Daily Current Affairs : 19-July-2023

In a significant development for public health, India’s coverage rate for DPT3, the third dose of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccines, soared to an all-time high of 93% in 2022. This achievement marks a commendable stride towards protecting the population from three infectious diseases: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF’s estimates for national immunization coverage in the WHO South-East Asia Region also indicated a substantial recovery, with DPT3 coverage reaching 91%, returning to pre-pandemic levels, after the 82% recorded in 2021.

Understanding DPT Vaccine

The DPT vaccine is a crucial combination of three individual vaccines designed to shield individuals from diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. Each of these diseases presents unique risks and symptoms:

  1. Diphtheria: Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and typically spreads through direct contact, airborne transmission, or touching contaminated objects. Immunization through a diphtheria vaccine effectively prevents the infection and is available in various formulations.
  2. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Whooping cough, commonly known as pertussis, is a respiratory tract infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It can lead to severe coughing spells, making it particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
  3. Tetanus (Lockjaw): Tetanus, caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, results in painful muscle contractions and is often referred to as “lockjaw.” The bacteria produce a toxin that leads to these debilitating muscle spasms.
National Immunisation Coverage

India’s remarkable achievement in reaching a DPT3 coverage rate of 93% can be attributed to its Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). The UIP ensures that immunization against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including DPT, is provided free of cost to the population. By making vaccines readily available and accessible, the government has been successful in encouraging widespread immunization.

Benefits of Immunisation

Immunization plays a vital role in safeguarding public health by preparing our bodies to combat infectious diseases if exposed to them in the future. Some key benefits of immunization include:

  1. Disease Prevention: Vaccines effectively protect individuals from infectious diseases, reducing the risk of contracting and spreading illnesses in the community.
  2. Herd Immunity: Achieving high vaccination rates within a population creates herd immunity, which offers protection to vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or those with weakened immune systems.
  3. Eradication of Diseases: Vaccination has been instrumental in eradicating or significantly reducing the prevalence of deadly diseases such as smallpox and polio.
  4. Cost-Effective Health Strategy: Immunization is a cost-effective approach to public health as it reduces healthcare expenses related to treating diseases and their complications.
Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the commendable progress in DPT3 coverage, challenges remain in sustaining and further improving immunization rates. Some of the challenges include:

  1. Vaccine Hesitancy: Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation and misconceptions, poses a significant barrier to achieving optimal immunization rates.
  2. Access to Remote Areas: Ensuring equitable vaccine distribution and access in remote and underserved areas remains a challenge.
  3. Infrastructure and Logistics: Maintaining the cold chain for storing and transporting vaccines requires robust infrastructure and logistical support.

To address these challenges and continue improving vaccination rates, governments, healthcare providers, and communities must work together. Some strategies include:

  1. Health Education and Awareness: Enhancing health education initiatives can combat vaccine hesitancy and promote the importance of immunization.
  2. Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: Investment in healthcare infrastructure will enhance vaccine storage, transportation, and delivery capabilities.
  3. Mobile Vaccination Units: Implementing mobile vaccination units can reach remote areas and increase vaccine coverage in underserved communities.

Important Points:

  • India’s DPT3 vaccine coverage reached an all-time high of 93% in 2022.
  • The DPT vaccine protects against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.
  • Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, pertussis by Bordetella pertussis, and tetanus by Clostridium tetani.
  • The WHO South-East Asia Region also saw a sharp increase in DPT3 coverage, reaching 91%.
  • India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) provides free vaccination against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including DPT.
  • Immunization prepares the body to fight infectious diseases in the future.
  • Benefits of immunization include disease prevention, herd immunity, and cost-effective health strategies.
  • Challenges in sustaining high immunization rates include vaccine hesitancy, access to remote areas, and infrastructure and logistics.
  • Strategies to address challenges include health education, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and implementing mobile vaccination units.
  • Continued efforts to improve vaccination rates will lead to healthier and more resilient communities.
Why In News

In 2023, India witnessed a remarkable continuation of progress in its vaccination efforts as the coverage rate for DPT3, the crucial third dose of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccines, surged even higher to an unprecedented 95%. This significant achievement reflects the nation’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the well-being of its population against preventable diseases.

MCQs about India’s Record-High DPT3 Vaccine Coverage

  1. What does the DPT vaccine protect against?
    A. Diphtheria, pertussis, and tuberculosis
    B. Diphtheria, pneumonia, and tetanus
    C. Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus
    D. Diphtheria, mumps, and tetanus
    Correct Answer: C. Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus
    Explanation: The DPT vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides protection against these three infectious diseases.
  2. What is the primary cause of pertussis (whooping cough)?
    A. Bacteria: Bordetella pertussis
    B. Virus: Influenza virus
    C. Bacteria: Corynebacterium diphtheriae
    D. Virus: Human papillomavirus
    Correct Answer: A. Bacteria: Bordetella pertussis
    Explanation: Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
  3. What is one of the strategies to address challenges in sustaining high immunization rates?
    A. Increasing vaccine prices to improve supply
    B. Implementing health awareness campaigns to combat vaccine hesitancy
    C. Limiting vaccine distribution to urban areas only
    D. Reducing the number of available vaccines to manage logistics
    Correct Answer: B. Implementing health awareness campaigns to combat vaccine hesitancy
    Explanation: One of the strategies mentioned in the essay to address challenges in sustaining high immunization rates is enhancing health education initiatives to combat vaccine hesitancy and promote the importance of immunization.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading