Daily Current Affairs : 22-January-2024

Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a prominent biopharmaceutical company in India and a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has made a significant contribution to public health. They have launched India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine, named ‘Havisure’. This vaccine marks an important milestone in the fight against Hepatitis A, a serious liver infection.

Understanding Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection that primarily affects the liver. It is transmitted through contaminated food or water, making it particularly concerning in areas with poor sanitation. Here are some key points about Hepatitis A:

  • Transmission: Spread through consumption of contaminated food or water.
  • Symptoms: Can cause symptoms like fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
  • Complications: In severe cases, it can lead to serious liver damage and can be fatal.

Importance of the Vaccine

The launch of Havisure is expected to have a profound impact on public health in India. Vaccines are essential tools in preventing infectious diseases, and here’s why Havisure is important:

  • Prevention: It can significantly reduce the incidence of Hepatitis A infections.
  • Safety: Being developed locally, the vaccine is tailored to meet the needs of the Indian population.
  • Cost-effective: Havisure may be more affordable than imported vaccines, making it accessible to a larger population.

Important Points:

Company Overview:

  • Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) is a leading biopharmaceutical company in India and a subsidiary of the NDDB.

Vaccine Launch:

  • IIL launched India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine, named ‘Havisure’.

About Hepatitis A:

  • Highly contagious liver infection.
  • Transmitted through contaminated food or water.
  • Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
  • Severe cases can lead to serious liver damage or be fatal.

Importance of Havisure:

  • Aims to significantly reduce Hepatitis A infections.
  • Developed locally to meet the needs of the Indian population.
  • Expected to be more affordable than imported vaccines, increasing accessibility.

Public Health Impact:

  • Havisure represents a crucial step in improving public health in India.
  • Promotes the goal of healthier communities by reducing Hepatitis A rates.
  • Sets a precedent for future indigenous vaccine developments.

Why In News

Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and a leading biopharmaceutical company in India, has launched India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine called ‘Havisure’, which aims to enhance public health by providing a locally produced solution to combat this infectious disease.

MCQs about Havisure

  1. What is the name of the first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine launched by Indian Immunologicals Ltd?
    A. Havicure
    B. Havisure
    C. Hepavac
    D. ImmuHep
    Correct Answer: B. Havisure
    Explanation: The vaccine launched by Indian Immunologicals Ltd is specifically named ‘Havisure’.
  2. How is Hepatitis A primarily transmitted?
    A. Through direct contact with infected individuals
    B. Through contaminated food or water
    C. Through insect bites
    D. Through respiratory droplets
    Correct Answer: B. Through contaminated food or water
    Explanation: Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection that spreads mainly through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
  3. What is one expected benefit of the Havisure vaccine?
    A. It is only available in large cities.
    B. It can significantly reduce the incidence of Hepatitis A infections.
    C. It is more effective than any imported vaccine.
    D. It does not require any cold storage.
    Correct Answer: B. It can significantly reduce the incidence of Hepatitis A infections.
    Explanation: The vaccine is intended to help lower the number of Hepatitis A cases, improving public health overall.
  4. What does the development of Havisure signify for India’s public health efforts?
    A. A reliance on foreign vaccines
    B. A shift towards more indigenous solutions for health challenges
    C. A reduction in vaccine accessibility
    D. Increased dependency on imported medications
    Correct Answer: B. A shift towards more indigenous solutions for health challenges.
    Explanation: The launch of Havisure illustrates India’s capability to develop local vaccines, promoting self-reliance in public health initiatives.

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