypertension prevalence and its determinants among tribal groups. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated socio-demographic and behavioural determinants among tribal adults in a tribal-dominated area of Odisha. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to March 2023 in 22 tribal villages under the Rural Health and Training Centre (RHTC), Mendhasala, Khordha district, Odisha. Adults aged ?18 years residing in the area for at least six months were included. Using probability proportionate to size sampling, 669 participants were enrolled. Data were collected through house-to-house surveys using a standardized proforma and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent determinants of hypertension, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 42.8 ± 15.7 years, with females constituting 55.2% of the sample. Overall, 31.2% of participants were hypertensive. Hypertension was significantly associated with age >40 years (AOR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.12–1.82), higher BMI (>24 kg/m²) (AOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.18–2.52), unmarried/divorced/widowed status (AOR: 6.16; 95% CI: 1.97–9.29), and tobacco use (AOR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.56–4.39). Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high burden of hypertension among tribal adults in Odisha, driven predominantly by modifiable behavioural and social determinants such as tobacco use and marital status. The findings highlight the need for culturally appropriate, community-based screening, targeted tobacco cessation strategies, and lifestyle interventions to address the growing NCD burden among tribal populations.

ObjectiveTo explore the global research funding landscape for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.MethodsWe conducted a three-part study to assess the global research funding landscape. First, we searched the Dimensions database and online sources using Microsoft Copilot and Google between 12 November 2024 and 22 January 2025 for relevant grants. Second, we analysed national research infrastructure using World Health Organization (WHO) data, verified by regional contacts (14 January–28 February 2025). Third, we appraised selected funders across WHO regions, evaluating funding schemes for innovation, capacity-building and alignment with traditional medicine paradigms.FindingsWe identified 39 927 grants in the Dimensions database, with funding data available for 27 019 grants totalling 24.5 billion United States dollars (US$) for the years 1960 to 2024. Most grants (42.6%; 11 548) were valued under US$ 100 000, and half had a duration of 2–4 years. Cancer and cardiovascular diseases accounted for over half (8385/15 273) of topic-categorized grants, receiving US$ 5.8 billion and US$ 2.2 billion, respectively. Funders were concentrated in the Region of the Americas, and European and Western Pacific Regions. Only seven countries had schemes explicitly funding research for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. Case study analysis of 40 schemes across 12 countries revealed limited support for traditional medicine paradigms, with few schemes meeting criteria for innovation, capacity-building or sensitivity to traditional knowledge systems.ConclusionFunding for traditional medicine research remains disproportionately low relative to its global use. Strengthening support from research funding agencies is essential to achieving the goals of the WHO Global traditional medicine strategy 2025–2034.

BackgroundIndia, one of the largest consumers of tobacco, has seen a dramatic rise in tobacco-attributable deaths over the past three decades. Among proven tobacco control strategies, Pictorial Health Warning Labels (PHWL) are effective and cost-efficient, especially in countries with lower literacy rates. Despite global guidelines under the WHO FCTC and India’s own COTPA legislation, implementation of PHWL has faced sustained resistance from the tobacco industry (TI). This study systematically documents the evolution of PHWL policies in India, highlighting tobacco industry interference (TII) and the resulting delays, modifications, and legal obstructions over five decades.MethodsA mixed-methods case study approach was used, involving desk reviews of secondary data sources (1969–2018), key policy documents, internal industry records, and litigation reports. Data were classified into thematic phases and triangulated through expert consultations using a modified Delphi method.ResultsThe study delineates two key generations of PHWL implementation in India (1975–2011 and 2012–2018), identifying recurrent tactics by TI such as lobbying, legal challenges, framing of economic harm narratives, and alignment with front groups. These efforts contributed to repeated policy dilutions, indefinite delays, and selective implementation of PHWL rules. However, sustained pressure by public health advocates, judicial interventions, and government action eventually led to the adoption of 85% front-and-back warnings in 2016, despite persistent opposition.ConclusionThe Indian experience reveals the scale and sophistication of TII in delaying tobacco control efforts. The successful implementation of PHWL demonstrates the importance of coordinated legal, civil society, and governmental action. This study underscores the need for robust transparency frameworks and multisectoral resistance to industry interference to protect public health gains.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-23950-3.