| |JUNE 20269BIG WIN FOR MODERNA AS FDA PANEL SUPPORTS FLU VACCINE50 LAKH GIRLS VACCINATED: INDIA'S HPV CAMPAIGN GAINS MOMENTUMHOW A 60-SECOND SCAN COULD RESHAPE PREVENTIVE MEDICINEWHAT TRIGGERED THE CENTRE'S LATEST DENGUE PREPAREDNESS REVIEW?Moderna flu vaccine moved a step closer to market approval after an independent panel of advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unanimously backed the company's experimental shot for adults aged 50 years and older. The positive recommendation marks a major milestone for Moderna as it expands its vaccine portfolio beyond COVID-19 products.The Moderna flu vaccine received a 9-0 vote from the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, which concluded that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks. The decision brings Moderna closer to securing approval for what could become the first mRNA-based seasonal influenza vaccine in the United States. POMidjourney, the AI image-generation startup known for creating digital art, is making an unexpected move into healthcare. The company has unveiled a full-body ultrasound system that can scan the human body in about 60 seconds, raising questions about how rapid imaging could reshape preventive healthcare. The technology is designed to help users monitor their health regularly rather than seek medical attention only after symptoms appear. As preventive medicine gains importance worldwide, Midjourney's latest healthcare bet highlights a growing focus on early detection and continuous health monitoring. The scanner, developed under a new division called Midjourney Medical, uses more than 40 ultrasound-on-chip modules built in partnership with Butterfly Network. POIndia's HPV campaign has reached a major milestone, with nearly 50 lakh girls vaccinated within just three months of the nationwide The Centre's latest Dengue Preparedness Review comes at a crucial time as the monsoon season approaches and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases begins to rise across the country. To strengthen prevention and response efforts, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high-level meeting to assess the country's readiness against dengue and malaria.During the Dengue Preparedness Review, the minister directed states and Union Territories to intensify rollout. The HPV campaign, launched by the Centre in February 2026, aims to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer through free vaccination under the national immunization program.The rapid progress highlights the government's push to improve women's health and expand preventive healthcare coverage across the country. According to government data, around 50 lakh doses have already been administered to 14-year-old girls, covering nearly half of the target population of 1.15 crore beneficiaries. The vaccination drive is being carried out through schools, healthcare facilities, and special outreach programs across states. POpublic health initiatives, with the state crossing 1.11 crore screenings for sickle cell disease. The achievement highlights the impact of early detection and sustained healthcare efforts in tackling a genetic disorder that affects thousands of people, especially in tribal communities.Through Gujarat's Sickle Cell Mission, the state has built a strong framework for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and awareness, helping improve the lives of patients and their families. The milestone comes as India continues its efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health challenge by 2047. Gujarat's experience is now being seen as a model that can support the national mission and strengthen healthcare services in high-risk regions. POsurveillance, improve healthcare preparedness, and strengthen vector-control measures to prevent outbreaks during the rainy season. With monsoon conditions creating favorable breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the Ministry of Health is taking early action to reduce the risk of disease spread. PO
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