Universal Health Organisation (UHO) Weekly Newsletter – 07 November 2025

Highlights:

• Misleading ‘ORS’ labelled drinks: Delhi High Court upholds FSSAI’s ban
• The Fear of Contagion being kept alive: 1 in 9 found infected in the ICMR study
• Cows in Denmark are sick after mandates to feed Bovaer to reduce methane production

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Website: https://uho.org.in

The release of the Universal Health Organization (UHO)’s latest newsletter, featuring critical health news alongside expert commentary from UHO Chairperson Dr. Amitav Banerjee. In this newsletter, three significant developments shaping global and national public health dialogues.

• ORS Safety Victory Amidst Ongoing Challenges:
  • The WHO standardized ORS solution, which saves lives and helps children recover from diarrhea, was marketed by private companies, including Dr. Reddy’s Labs.
    
  • These companies mislabeled and modified their ORS products, leading to high sugar content, which is harmful to children.
    
  • A doctor, Dr. Santosh, and a female pediatrician petitioned for eight years, leading to a ban by the Food Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
    
  • Dr. Reddy’s Labs appealed the ban in the Delhi High Court, which upheld the ban.
    
• ICMR Report on Infectious Diseases:
  • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released a report stating that infectious diseases are increasing in India.
    
  • The report, published in the Economic Times, indicates a rise in diseases such as hepatitis, influenza, and dengue.
    
  • The increase in infectious diseases is attributed to poor sanitation, unsafe water supply, and poor standards of living.
    
  • The ICMR screened 4.5 million patients and found that 11% had infectious diseases, with Hepatitis A being common, especially among children due to contaminated water.
    
• Climate Change and Methane Reduction in Denmark:
  • A biotech company in Denmark developed a product called Bovaer to reduce methane production in cows.
    
  • The product contains an enzyme that prevents methane formation in the cow’s stomach.
    
  • Reports indicate that many cows have fallen ill and collapsed after being fed this product, leading to concerns about its safety and the ethics of mandating such treatments.
    
• Vaccine Development and Safety Concerns:
  • Norovirus and dengue vaccines are under development, with trials underway.
    
  • There are concerns about the independence and potential conflicts of interest when vaccine development is partnered with pharmaceutical companies.
    
  • The lack of a robust system for monitoring adverse events following vaccination in India raises concerns about vaccine safety.
    
• Climate Change Narrative and Actions:
  • The narrative around climate change is being challenged, with concerns about the accuracy of models used to predict climate impacts.
    
  • There are questions about the ethics and potential harm of taking drastic actions in the name of climate change, such as mandating untested treatments for cows.
    
  • The UHO  expresses concerns about the potential for fear-mongering related to climate change and the need for a more balanced approach.

These insights bring to light the complexities and critical challenges in global health today. The UHO remains committed to promoting universal health, advocating for ethical medical practices, and ensuring that public well-being is always at the forefront.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and join us next week for another UHO Health News Update.