National Workshop Focuses on Combating India’s Rising NCD Burden
The Union Health Secretary emphasized the need for inter-sectoral collaboration, enhanced research, and innovative practices to combat the growing NCD burden. The importance of community-level initiatives like Fit India and Eat Right India was highlighted. Best practices from Nagaland (tobacco cessation) and Telangana (yoga and wellness) were also showcased. Programs from Assam (hypertension control), Tamil Nadu (NCD screenings), and Andhra Pradesh (cancer care) were presented as successful models for other states.
Update on India’s Progress in Malaria Elimination
By 2023, 24 states and Union Territories achieved Category 1 status (API < 1 case/1000 population), with Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry reporting zero indigenous malaria cases, qualifying for subnational elimination verification. Annual Blood Examination Rates (ABER) improved from 9.58 in 2015 to 11.62 in 2023, ensuring timely detection and intervention.
Government on High Alert Amidst Resurgence of Mpox in Africa
The Health Ministry had issued a communicable disease alert, sensitized airport health teams, and conducted a video conference with state health authorities to strengthen surveillance and response capabilities. A network of 32 laboratories is equipped for testing, and protocols for prevention and treatment are being widely disseminated.
Once Bitten And Twice Shy: India Battles Against Vector-Borne Diseases
The resurgence of dengue and malaria cases in India has ignited a pressing need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to combat this vector-borne disease. The high-level inter-ministerial meeting convened by the Union Health Secretary underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgent steps required to prevent an outbreak of dengue. Additionally, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has also issued a press release on its measures for prevention of malaria.
India Witnesses Reduction in Drug-Resistant TB Cases
India has scaled up the availability of molecular diagnostic facilities. This effort has resulted in an increased proportion of TB patients being screened for the presence of drug resistance. Under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), there has also been a consistent and regular supply of Anti-TB drugs to all states and union territories (UTs) throughout the year.
Union Health Ministry Monitors H9N2 Outbreak in China
India is adopting a One Health approach to address public health issues comprehensively and integratively. The country has significantly strengthened its health infrastructure, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, India’s surveillance and detection networks, under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), have gained valuable experience in managing challenging health situations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
