Daily Current Affairs : 18-November-2023

The recent revelation that 11 lakh children in India missed their first measles shot in 2022 has sparked concerns about the nation’s vaccination coverage. This places India among the top 10 countries with the highest number of children lacking this crucial immunization, highlighting the need for urgent attention and action.

Global Context:

Globally, measles immunization faced a setback during the pandemic, reaching its lowest levels since 2008. This decline resulted in an 18% surge in measles cases and a staggering 43% increase in deaths in 2022. The ripple effect of decreased vaccination rates during 2020 and 2021 is evident, emphasizing the importance of a robust healthcare infrastructure.

The Indian Scenario:

India is not only grappling with a high number of unvaccinated children but also ranks among the 37 countries witnessing significant measles outbreaks, with 40,967 cases reported in 2022. The dip in routine immunization during the pandemic, particularly in peri-urban areas and clusters, has exacerbated the situation. These regions later experienced outbreaks, indicating a critical need for targeted intervention strategies.

Measles: A Highly Contagious Threat:

Measles, caused by a highly contagious virus, spreads easily through respiratory droplets. Despite being preventable through vaccination, the disease persists as a leading cause of childhood mortality in India. The virus’s ability to infect anyone, particularly children, emphasizes the urgent need to address vaccination gaps.

Symptoms and Prevention:

Measles manifests with symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. Vaccination, with two doses offering 97% lifelong protection, remains the most effective prevention method. Understanding that even a single cohort missing vaccination makes them highly susceptible underscores the urgency to strengthen immunization programs.

Transmission and Treatment:

Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, transmitted through contact with infected secretions or breathing air exhaled by an infected person. While there is no specific treatment for measles, focusing on symptom relief, comfort, and preventing complications is crucial in caregiving.

Important Points:
  • 11 Lakh Unvaccinated Children in India (2022):
    • India ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of children missing their first measles shot.
    • Urgent attention needed to address this concerning vaccination gap.
  • Global Measles Immunization Challenges:
    • Global measles immunization dropped to its lowest levels since 2008 during the pandemic.
    • Resulted in an 18% increase in cases and a staggering 43% rise in deaths in 2022.
  • Impact of Pandemic on Routine Immunization in India:
    • Dip in routine immunization during 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
    • Peri-urban areas and clusters experienced gaps, leading to later outbreaks.
  • Measles Outbreak in India (2022):
    • India among 37 countries reporting significant measles outbreaks, with 40,967 cases in 2022.
    • Highlights the need for targeted intervention strategies in affected regions.
  • Measles: A Highly Contagious Threat in India:
    • Measles is a leading cause of childhood mortality in India.
    • Spreads easily through respiratory droplets, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vaccination.
  • Symptoms and Prevention of Measles:
    • Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash.
    • Two doses of the measles vaccine offer 97% lifelong protection, emphasizing the importance of timely vaccination.
  • Transmission and Treatment:
    • Measles spreads through contact with infected secretions or breathing air from an infected person.
    • There is no specific treatment; caregiving focuses on symptom relief and preventing complications.
  • Call to Action for Strengthening Immunization Programs:
    • Urgent need for a multi-faceted approach, including targeted outreach and public awareness campaigns.
    • Strengthening healthcare infrastructure crucial to addressing vaccination challenges in India.
Why In News

In 2022, a report revealed that 11 lakh children in India missed their first measles shot, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and accessibility to vaccination programs to ensure the well-being of the nation’s youngest population.

MCQs about Measles Vaccination Crisis in India

  1. What is the primary mode of transmission for measles?
    A. Direct physical contact
    B. Contaminated water
    C. Airborne respiratory droplets
    D. Foodborne particles
    Correct Answer: C. Airborne respiratory droplets
    Explanation: The measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spreading through contact with infected nasal or throat secretions, such as coughing or sneezing, or breathing the air exhaled by someone with measles.
  2. What areas in India experienced gaps in routine immunization during the pandemic, leading to later outbreaks?
    A. Metropolitan cities
    B. Rural areas
    C. Peri-urban areas and clusters
    D. Coastal regions
    Correct Answer: C. Peri-urban areas and clusters
    Explanation: The gaps in routine immunization during the pandemic were mainly in peri-urban areas and clusters, which later reported outbreaks.
  3. Why did global measles immunization drop in 2022?
    A. Lack of awareness
    B. Increased vaccine prices
    C. Routine immunization disruptions during the pandemic
    D. Government negligence
    Correct Answer: C. Routine immunization disruptions during the pandemic
    Explanation: The global drop in measles immunization in 2022 was due to routine immunization disruptions caused by the pandemic.

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