Djibouti Launches Pilot Program with GM Mosquitoes to Combat Malaria
Context: Djibouti, an East African nation, is taking a bold step in the fight against malaria by deploying genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes. This pilot program, launched in May 2024, represents a significant milestone in the battle against this deadly disease. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Why Use Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquitoes for […]
Tobacco Epidemic in India
Context: Tobacco is the most widely recognized preventable cause of disease and death globally. India has the world’s second-highest number of tobacco consumers, following China, with nearly 26 crore (260 million) people using tobacco products. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Reports on Tobacco Consumption in India Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS): Global […]
Neglect of Menstrual Hygiene for Female Prisoners in India
Context: Despite significant progress in menstrual hygiene management, with around 80% of young women aged 15-24 using safe menstrual products according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020), women in Indian prisons remain neglected. Improvements have been seen in urban areas and among certain groups, but societal biases against female prisoners, who are often […]
PRAGATI-2024 and CCRAS
Context: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has launched a groundbreaking initiative called “PRAGATI-2024” (Pharma Research in AyurGyan And Techno Innovation) to foster collaborative research and innovation in the field of Ayurveda. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: PRAGATI-2024 and CCRAS PRAGATI-2024 Initiative: Role of CCRAS: About Traditional Medicine: The traditional Indian system of medicine […]
Naegleria Fowleri : Brain-Eating Amoeba
Context: The recent death of a 5-year-old girl in Kerala due to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba,” has highlighted the rare yet fatal nature of this devastating infection. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: What is Naegleria fowleri? How does it infect humans? Symptoms of PAM Treatment for the […]
Serum Institute of India Ships Malaria Vaccines to Africa
Context: Recently, Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) announced that the shipment of its first batch of R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccines to Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half a million children die from malaria annually in Africa, which accounted for 94% of the global malaria cases (233 million) and 95% of the […]
HPV Vaccine Reduces Cervical Cancer Cases Across Socio-Economic Groups
Context: A major study funded by Cancer Research UK reveals that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effectively reducing cases of cervical cancer across all socio-economic groups. Conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, the study provides the longest follow-up on the effectiveness of England’s HPV vaccination program. The most significant prevention of […]
WHO Releases Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2024
Context: In preparation for the 77th session of the World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published its Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) for the year 2024. This report offers an overview of the advancements achieved in 2023 concerning the execution of the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, providing […]
What is Xenotransplantation?
Context: Recently, the first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant passed away after hisgroundbreaking xenotransplantation surgery. His death was not linked to the transplant. Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology, GS II- Health Dimensions of the Article: What is Xenotransplantation? Why are Pigs Often Used for Xenotransplantation? Historical Utilization: Anatomical and Physiological Resemblance: Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility: Organ […]
International Thalassemia Day 2024
Focus: GS II- Health Why in News? International Thalassemia Day is a global healthcare event commemorated every year on May 8th to raise awareness on Thalassemia among the masses. About Thalassemia: Importance of preventive screening and awareness: