Context:
Central Government will implement the G20 Pandemic Fund, which is aimed at enhancing the country’s “animal health security”.
G20 Pandemic Fund:
- Purpose – Established by G20 countries to enhance global preparedness and response to health emergencies, especially pandemics and zoonotic diseases.
- Key Objectives –
- Strengthen Global Health Security – Aims to improve healthcare systems worldwide for better prevention, detection, and swift response to pandemics.
- Address Zoonotic Risks – Focuses on diseases transmitted from animals to humans by investing in animal health and surveillance.
- Support Low and Middle-Income Countries – Provides crucial resources and support to regions with weaker health infrastructure.
- Structure & Funding –
- Management – Overseen by the World Bank, in collaboration with organizations like the WHO, FAO, and regional development banks.
- Financial Assistance – Initially funded with over $1.4 billion, offering grants and low-interest loans to eligible countries.
Zoonotic Diseases:
- Infections transmitted between animals and humans, caused by various pathogens like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
- Common Zoonotic Diseases –
- COVID-19 – Caused by SARS-CoV-2, likely originating from bats.
- Rabies – Viral infection spread through bites or scratches from infected animals, especially dogs and bats.
- Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) – Transmitted from infected birds to humans via direct contact or contaminated environments.
- Ebola – Originates from fruit bats, spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected animals or humans.
- Salmonellosis – Caused by Salmonella bacteria, commonly transmitted through contaminated food, particularly poultry and eggs.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Among the following which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Syria and Jordan
(b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
(c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea
(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam
Answer: (b)