Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Health
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Universal Immunization
– Public Healthcare
– WHO
Context
As the global community reflects on 50 years of immunization efforts, there is renewed momentum to strengthen immunization programs
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 1st May 2024
Make EPI an ‘Essential Programme on Immunisation’
The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for immunization programs worldwide, as it commemorates 50 years since the launch of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974. In India, this year also signifies two decades since the last nationwide independent field evaluation of the Universal Immunization Program (UIP). This presents an opportune moment to reflect on the progress made and chart a path forward for immunization efforts.
Global Progress in Immunization
- Over the past five decades, significant progress has been made in immunization worldwide.
- The number of diseases prevented by vaccines has increased from six in 1974 to 13 universally recommended diseases and 17 context-specific diseases.
- 13 vaccines (antigens) recommended by WHO for the EPI programme:
- Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
- diphtheria
- pertussis
- tetanus
- Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- polio
- measles
- rubella
- pneumococcal disease (PNC)
- rotavirus (Rota)
- human papillomavirus (HPV)
- COVID-19(for adults).
- Ongoing research aims to develop vaccines against approximately 125 pathogens, with a focus on diseases prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.
- Smallpox has been eradicated
- Polio eliminated from all but two countries and many vaccine preventable diseases have nearly disappeared.
Success of Immunization Programmes in India
- Government-Private Sector Collaboration:
- The collaboration between the government and the private sector has contributed to the success of immunization programs in India, with both sectors playing complementary roles in vaccine delivery.
- Percentage of Vaccines Delivered:
- Government facilities continue to dominate vaccine delivery, with approximately 85% to 90% of all vaccines administered through public healthcare institutions, showcasing the efficacy of government-run immunization initiatives.
- Consistent Increase in Coverage:
- Over the years, there has been a consistent increase in the coverage rates of recommended vaccines, reflecting the effectiveness of immunization campaigns and outreach programs across the country.
- the coverage has increased every passing year and in 2019-21, 76% of children received the recommended vaccines.
- Impact on Disease Prevention:
- Immunization programs have played a significant role in preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, resulting in a decline in morbidity and mortality rates associated with these illnesses.
- Economic Cost-Effectiveness:
- Economic analyses have demonstrated that immunization programs are highly cost-effective interventions, with every dollar invested in vaccination programs yielding a substantial return on investment in terms of healthcare savings and improved productivity.
Challenges and Concerns
- Lack of Adult Vaccine Coverage:
- While childhood immunization programs have seen success, there is a notable lack of coverage for vaccines targeting adults.
- This gap in immunization leaves a significant portion of the population vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Global Decline in Coverage:
- Despite the successes, there has been a concerning trend of declining childhood immunization coverage globally, as highlighted in UNICEF’s ‘The State of the World’s Children’ report in early 2023.
- Inequities in Vaccine Coverage:
- Persistent disparities in vaccine coverage by geographical location, socio-economic status, and other demographic factors pose challenges to achieving universal immunization coverage in India.
Recommendations for Future Action
- Government Policy: Provide recommended vaccines for adults and the elderly free of cost at government facilities.
- NTAGI Recommendations: NTAGI should provide recommendations on adult and elderly vaccination, enhancing coverage.
- Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Proactively address myths and misconceptions about vaccines through professional communication agencies and reliable sources.
- Physician Awareness: Increase awareness about vaccines among adults and the elderly through professional medical associations and physicians.
- Research and Evidence: Generate evidence on disease burden in the adult population to inform vaccination strategies.
Conclusion
In the 50 years since the launch of the EPI, immunization programs have made significant strides, but there is still work to be done. As India and the world commemorate this milestone, it is crucial to build on past successes and expand immunization efforts to reach all populations, including adults and the elderly.
Related Topics
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1948, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable
The governance structure of the WHO is designed to support the implementation of its mandate and the achievement of its objectives. It includes:
- Membership: WHO currently has 194 member states.
- World Health Assembly (WHA): The highest decision-making body of WHO and comprises representatives from all member States.
- Secretariat: Responsible for carrying out the policies and programs approved by the WHA.
- Director-General: Director-General heads the WHA and is supported by a senior management team.
- Regional Offices: WHO also has six regional offices: Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific.
- Each regional office is responsible for coordinating and supporting WHO’s work in their respective regions.
- Meetings: The WHA meets annually to set policies, approve the budget and elect the Director-General.
- Funding mechanism: WHO gets its funding from two main sources:
- Assessed contributions: Theseare the dues countries pay in order to be a member of the Organization.
- Voluntary contributions: It is from Member States (in addition to their assessed contribution) or from other partners like United Nations organizations, intergovernmental organizations, philanthropic foundations, the private sector etc.
References
WHO.
Related PYQ
Besides being a moral imperative of the Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyze. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2021]
Practice Question
Discuss the interconnection between animal welfare, public health, and environmental conservation in the context of industrial livestock production in India. [150 words]
How to approach this question?
Introduction:
- Start by briefly defining the key terms: animal welfare, public health, and environmental conservation.
- Mention the significance of industrial livestock production in India.
Body:
- Animal Welfare: Discuss how industrial livestock production impacts animal welfare. Mention practices like factory farming and their effects on the well-being of animals.
- Public Health: Discuss the implications of industrial livestock production on public health. You can talk about issues like antibiotic resistance due to overuse of antibiotics in livestock, zoonotic diseases, and food safety concerns.
- Environmental Conservation: Discuss the environmental impact of industrial livestock production. Mention issues like deforestation for pasture or feed crops, greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, and water pollution.
- Interconnection: Highlight how these three aspects are interconnected. For example, poor animal welfare can lead to public health risks, which in turn can impact the environment.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points discussed in the body.
- Highlight the need for sustainable practices in industrial livestock production that ensure animal welfare, public health, and environmental conservation.
- End with a forward-looking statement, emphasizing the role of policy interventions, technological innovations, and public awareness in achieving this balance.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!