Daily Current Affairs : 5-December-2023
In a significant development at the U.N. COP 28 summit, the United Arab Emirates and various charities collectively pledged $777 million towards the eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This financial commitment reflects a growing recognition of the impact of climate change on health, particularly in developing countries.
Global Efforts and Pledges:
- The COP28 summit, primarily focused on climate-related health risks, saw notable contributions, including $100 million each from the UAE and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- The World Bank initiated a program to explore support measures for public health in developing nations, where climate-related health risks pose severe challenges.
Understanding Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs):
- NTDs constitute a group of 20 conditions prevalent in tropical areas, disproportionately affecting impoverished communities, women, and children.
- Pathogens causing NTDs include viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
- Rooted in poverty, limited healthcare access, and inadequate sanitation, these diseases historically receive less attention and funding for research and development.
Prevalence and Impact:
- NTDs thrive mainly in rural and hard-to-reach regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation, conditions exacerbated by climate change.
- The global burden of NTDs is expected to escalate alongside climate-driven health threats such as malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress.
Neglected Tropical Diseases in India:
- India bears the largest absolute burden of at least 10 major NTDs, including hookworm, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, kala-azar, rabies, ascariasis, trichuriasis, trachoma, and cysticercosis.
Government Initiatives in India:
- National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP): Conducts mass drug administration campaigns, distributes bed nets, and promotes vector control measures to prevent diseases like lymphatic filariasis, malaria, dengue, and kala-azar.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, including addressing NTDs.
- Kala-azar Elimination Programme: Launched in 1990-91, targeting elimination by 2023, aligning with the WHO NTD Road Map goal for 2030.
- Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme: Actively participating in the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF).
- National Deworming Day (NDD): Launched in 2015, a nationwide program aimed at reducing the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among children.
Important Points:
Global Efforts and Pledges:
- $777 million pledged at U.N. COP 28 for eradicating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
- UAE and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contribute $100 million each.
- World Bank initiates program for public health support in developing countries.
Understanding Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs):
- Group of 20 conditions prevalent in tropical areas, affecting impoverished communities, women, and children.
- Caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
- Historically receive less attention and funding for research and development.
Prevalence and Impact:
- NTDs thrive in rural and hard-to-reach regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
- Climate change exacerbates conditions, leading to a rise in NTDs and other climate-driven health threats.
Neglected Tropical Diseases in India:
- India has the largest absolute burden of 10 major NTDs, including hookworm, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, kala-azar, rabies, ascariasis, trichuriasis, trachoma, and cysticercosis.
Government Initiatives in India:
- National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP): Mass drug administration campaigns, bed net distribution, and vector control for diseases like lymphatic filariasis, malaria, dengue, and kala-azar.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, including addressing NTDs.
- Kala-azar Elimination Programme: Launched in 1990-91, aiming for elimination by 2023, aligning with the WHO NTD Road Map goal for 2030.
- Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme: Actively participating in the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF).
- National Deworming Day (NDD): Launched in 2015, a nationwide program aimed at reducing the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among children.
Why In News
At the U.N. COP 28, The United Arab Emirates, along with several charities, demonstrated their commitment to global health by pledging $777 million in financing for eradicating neglected tropical diseases, emphasizing their dedication to fostering a healthier and more equitable world.
MCQs about Global Collaboration Against Neglected Tropical Diseases
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What is the primary focus of the $777 million pledges made at the U.N. COP 28 summit?
A. Climate change mitigation
B. Eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
C. Research and development for new medicines
D. Infrastructure development in developing countries
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Which organization contributed $100 million for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases at COP 28?
A. World Bank
B. United Nations
C. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
D. International Red Cross
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What are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) mainly associated with?
A. Urban areas
B. Developed countries
C. Poverty, limited healthcare access, and inadequate sanitation
D. Cold climates
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What is the primary objective of India’s National Deworming Day (NDD) program launched in 2015?
A. Controlling air-borne diseases
B. Reducing the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among children
C. Eradicating malaria
D. Promoting vaccination for infectious diseases
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