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Current Affairs

Cameroon Launches World's First Malaria Vaccine Program for Children
Cameroon is launching a significant malaria vaccine program on January 22nd, targeting 2.5 lakh children over two years. Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 95% ... Cameroon is launching a significant malaria vaccine program on January 22nd, targeting 2.5 lakh children over two years. Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 95% of global malaria mortality, faces 250 million cases annually, resulting in 600,000 child deaths. The Mosquirix vaccine, approved in 2021, will be used, though concerns exist about its 30% efficacy and the need for four doses. To address supply constraints, WHO approved Oxford University's malaria vaccine, offering scalability and easier production. The Gavi vaccine alliance is supporting Cameroon's program, aiming to reach 6 million African children with at least one malaria vaccine dose by 2025. African leaders' commitment to malaria vaccination signals a high-level effort to combat the disease and advance scientific research. While not silver bullets, these vaccines represent a crucial step in preventing a threat that claims one child's life globally every minute.
Kerala Launches 'Operation Amrith'
The Kerala Drug Control Department has initiated "Operation Amrith" (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) to curb the overuse of antibiotics ... The Kerala Drug Control Department has initiated "Operation Amrith" (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) to curb the overuse of antibiotics in the state. The operation involves surprise raids in pharmacies to detect over-the-counter sales of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health threat, leading to around 5 million deaths globally in 2019. Kerala's initiative aligns with the state's Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan, focusing on antibiotic literacy and strict measures against pharmacies violating prescription regulations. The state has also launched programs like PROUD for proper disposal of unused antibiotics and established an AMR lab for environmental surveillance.
India Nears Kala Azar Elimination Target in 2023
India is on track to achieve the elimination target for visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala azar, this year. With no block in the country reporting m... India is on track to achieve the elimination target for visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala azar, this year. With no block in the country reporting more than one case per 10,000 people, India is making significant progress towards the elimination of this parasitic infection transmitted by sandflies. After missing the deadline multiple times, India aims to sustain its momentum over the next three years to receive WHO certification for eliminating kala azar. In October, Bangladesh became the first country worldwide to be officially validated by WHO for eliminating kala azar as a public health problem. India recorded 530 kala azar cases and four deaths until October 2023, compared to 891 cases and three deaths in 2022. Key interventions contributing to this achievement include effective indoor residual spraying, reducing crevices in walls to limit breeding areas, and ensuring treatment compliance for post-kala azar dermal leishmaniasis.