Context:
Cholera has experienced a resurgence, leading to approximately 4,000 deaths in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Cholera:
- Cause – Bacteria Vibrio cholerae.
- Nature – Acute diarrheal illness affecting the intestine.
- Preventable and treatable disease
- Transmission – Through contaminated water or food.
- Rapid spread in areas with poor sewage and water treatment.
- Vulnerable Populations – Malnourished children and individuals with HIV/AIDS.
- Vaccines – WHO pre-qualified Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) such as Dukoral, Shanchol, Euvichol-Plus.
- Global Burden – Worsened between 2022 and 2024, with the WHO reporting significant increases in both cases and deaths across various regions.
- Global Distribution – Decline in Asia, doubling of cases in Africa due to healthcare inequities
- As of August 2024, India reported 3,805 cases of cholera
Initiatives to Control Cholera:
- Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) – Initiated by WHO.
- Created a Global Roadmap for Ending Cholera by 2030 that includes
- Monitoring disease transmission.
- Engaging communities in hygiene and sanitation education.
- Implementing Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaigns in cholera hotspots.
- Created a Global Roadmap for Ending Cholera by 2030 that includes
- WHO WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Strategy – Focus on access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene to reduce the risk of illness, malnutrition, and mortality.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which of the following statements is not correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Option (b) is not correct: People can be effectively protected against Hepatitis B through vaccination. In fact, India is the largest producer of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine but there is no effective Hepatitis C vaccine till date.
