30 Aug Prelims Bits: New Single-Strain Oral Cholera Vaccine and PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details of the Single-Strain Oral Cholera Vaccine
Syllabus mapping:
GS-3- Science and Technology: Recent development in the field of biotechnology.
For Prelims:
What is the new HILLCHOL? What is Cholera: signs symptoms and treatment?
Recent Context:
Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) has launched a new single-strain oral cholera vaccine, HILLCHOL®, in Hyderabad. Current global statistics reveal a shortfall of approximately 40 million doses of oral cholera vaccine, with only one manufacturer supplying the market. Despite being preventable and treatable, cholera has caused over 800,000 cases and 5,900 deaths across 31 countries in the past year. HILLCHOL® is administered in two doses, on Day 0 and Day 14, and is suitable for children over one year of age. It is provided as a single-dose oral vaccine and must be stored between 2°C and 8°C.
Key Features of HILLCHOL®:
Formulation: It is a single-strain oral vaccine, meaning it is taken by mouth rather than injected.
Dosage: The vaccine is administered in two doses, with the second dose given 14 days after the first.
Target Population: It is suitable for children older than one year.
Production Capacity: Bharat Biotech plans to produce up to 200 million doses annually, with facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar.
Global Impact: The vaccine aims to address the global shortage of cholera vaccines, which currently faces a deficit of about 40 million doses per year.
What is Cholera?
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. According to the WHO, It remains a significant global health threat and reflects issues of social inequality and inadequate development. Annually, it is estimated that between 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera occur, leading to 21,000 to 143,000 deaths worldwide.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Diarrhea: Often watery and can be profuse.
2. Vomiting: Common and can contribute to dehydration.
3. Dehydration: Rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to dry mouth, intense thirst, and reduced urine output.
4. Muscle Cramps: Resulting from electrolyte imbalances.
5. Rapid Heart Rate: Due to low blood volume.
6. Sunken Eyes: Indicating severe dehydration.
Types
Epidemic Cholera: Outbreaks that occur in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
Endemic Cholera: Persistent presence in certain regions, often linked to inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure.
Prevention and Control
Cholera is preventable and can be controlled by ensuring access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and practicing good hygiene. Effective management and prevention involve improving water and sanitation infrastructure and maintaining hygiene practices to safeguard public health.
Treatment
1. Rehydration Therapy: The primary treatment for cholera is oral rehydration therapy (ORT), using solutions that replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
2. Antibiotics: In severe cases, antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin may be used to shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the spread.
3. Intravenous Fluids: For very severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required to quickly restore lost fluids and electrolytes.
Cholera Vaccines:
Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs): These are effective in preventing cholera. Commonly used vaccines include:
Dukoral: A bivalent vaccine offering protection against Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139.
Shanchol: A bivalent vaccine covering serogroups O1 and O139.
Vaxchora: Used for travelers to endemic regions.
HILLCHOL: New agent in this list.
Cholera and India:
National Immunization Program: In India, cholera vaccination is part of the broader National Immunization Program, specially targeted in endemic and high-risk areas.
PRELIMS QUESTION:
Q.With reference to the HILLCHOL VACCINE, Consider the following statement:
1. This is the first single-strain cholera vaccine developed in India.
2. It is completely free from side effects
3. This vaccine is suitable for children aged more than one year.
How many of the above-given statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
ANSWER: B
PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details of the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation)
Syllabus mapping:
GS-2- governance: Developmental policies and programs.
For Prelims:
What is the PRAGATI platform?
Recent context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the 44th edition of PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), a multi-modal ICT platform designed to enhance governance and ensure timely project execution. This was the first PRAGATI meeting of Prime Minister Modi’s third term.
Key FUCUS OF the Recent MEETING
Review of AMRUT 2.0 and Jal Jeevan Mission:
AMRUT 2.0: Focus on improving water issues in urban areas. Emphasized the need for Chief Secretaries to personally oversee the implementation and ensure that planning aligns with future urban growth.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Addressed public grievances related to water supply in rural areas, stressing that water is a fundamental need and the importance of efficient grievance resolution.
Urban Planning and Governance:
Reforms Needed: Urged for reforms in urban governance, comprehensive urban planning, urban transport planning, and municipal finance to address rapid urbanization challenges.
Energy Needs: Recommend leveraging initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to meet the growing energy demands of urban areas.
Mission Amrit Sarovar:
Maintenance: Directed that water catchment areas of Amrit Sarovar should be maintained and desilted as needed with the involvement of Village Committees.
WHAT IS PRAGATI?
PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is an ICT-based multi-modal platform launched by the Government of India to improve governance and project implementation
Purpose and Objectives:
Enhanced Governance: PRAGATI aims to facilitate proactive governance by providing a real-time, transparent mechanism for monitoring and reviewing the progress of projects across various sectors.
Timely Implementation: The platform seeks to ensure the timely execution of projects by addressing bottlenecks and delays that may arise during implementation.
Coordination Between Government Levels: It serves as a bridge between central and state governments, facilitating better coordination and problem-solving for projects that involve multiple stakeholders.
Key Features:
Multi-Modal Interface: PRAGATI integrates various modes of communication, including video conferencing, GIS (Geographic Information System), and real-time data analytics, to review and manage projects.
Project Monitoring: The platform enables the monitoring of major projects across different sectors, such as infrastructure, energy, and social development, ensuring that they are on track.
Stakeholder Engagement: It involves direct interactions between the Prime Minister, senior officials, and state governments, fostering collaborative problem-solving and timely decision-making.
Problem Resolution: The platform allows for the identification and resolution of issues affecting project progress, with actionable insights and recommendations provided during meetings.
Functioning:
Regular Meetings: PRAGATI meetings are held periodically, during which the Prime Minister reviews the status of key projects, assesses progress, and addresses any challenges.
Project Review: During these meetings, project managers and officials present updates on the status, challenges, and achievements of various projects.
Actionable Insights: The platform helps take corrective actions, streamline processes, and ensure that projects are completed within the stipulated time frame and budget.
PRELIMS QUESTION:
Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: PRAGATI is an ICT-based multi-modal platform launched by the Government of India to facilitate effective governance and timely implementation of projects.
Statement II: The use of Information and communication technology has increased in governance over the last two decades for speedy decision-making.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
B. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I
C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
ANSWER: A.
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