Malaria
Malaria
- Mosquito-borne blood disease - caused by Plasmodium parasites.
- Most severe types - Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.
Transmission
- Plasmodium parasites infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Bite between dusk and dawn.
- Transmission - blood transfusion, organ transplant, or shared use of needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood.
Symptoms of Malaria
- Appear 10-15 days after a mosquito bite.
- Fever, headache, chills, and vomiting.
- Without effective treatment, it can lead to death.
Geographical Distribution
- Tropical and subtropical regions.
- Sub-Saharan Africa - high share of the global malaria burden.
- Also exists in parts of Asia, Latin America, and some parts of the Middle East.
Preventive Measures
- No malaria vaccine met 75% benchmark of WHO's efficacy.
- RTS,S with efficacy of 30-40% - approved by WHO.
- Collaboration of GlaxoSmithKline and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Ghana and Nigeria have given approval.
- R21 - by Oxford University.
- Similar to RTS,S vaccine.
- Bharat Biotech - RTS,S vaccine.
- Serum Institute of India - R21 vaccine.
Global Efforts to Eliminate Malaria
- Global Malaria Program
- Coordinating global efforts to control & eliminate malaria.
- Guided by "Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030”.
- E-2025 initiative
- To stop transmission of malaria in 25 identified countries by 2025.
- Malaria Elimination Initiative
- By Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Focuses on effective treatments, reducing mosquito population.
Efforts Taken in India
- National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP)
- Launched in 1953.
- 3 key activities.
- Insecticidal residual spray (IRS) with DDT.
- Monitoring and surveillance of cases.
- Treatment of patients.
- National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme
- Prevention of vector-borne diseases.
- Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue, Chikungunya, Kala-azar, and Lymphatic Filariasis.
- Prevention of vector-borne diseases.
- National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016-2030
- Based on WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 (GTS).
- Eliminate malaria throughout the country by 2030.
- Maintain malaria-free status.
- Prevent re-introduction of malaria.
World Malaria Report 2023
- Global Data
- Increase in global malaria cases with an estimated 249 million cases in 2022.
- Threats to the global malaria response - Covid-19 disruptions, drug resistance, humanitarian crises, and climate change.
- Four countries - Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Mozambique
- Accounts for half of all malaria cases globally.
- India Specific Data
- 2022 - India accounted for 66% of malaria cases in South-East Asia Region.
- Plasmodium vivax - a protozoal parasite, contributed to almost 46% of cases in India.
- Despite a 55% reduction in cases since 2015, India remains a significant contributor to the global malaria burden.
- India and Indonesia - 94% of all malaria deaths in South-East Asia Region.
Practice Question – Mains GS - II
Malaria has been a persistent global health challenge, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Discuss the socio-economic impact of malaria, outlining the key strategies employed by governments and international organizations to combat this disease. (150 words)
Global Stocktake
About Global Stocktake (GST)
- Assessment of climate change action carried out by the world countries.
- Mandated by Article 14 of the Paris Agreement 2015.
Basics of Paris Agreement
- Limit the global temperature from rising beyond 2°C above preindustrial levels.
- Below 1.5°C as far as possible.
- GST - a Review mechanism.
Global Stocktake (GST) Details
- GST evaluates progress made on climate action at the global level.
- Helps the world countries identify overall gaps in achieving the Paris agreement goal.
- 1st global stocktake - taking place in the current year.
- Conducted every 5 years hereafter.
- 2023 GST - BASIC countries stressed to take account the failures of the developed nations.
- Kenya also confirmed the demand of the BASIC nations.
BASIC Countries
- Consists of 4 newly industrialized countries - Brazil, South Africa, India, and China.
- Formed by an agreement in November 2009.
- Main aim - to work together to fight against climate change.
- Common goals on reducing GHG emissions & raising funds to combat Climate change.
Practice Question – Prelims
Consider the following statements about the ‘BASIC’ group:
1. It consists of five members namely Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Australia.
2. It aims to improve trade and strategic relationship between the members.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)
Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)
- Launched in 2015.
- Ministry of Human Resource and Development.
Aim
- To provide an opportunity for Indian students & faculty to interact with the best academic and industry experts from all over the world.
- To enhance the quality of education & research in Indian institutions.
Key Components of GIAN Scheme
- Inviting international experts to provide guest lectures or training in select Indian Institutions.
- Short-term courses can also be conducted by international experts in select Indian institutions.
- Duration - 1 week to 3 weeks.
- Students, other than from the hosting institutions, are also encouraged to participate in the lectures or courses.
Benefits
- Enabling international experts to share their expertise and experience with Indian students.
- Motivation for Indian students - working on specific problems & arriving at solutions.
- Strengthening the scientific and technological capabilities of India.
- Note - Foreign experts receive an honorarium to cover travel and other expenses.
Practice Question – Prelims
What benefits does GIAN provide?
(a) Strengthening international relations
(b) Enhancing cultural exchange
(c) Strengthening India's scientific and technological capabilities
(d) Funding research projects
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