India Successfully Eliminates Visceral Leishmaniasis
Context: India has successfully achieved its target to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar, as confirmed by data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). Relevance: GS III- Health, Prelims About Kala Azar There are three types of leishmaniasis The Visceral leishmaniasis, which is commonly known as Kala-azar in India, is fatal […]
Review Highlights Limited Long-Term Protection from Vaccines
Context: A recent review of several vaccines revealed that only five offer protection lasting more than 20 years, and merely three provide lifelong immunity. This variability in vaccine efficacy raises concerns about the durability and effectiveness of immunization strategies. The findings underscore the need for ongoing research and development to enhance vaccine longevity and effectiveness, […]
WHO’s Global Hepatitis Report 2024 Highlights India’s Hepatitis Burden
Context: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has spotlighted India in its recently released Global Hepatitis Report 2024, identifying the country as grappling with a substantial burden of viral hepatitis, notably Hepatitis B and C infections. This recognition underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, public awareness campaigns, and healthcare initiatives to combat and reduce the […]
The Advent of a Holistic Approach to One Health
Context: The intricate relationship among humans, animals, and the environment has become increasingly apparent in light of pandemics like COVID-19. These outbreaks don’t just affect human populations; they also impact livestock, as evidenced by the spread of diseases like lumpy skin disease across countries. Relevance: GS2- Mains Question: The One Health approach is not a static endpoint […]
Gross Mismanagement in Tuberculosis Control
Context: A circular dated March 18, 2024, issued by the Health Ministry to all States, acknowledges that the supply of certain drug-sensitive medicines of Tuberculosis may face delays due to unforeseen and external circumstances. While States have been instructed to procure drugs locally for a three-month period, the circular also provides an option for States to […]
Implementing Universal Health Coverage
Context: Universal health coverage (UHC) embodies the principle of providing all individuals with unrestricted access to comprehensive, top-tier healthcare services, without imposing financial burdens. UHC guarantees that individuals can access healthcare whenever and wherever they require it, encompassing a wide range of essential health services, spanning from health promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. […]
Global Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu Poses Threat to Wildlife
Context: Since 2020, a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu, H5N1, has been rapidly spreading across the world, presenting an existential threat to birds and wildlife. As of December 2023, the virus has been detected in birds in over 80 countries, highlighting its widespread impact. In January 2024, the Executive Director of Health at the […]
Decline in Global Immunization During Covid-19
Context: A recent paper published in The Lancet Global Health titled “Estimating the Health Effects of Covid-19-Related Immunization Disruptions in 112 Countries During 2020–30: A Modelling Study” has highlighted a concerning trend. The study reveals that global immunization rates have declined significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic. This decline has led to an increase in disease […]
Fair Share for Health and Care report
Context: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a new report titled- Fair Share for Health and Care report, addressing the gender gap in global healthcare. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Report on Gender Disparities in Global Health and Care Work Gender Disparities in Health and Care Work: Representation and Leadership: Economic […]
World Tuberculosis Day 2024
Context: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is celebrated on March 24 annually to spread awareness around the deadly disease. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: Objective: Historical Background: Origin of World TB Day: Theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2024: Significance: About Tuberculosis India’s TB Elimination Target: Goals and Challenges India […]