17-Mar-2023: Vaccinations against Foot & Mouth Disease completed in around 24 crore cattle and buffaloes across the country
During the second round of the Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive, around 24 crore cattle and buffaloes in the country have now been covered out of a targeted population of 25.8 Crore Cattle (as per data furnished by the states); reaching a near universal coverage of over 95% which is well beyond the herd immunity level. Reaching this milestone has been made possible due to the relentless efforts of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, State/ UT Governments/ administration, and most importantly the support of the livestock owners.
The program is 100% funded by Government of India which is centrally procuring vaccines against FMD and supplying to States and is also providing for vaccination charges, accessories, awareness creation, cold chain infrastructure etc. to enable the States/ UTs to undertake vaccination in campaign mode. The livestock owners are sensitized and made aware through various information, education and communication measures to get their animals vaccinated and requested to contact the nearest livestock health workers/ veterinarians to avail the facility. DAHD is also collaborating with Ministry of Rural Development to train more animal health workers/paravets.
It is expected that with such continued efforts, the goal of controlling and eventually eradicating Foot & Mouth Disease from the country will be achieved which will also help in increasing the income of livestock farmers/ keepers and in boosting India’s trade in livestock products.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a major disease of livestock especially in cattle and buffaloes in India and causes huge economic loss to livestock owners due to a reduction in milk yield. To address the problem, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) launched the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) in 2019 which is now a part of Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme. The program aims to control Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) through vaccination leading to its eventual eradication by 2030. This will result in increased domestic production and ultimately in increased exports of livestock products. Currently under this program vaccination is carried out in all cattle and buffaloes.
13-Feb-2023: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launches nationwide Sarva Dawa Sevan or Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)
Nationwide Mass Drug Administration Campaign was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. India aims to eliminate filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target. High-burdened areas are Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Filariasis
- Parasitic infection caused by microscopic, thread-like worms.
- Spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- Affects millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Causes and Transmission
- Caused by nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea.
- 3 types of filarial worms: Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
Symptoms
- Asymptomatic, acute, and chronic conditions.
- Chronic conditions lead to lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele.
Treatment
- WHO recommends three drug treatments to accelerate global elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
- Treatment known as IDA involves a combination of ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine citrate, and albendazole.
- Plan involves administering drugs for two consecutive years.
- Adult worm has a life of only four years and dies a natural death without causing harm to the person.
3-Feb-2023: African countries face Cholera vaccine shortage
Nearly 27,300 new cases of cholera including 687 deaths have been reported in five African countries since the beginning of 2023. Cholera is a serious bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. WHO has warned that Climate Change could make cholera epidemics more common. The bacteria that causes cholera can reproduce more quickly in warmer water.
What is Cholera?
Cholera is an acute bacterial infection that affects the small intestine. It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
What are the symptoms of Cholera?
The symptoms of cholera typically appear within a few hours to five days after infection. They include:
- Profuse watery diarrhea that can lead to severe dehydration
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
Who is at risk of getting Cholera?
Cholera is most common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, particularly in developing countries. People who live in or travel to areas with inadequate sanitation and water supply are at highest risk.
How is Cholera treated?
Cholera is a treatable disease, but early treatment is crucial to prevent severe dehydration and other complications. Treatment involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) through oral rehydration therapy or intravenous fluids. Antibiotics may also be given to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of symptoms.
How can Cholera be prevented?
- Prevention of cholera involves improving sanitation and hygiene, including access to clean water and proper disposal of human waste. This can be achieved through measures such as:
- Boiling or treating water before consumption
- Washing hands with soap and water regularly, especially before eating or preparing food
- Avoiding raw or undercooked seafood
- Using toilets or latrines instead of open defecation
Is there a vaccine for Cholera?
Yes, there are several vaccines available for cholera, including an oral vaccine that provides protection for up to two years. The vaccine is recommended for people traveling to areas with cholera outbreaks or those at high risk of exposure.
Is Cholera a global health concern?
Cholera remains a significant global health concern, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. According to the World Health Organization, there were 1.3 million reported cases of cholera and 13,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. However, the true number of cases and deaths is likely higher, as many cases go unreported or undiagnosed.