News- 001
"Vaccine Administration Errors on the Rise Since Pandemic"
January 1, 2025
Article Type: Health Briefs
Topics: COVID-19, Influenza, Vaccine/Immunization
A recent biannual report from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices National Vaccine Errors Reporting Program (ISMP VERP) reveals a concerning increase in vaccine administration errors following the COVID-19 pandemic, along with actionable strategies to enhance patient safety.
From January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, ISMP VERP received 1,987 voluntary error reports, detailing incidents such as the type of error, the facilities and practices involved, and contributing factors. While this figure represents a decrease from the 2,833 reports logged in 2020-2021, the overall trend remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. For context, just 226 errors were reported in 2019.
Key Findings
The most frequently reported errors included:
Wrong vaccine administered (25.2%)
Use of expired vaccines (19.8%)
Incorrect dosages (12.4%)
Other issues cited were administering vaccines at the wrong interval, to the wrong age group, or even to the wrong patient.
The COVID-19 vaccine accounted for the highest percentage of errors (44.3%), followed by vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (12.7%), hepatitis A and B (9.2%), and influenza (6.4%).
Locations of Errors
Errors occurred most frequently at:
Family practice facilities (36.7%)
Public health centers (21.8%)
Pediatric practices (20%)
Surprisingly, community pharmacies, which have seen an increase in vaccination services post-pandemic, accounted for only 8.7% of error reports. Authors attributed this underreporting to challenges such as fear of punishment, unclear definitions of errors, and a lack of time or resources.
Risk-Reduction Strategies
To address these challenges, the report recommends several safety measures:
Enhanced staff training and education
Improved storage practices, such as separating vaccines with similar names or abbreviations
Using prefilled syringes to minimize dosage errors
Despite its limitations, including reliance on voluntary reports and variability in reporting systems, the ISMP VERP report underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure vaccine safety.
News- 002
"Early Education Trends in India: Setting the Stage for Pediatric Success"
Preschool education and childcare in India have witnessed remarkable changes in recent years, influenced by shifting parental expectations, technological innovations, and policy reforms. Recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector is poised for robust growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% between 2024 and 2032. This article delves into the major trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping India's preschool education and childcare landscape.
Market Overview
As of 2023, the Indian preschool market was valued at approximately USD 957.86 million. Several factors contribute to this growth, including rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and increased awareness among parents about the importance of early childhood education. The market features a diverse mix of players, from established chains such as Kidzee and Footprints to numerous independent and regional preschools.
Key Trends and Developments
1. Technological Integration
Technology plays a pivotal role in modern preschool education, introducing tools like ERP systems, parent communication platforms, and vehicle tracking systems. These innovations enhance operational efficiency and strengthen communication between parents and schools.
2. Enhanced Teacher Training
The demand for improved teacher training has grown significantly. Many preschools are implementing customised training programs to align with contemporary educational needs, paving the way for private teacher training institutes.
3. Curriculum Evolution
The preschool curriculum is evolving to incorporate STEM and STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) methodologies. These approaches offer a holistic educational foundation, including robotics, programming, and multilingual learning opportunities.
4. Emphasis on Nature and Creativity
With rapid urbanisation, preschools are adopting nature-based learning and eco-friendly practices. This approach fosters environmental awareness and helps children connect with nature from an early age.
5. Community-Based Learning
A community-based approach to education promotes social and emotional development. Activities encouraging meaningful engagement and parental involvement are increasingly popular in preschool settings.
Challenges and Opportunities
A major challenge for the sector is the uneven access to quality preschool education. While urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru host a higher concentration of high-quality preschools, rural areas continue to face a deficit. However, the expansion of branded preschools into tier-II and tier-III cities presents a significant opportunity for growth.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 further supports the sector by fostering collaborations between preschools and K-12 institutions, enabling a smoother transition for children from preschool to formal schooling.
Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic had a profound impact on preschools, forcing many to close temporarily and others permanently. Despite this, the sector has demonstrated resilience. By 2022, parents began returning to preschools, with 2023 marking a period of significant recovery. This recovery phase has also seen greater acceptance of experiential learning and flexible preschool programs tailored to working parents’ needs.
Ashish Agarwal, Co-founder of Footprints, a leading preschool chain in India, highlights the evolving expectations of modern parents. He states, “The modern parent is looking for more than just a safe space for their child. They want an environment that supports holistic development and prepares their child for the future.” He also stresses the importance of teacher training: “Investing in our educators is essential. By equipping them with the latest teaching methodologies and technologies, we can ensure that our children receive the best possible start in life.”
Conclusion
India's preschool education and childcare sector is on a growth trajectory, driven by technological advancements, curriculum evolution, and supportive government policies. While challenges persist in ensuring equitable access to quality education, the sector is well-equipped to meet the needs of modern parents and foster the holistic development of young children.
The road ahead is filled with opportunities for innovation and collaboration. As the sector continues to evolve, stakeholders must work together to ensure that every child in India has access to quality early childhood education, ultimately shaping the future of education in the country.
To learn more about the evolving trends in preschool education, visit This Comprehensive Guide to Early Childhood Education
News: 003
The study identified a total of 32,482 caffeine energy product exposures reported during this period. While the overall exposure rate rose by 17%, exposure trends varied depending on the product type: liquid formulations saw a 35% increase, solid formulations decreased by 52%, and exposures to powder/granule formulations surged by an alarming 633%. The research did not include exposures to coffee, tea, or caffeinated soft drinks.
Dr. Hannah Hays, co-author of the study and medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center, emphasized the risks associated with powdered caffeine and pre-workout powders. "Because of unclear dosing instructions or preparation errors, overdoses can occur," she explained. "Additionally, young children may mistake these concentrated powders or granules for food, leading to unintentional exposure."
Key findings from the study include:
Children younger than 6 years old accounted for 70% of all reported exposures.
Males comprised 57% of exposures.
Liquid formulations were the most commonly involved (58%).
While 81% of cases did not require treatment at a health care facility, 1.6% resulted in medical admission.
Teenagers (13–19 years old) were more likely to experience serious medical outcomes or require hospital admission than younger children.
Solid formulations (e.g., tablets, crystals, capsules) were more frequently associated with severe medical outcomes.
Among liquid subcategories, exposures to beverages increased by 47%, while exposures to energy shots dropped by 86%.
The study also highlighted that most exposures among adolescents were intentional (61%), with nearly all self-harm attempts (94%) occurring in the teenage group. Among the 959 reported self-harm cases, females accounted for 64%, and 86% involved solid formulations. These incidents were more likely to result in serious medical outcomes or hospital admissions than other types of exposures.
Furthermore, the research found that the exposure rate among children under 6 years old increased by 20% over the 13-year period, underscoring the need for better safety measures to prevent accidental ingestion.
Dr. Hays stressed the importance of preventing young children from accessing these products: "The high and increasing rate of exposure in this vulnerable age group suggests that caffeine energy products are both accessible and appealing to young children. These products should not have packaging that attracts young children and should always be stored securely."
Date: 05-02-2025
Children at Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues Due to Early Adversity in Siblings, Study Finds
A groundbreaking study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) has found that children are 71% more likely to develop mental health issues between the ages of five and 18 if their firstborn sibling experienced adversity during their first 1,000 days of life.
Published in The Lancet Public Health and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Policy Research Programme, the study underscores the long-term effects of early childhood adversity, not just on the individual child but on the entire family.
Mothers whose firstborn children experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) had a 71% higher likelihood of having children with mental health issues compared to those whose firstborns did not face adversity.
This translates to an additional 12 children per 100 mothers developing mental health problems when the firstborn was exposed to adversity.
Researchers analyzed linked GP and hospital health records from 333,048 first-time mothers and their 534,904 children (both firstborns and younger siblings) born in England between 2002 and 2018.
Six types of ACEs in firstborns were examined: child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, maternal substance misuse, maternal mental health issues, adverse family environments (e.g., homelessness), and high-risk cases of child maltreatment (e.g., unexplained injuries).
Over a third (37.1%) of firstborn children had at least one recorded ACE, with maternal mental health issues (21.6%) and adverse family environments (14.5%) being the most common.
Nearly one in five (19.8%) mothers had at least one child diagnosed with a mental health condition between the ages of five and 18.
Families where the firstborn experienced ACEs had significantly higher rates of mental health issues in children (30 per 100 mothers) compared to families without ACE exposure (17 per 100 mothers).
The risk of mental health problems was consistent across all siblings, regardless of birth order.
Children in families where the firstborn faced adversity had 50% more emergency hospital admissions and twice the number of mental health-related healthcare contacts.
Lead author Dr. Shabeer Syed (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) emphasized the importance of viewing mental health risk beyond the individual child:
"Our study highlights how adversity in early life does not just impact the firstborn child but cascades through the family. When a child or parent presents with mental health concerns, violence, or other forms of adversity, it is essential to consider the broader family context."
Professor Jessica Deighton (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, and Anna Freud Centre) called for stronger prevention strategies:
"With rising numbers of children accessing mental health services, early intervention is key. We must expand our focus to include the entire family when addressing childhood adversity. Increased funding for prevention schemes and greater use of community resources, such as GPs and local organizations, are essential to identifying and supporting vulnerable families."
Senior author Professor Ruth Gilbert (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health) stressed the need for further research:
"Providing intensive early-life support for parents and their children could benefit multiple family members. We need studies to determine whether early interventions, such as community support from health visitors and parenting programs, reduce long-term mental health risks."
Co-author Professor Gene Feder (University of Bristol Centre for Academic Primary Care) highlighted the role of primary care providers:
"General practitioners play a crucial role in identifying firstborn children facing adversity and supporting first-time parents. More evidence is needed on effective interventions to mitigate these risks."
The study could not assess the impact of fathers' mental health or substance use due to unavailable linked healthcare data.
While the study established an association between ACEs and mental health outcomes in siblings, it does not confirm a direct causal relationship.
The reliance on electronic health records may underestimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence and child maltreatment due to non-disclosure and underreporting by clinicians.
This study sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of early childhood adversity, demonstrating that its effects extend beyond individual children to their siblings. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive, family-focused intervention strategies to improve mental health outcomes for vulnerable children. Investing in early support and prevention measures can help mitigate the long-term impact of ACEs, ultimately benefiting entire families.
News: 004 Title: Global Experts to Gather in Dubai for the 4th World Pediatrics and Child Health Summit
Dubai, UAE – The 4th World Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health Summit is set to take place on October 21-23, 2025, in Dubai, UAE, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advancements in pediatric and neonatal care.
This highly anticipated global event serves as a vital platform for professionals in pediatrics, neonatology, perinatology, and child health to exchange knowledge, collaborate on research, and address the most pressing challenges facing child healthcare today. The summit will feature keynote presentations from internationally renowned speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and poster presentations showcasing cutting-edge research.
Key topics to be explored at the summit include neonatal and perinatal care, pediatric infectious diseases, child nutrition, adolescent health, pediatric surgery, mental health in children, and advancements in pediatric medicine and technology. Experts will also highlight innovative treatments, breakthrough research, and policy developments that aim to improve child healthcare globally.
The 4th World Pediatrics and Child Health Summit 2025 will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to network with leading professionals, gain insights into the latest clinical practices, and engage in meaningful discussions that shape the future of pediatric healthcare.
With Dubai being a global hub for medical conferences, the event is expected to attract a diverse group of participants, including pediatricians, neonatologists, perinatologists, nurses, healthcare policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world.
Organizers encourage early registration to secure participation in this prestigious summit. For more information on registration, agenda, and speaker details, visit the official website.
Dubai, UAE – October 21, 2025 – Dubai is set to become the global hub for pediatric healthcare advancements as it hosts the 4th World Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health Summit from October 21-23, 2025. This highly anticipated event will bring together leading pediatricians, neonatologists, child health specialists, researchers, and policymakers from around the world to discuss groundbreaking innovations and challenges in pediatric care.
With a strong focus on neonatal health, pediatric diseases, perinatology, and child development, the summit will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by renowned experts in the field. Topics such as early diagnosis of pediatric disorders, advancements in neonatal care, immunization strategies, and child nutrition will be at the forefront of discussions.
The summit will also provide a platform for researchers to present their latest findings, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange to enhance child healthcare globally. Leading healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also participate, showcasing new technologies and treatments that aim to improve the quality of life for children worldwide.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a center for medical innovation and excellence, the event reinforces the UAE’s commitment to advancing pediatric healthcare on an international scale. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in networking sessions, workshops, and hands-on training programs, ensuring that the insights gained during the summit translate into real-world applications. With increasing global health challenges affecting children, the 4th World Pediatrics Summit 2025 serves as a critical platform for collaboration, innovation, and impactful solutions that can shape the future of pediatric and perinatal medicine.
Date: 01-03-2025
DiMe Launches First-Ever Pediatric Digital Medicine Playbook
The Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) has unveiled The Playbook: Pediatric Digital Medicine, a groundbreaking guide to accelerating innovation in children's digital health. Despite comprising nearly a quarter of the U.S. population, children receive only 10% of healthcare funding, leaving gaps in digital health solutions tailored to their needs.
Developed with industry leaders, the Playbook provides actionable strategies for designing, scaling, and integrating pediatric digital health tools. It emphasizes user-centered design, regulatory guidance, and sustainable business models to drive meaningful change.
DiMe aims to empower healthcare providers, developers, and investors with this open-access resource, ensuring children benefit from safe, effective, and equitable digital health advancements.
Date: 03-03-2025
Dubai, UAE – [Insert Date] – The 4th World Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health Summit, set to take place from October 21-23, 2025, in Dubai, UAE, will bring together top experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing pediatric and perinatal care.
The event will provide a cutting-edge platform to discuss the latest breakthroughs in neonatal care, child nutrition, pediatric infectious diseases, and developmental disorders. With an impressive lineup of international keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and research presentations, attendees will gain invaluable insights into modern challenges and solutions in child healthcare.
A key focus of the summit will be the integration of AI, telemedicine, and innovative medical technologies into pediatric practice, as well as tackling pressing global issues such as antibiotic resistance, childhood obesity, and mental health disorders.
Dubai, a global medical hub, serves as the perfect host city for this prestigious event, offering world-class facilities and opportunities for international collaboration.
For registration details and event updates, visit https://pediatrics.utilitarianconferences.com/