Top 20 Health News Stories — Thursday, September 24, 2026

Here are 20 significant India and global health, healthcare, disease, vaccination, medical research and public-health developments in the news today.

🇮🇳 India Health News

1. India strengthens measles and immunisation efforts

WHO South-East Asia immunisation experts are meeting to address measles outbreaks and persistent immunity gaps across the region. Although South-East Asia has achieved very high childhood immunisation coverage, WHO says pockets of under-immunisation continue to allow outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

2. India reiterates goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030

India is continuing efforts to eliminate hepatitis B and C as public-health threats by 2030, focusing on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care. The initiative is part of India’s broader push toward reducing the burden of viral hepatitis.

3. Adult vaccination remains a major concern in India

Indian Immunisation Week, being observed from September 21–27, is highlighting the country’s low adult vaccination coverage. Data cited by the Indian Medical Association indicate that only 1.98% of adults and 0.40% of people aged 60 and above have received adult vaccines, reinforcing calls for stronger preventive-health awareness.

4. Influenza vaccination campaign targets high-risk groups

The Indian Medical Association and Abbott are using Indian Immunisation Week to promote annual influenza vaccination, particularly among children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and healthcare workers. The campaign also addresses misconceptions about vaccination following mild illness or fever.

5. Drug regulator warns about indiscriminate painkiller and antibiotic use

India’s drug regulator has issued an advisory warning healthcare professionals and pharmacists about inappropriate use of NSAID painkillers and antibiotics, citing risks including kidney damage and chronic kidney disease. The advisory calls for more rational prescribing and dispensing practices.

6. India moves to strengthen medicine safety monitoring

The Union Health Ministry has announced the 7th National Formulary of India 2026 and a Biovigilance Programme aimed at strengthening patient safety. The initiative is intended to improve monitoring and reporting of adverse events associated with medical products and interventions.

7. Government proposes tighter controls on certain prescription drugs

The Health Ministry has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, covering regulatory oversight of Schedule H, H1 and X medicines. The proposed changes are intended to strengthen monitoring of medicines that require tighter controls.

8. India issues advisory on stem-cell therapy

The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory concerning the regulation of stem-cell therapy, highlighting the need for treatments to follow appropriate scientific, ethical and regulatory standards. The move comes amid growing public interest in regenerative medicine.

9. India faces a dual nutrition challenge

Recent NFHS-6 findings indicate that India is experiencing both rising overweight/obesity and persistent underweight, creating a complicated public-health challenge. The coexistence of undernutrition and excess weight means health policy increasingly needs to address both problems simultaneously.

10. AIIMS screening highlights menstrual-health concerns among schoolgirls

Screening at AIIMS has highlighted concerns about irregular menstrual cycles among adolescent girls. Specialists are emphasizing the importance of distinguishing normal variations during puberty from symptoms that may require medical evaluation.

11. Tamil Nadu hospitals urged to strengthen respiratory precautions

Health officials in Tamil Nadu are urging patients and visitors to consider wearing masks in hospitals amid concerns about respiratory infections. The recommendation is focused on limiting transmission in healthcare settings where vulnerable patients may be exposed.

12. India expands healthcare access through Ayushman Bharat

India is highlighting the progress of Ayushman Bharat, launched in 2018, as the programme reaches its eighth anniversary. The government’s healthcare strategy combines financial protection, primary healthcare, digital-health infrastructure and expanded access to medical services.

🌍 World Health News

13. US Senate holds hearing on Trump’s FDA nominee

The US Senate Health Committee is holding a confirmation hearing for Heidi Overton, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the FDA. Questions are expected to focus on vaccines, abortion-pill policy, drug approvals and the agency’s regulatory direction.

14. FDA faces continuing questions over vaccines and regulatory confidence

The FDA leadership hearing comes after a period of significant staff departures and controversy surrounding vaccine policy and drug approvals. Overton has been nominated as the administration seeks to reshape and stabilise the agency.

15. AI-generated healthcare costs approach $1 billion for major insurers

A Blue Cross Blue Shield Association study reported that AI tools have contributed to nearly $1 billion in additional healthcare spending over two years among its insurers. The analysis points to concerns that AI-assisted systems may be associated with providers billing for more severe levels of patient care.

16. US measles cases reach 3,471 in 2026

CDC data show 3,471 confirmed measles cases had been reported in the United States by September 17. The CDC says 95% of confirmed cases were associated with outbreaks, underscoring continuing immunity gaps and the importance of vaccination.

17. Southeast Asia confronts continuing measles outbreaks

WHO says several countries in South-East Asia continue to experience measles and other vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks because some children and adolescents remain under-immunised. Regional experts are focusing on closing these immunity gaps and maintaining vaccination programmes.

18. Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo remains a major global-health concern

WHO’s latest figures show the Bundibugyo virus Ebola outbreak in the DRC remains under active surveillance. WHO reported 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 confirmed deaths in the DRC in data covering May 15–September 21, although figures can be revised retrospectively.

19. Multistate hepatitis A outbreak in US linked to frozen clams remains under investigation

US authorities are investigating a multistate hepatitis A outbreak potentially associated with imported frozen clams. As of September 17, 37 illnesses had been identified across four states, with 81% of identified patients having been hospitalised; no deaths had been reported.

20. US tracks multiple foodborne disease investigations

The FDA is currently investigating active outbreaks involving E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. As of September 23, the agency listed 25 cases in the E. coli investigation and 40 in the Listeria investigation, with traceback and inspection work continuing.