Indian Society and Social Issues: December 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Human Trafficking

Context: The recent spotlight in the news is on Operation Storm Makers II, a coordinated effort led by Interpol, shedding light on the growing network of fraudulent activities linked to human trafficking. 

• This operation brought together law enforcement agencies from 27 countries across Asia and various other regions to combat the issues of human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.

What are the Major Highlights of Operation Storm Makers II?

• Arrests and Charges: The operation resulted in the apprehension of 281 individuals across various countries on charges spanning human trafficking, passport forgery, corruption, telecommunications fraud, and sexual exploitation.
• Rescues and Investigations: 149 human trafficking victims were rescued, initiating over 360 investigations, a substantial number of which are currently under active pursuit by law enforcement agencies.
• Telangana Case: According to Interpol, the Telangana police registered one of the first cases in India of human trafficking committed for the purpose of forcing victims to commit cyber fraud.
  • An accountant was lured to a Southeast Asian country and forced into participating in online fraudulent schemes under inhumane conditions.
  • His release was secured after a ransom payment.

Note

• Interpol, also known as the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO), stands as the globe's largest international police entity. Its primary objective is to facilitate global law enforcement cooperation, aiming to enhance worldwide safety.
• Comprising 196 member countries, Interpol counts India among its earliest participants, having joined the organization in 1949. Employing a secure network, Interpol enables nations to communicate with each other and the General Secretariat while granting real-time access to its databases and services.

What is the Status of Human Trafficking in India?

• Human trafficking pertains to the illicit trade and exploitation of individuals, often involving forced labor, sexual abuse, or involuntary servitude. This encompasses the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or reception of individuals using threats, coercion, abduction, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation.
• In India, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded over 6,500 human trafficking victims in 2022, with 60% being women and girls. The country has constitutional and legislative provisions addressing this issue:
• Constitutional Prohibition: Article 23 of the Indian Constitution prohibits human trafficking and forced labor without payment, known as begar.

Legislative Measures:

• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA): This primary law focuses on preventing trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Enacted to protect children from sexual abuse, defining various forms of abuse.
  • Other laws include the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
• State-Specific Laws: Individual states have also implemented laws addressing trafficking. For instance, The Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, targets this issue at the state level.

International Agreements:

• UN Convention (UNCTOC): India ratified this convention, including a Protocol targeting trafficking in persons, especially women and children.
• SAARC Convention on Trafficking: India ratified this convention aiming to prevent and combat trafficking in women and children for prostitution.
  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979 and ratified by India in 1993, focusing on women's rights.

What are the Major Causes and Impacts of Human Trafficking?

Causes:

• Economic Disparities and Poverty: Financial struggles push individuals into vulnerable circumstances, making them easy targets for traffickers who promise better opportunities.
• Limited Education and Awareness: Lack of knowledge about trafficking risks leaves people unaware and susceptible to traffickers' strategies.
• Conflict, Instability, and Displacement: Areas affected by conflict, political instability, or natural disasters create environments where exploitation thrives as people seek safety.
• Social Marginalization and Discrimination: Vulnerable groups such as women, children, migrants, and minorities are more at risk due to social discrimination and lack of support networks.
• Demand for Cheap Labor and Services: Industries seeking low-cost labor sometimes overlook exploitative practices, perpetuating labor trafficking.
• Online Exploitation and Technology: Technological advancements have enabled traffickers to use online platforms for deceptive recruitment.

Impacts:

• Psychological Trauma: Victims endure severe mental trauma, including depression, anxiety, and a deep sense of betrayal, leading to long-term mental health challenges.
• Physical Health Issues: Victims often suffer physical abuse, neglect, and inadequate healthcare, resulting in various health problems and long-lasting injuries.
• Loss of Freedom and Rights: Trafficked individuals lose their autonomy and fundamental human rights, living in fear and subjected to control and exploitation.
• Social Stigma and Isolation: Survivors encounter social stigma, finding it challenging to reintegrate into society even after rescue.
• Global Consequences: Human trafficking sustains a global criminal network, impacting social structures, economies, and international relations, undermining global human rights endeavors.

Way Forward

• Education and Awareness for Prevention: Implement inclusive education initiatives to educate communities, especially vulnerable groups, about traffickers' strategies. Conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and media efforts to encourage vigilance and prompt reporting of trafficking incidents.
• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Ensure the consistent and effective enforcement of existing laws while enhancing legislation to offer better safeguards for victims and impose stricter penalties on traffickers. Provide necessary resources and training to law enforcement agencies to handle trafficking cases sensitively and efficiently.
• Support and Rehabilitation for Victims: Establish comprehensive victim-centered support systems that include shelter, healthcare, counseling, and vocational training. Develop reintegration programs to assist survivors in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society without facing stigma.
• International and Regional Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among countries to share information, intelligence, and best practices for effective cross-border cooperation. Ratify and implement international conventions and protocols aimed at combating human trafficking.
• Addressing Root Causes: Tackle poverty and economic disparities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment programs for vulnerable populations. Combat social discrimination and marginalization by promoting inclusivity, equality, and supportive social structures.

Mental Health Initiatives in India

Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recently highlighted its efforts toward tackling mental health issues in the nation.

What are the Highlighted Mental Health Initiatives?

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Established in 1982 and revamped in 2003, the NMHP aims to modernize mental health facilities within medical institutions and enhance psychiatric wings. Additionally, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) has been operating since 1996, concentrating on community mental health services across 716 districts. It offers outpatient services, counseling, psychosocial interventions, and support for severe mental disorders at primary healthcare and community health centers, forming a comprehensive mental healthcare strategy in India.
• National Tele Mental Health Programme: Launched in October 2022, this initiative aims to enhance access to quality mental health counseling and care services nationwide. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru serves as the National Apex Centre, overseeing the Tele MANAS activities across India. Presently, 25 States/Union Territories have established 36 Tele Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation Systems (MANAS) Cells, managing a total of 63,806 calls on the helpline number.
• NIMHANS and iGOT-Diksha Collaboration: NIMHANS provides psychosocial support and conducts online training for health workers through the (iGOT)-Diksha platform.
  • Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) Scheme: Under the Ayushman Bharat Programme, the AB-HWCs aim to offer a broader spectrum of services, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care. Operational guidelines focusing on Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders (MNS) have been released for these Health and Wellness Centres.
  • Addressing Pandemic-Induced Mental Health Challenges: The government has established a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support during the pandemic. It has also issued guidelines and advisories targeting different societal groups and utilized various media platforms for stress and anxiety management.
• Financial Support for Mental Health Institutions: The District Mental Health Programme has been allocated a fund of Rs. 159.75 Crore for States/UTs under the National Health Mission for the fiscal year 2022-23.

Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023: WHO

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued the Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Key Findings From The Road Safety Report: 

• Global Decrease in Road Traffic Fatalities: There has been a positive trend with an annual reduction of 5% in global road traffic deaths, amounting to a total of over 1.19 million deaths per year. Despite this progress, the consistently high numbers remain a significant concern.
• Youth and Children's Vulnerability: Road accidents have become the primary cause of death among individuals aged 5 to 29 years, highlighting a critical issue impacting the younger population worldwide.
• Road Safety Challenges in India: India has witnessed a troubling rise in road crash fatalities, escalating from 150,785 in 2018 to 153,792 in 2021, presenting a complex situation that requires immediate attention.
• Disparities in Global Progress: Discrepancies persist among countries, with some achieving a decrease in road traffic deaths. Notably, low and middle-income nations, despite having a minimal share of the global vehicle count, account for 90% of road traffic fatalities.
• Plight of Vulnerable Road Users: More than half (53%) of road traffic deaths involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and users of micro-mobility devices.
• Infrastructure and Safety Issues: Challenges encompass inadequate road infrastructure, insufficient pedestrian safety measures, and gaps in legislation addressing risk factors such as speeding, drunk driving, and vehicle safety standards.
• Legislative Deficiencies and Urgent Recommendations: Few countries align with the WHO's best practices for road safety laws. The anticipated doubling of the global motor vehicle fleet by 2030 emphasizes the critical need for enhanced legislation and infrastructure to reduce road traffic fatalities worldwide.

Road Safety Challenges In India: 

• India’s rapid economic growth has spurred a surge in vehicle ownership, fostering convenience and progress. However, this accelerated expansion has concurrently given rise to intricate challenges in ensuring road safety, encompassing various aspects of the nation’s dynamic landscape.

Challenges:

• Elevated Accident Rates: Despite constituting only 1% of the world's vehicles, India accounts for an alarming 11% of global road traffic fatalities, resulting in approximately 150,000 lives lost each year. This significant disproportion underscores a critical concern regarding road safety.
• Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists encounter increased risks due to inadequate infrastructure and limited awareness. Inadequately constructed or planned roads often overlook the safety of non-motorized users, leading to a higher occurrence of accidents involving these vulnerable individuals.
• Speeding and Dangerous Driving: Non-compliance with traffic regulations and exceeding speed limits significantly contributes to accidents. Behavioral issues, especially reckless driving, substantially exacerbate the overarching road safety challenge.
• Lack of Adequate Infrastructure: Unsafe road conditions, inadequate lane markings, and insufficient signage collectively pose hazards to road safety. The pivotal role of infrastructure in ensuring safe road usage is compromised when deficiencies in these aspects persist, leading to heightened accident rates.
• Drinking and Driving: Despite legal prohibitions, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a pressing concern. The prevalence of this behavior poses a considerable threat to overall road safety, despite established regulatory measures.
• Weak Enforcement: Limited traffic supervision and lenient enforcement of road safety laws impede progress. Mere existence of regulations is insufficient; effective enforcement is pivotal to ensure compliance and discourage a lax approach toward road safety.
  • Addressing these challenges within India's intricate road safety landscape necessitates a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. It involves infrastructure enhancement, behavioral modifications, and robust enforcement mechanisms.

Tackling Road Safety Challenges in India:

• Enhanced Laws and Enforcement: The enactment of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, incorporating stricter penalties for traffic violations, acts as a deterrent against reckless driving. Strengthening legal repercussions is crucial to encourage safer driving behaviors.
• Emphasis on Vulnerable Road Users: Introducing specialized cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways prioritizes the safety of those at risk on the roads. Targeted enhancements in infrastructure play a pivotal role in creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Road Safety Awareness Initiatives: Advocating responsible driving practices and educating the public about traffic regulations remain imperative. Educational campaigns contribute to cultivating a culture of accountable behavior among drivers, promoting safer road practices.
• Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading roads, installing adequate signage, and implementing advanced traffic management systems significantly enhance safety measures. Addressing infrastructure inadequacies directly combats challenges stemming from deficient roadways and signage.
• Technological Progression: Employing technologies like driver assistance systems and sophisticated traffic monitoring tools bolsters safety measures. Integrating technology into road safety initiatives allows for real-time monitoring and assistance, contributing to improved road safety conditions.

Initiatives in Road Safety

Global Initiatives:

• Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety (2015): This declaration, signed at the second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety in Brazil, involves India as a signatory. The goal is to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.6, aiming to halve the global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030.
• Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030: The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution “Improving global road safety,” setting an ambitious target to prevent at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Aligned with the Stockholm Declaration, this Global Plan emphasizes a holistic approach to road safety
• International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP): A registered charity committed to saving lives through safer roads on a global scale.

 Initiatives in India:

• Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019: This act introduces increased penalties for traffic violations, defective vehicles, and juvenile driving. It establishes a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund for compulsory insurance coverage and mandates the creation of a National Road Safety Board by the Central Government.
• Carriage by Road Act, 2007: This act regulates common carriers, limiting their liability and facilitating the declaration of the value of goods for determining liability in case of loss or damage due to negligence or criminal acts.
• Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2000: This act controls land within National Highways, the right of way, and traffic moving on National Highways, aiming to remove unauthorized occupation.
• National Highways Authority of India Act, 1998: Enabling the constitution of an authority for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways, addressing various facets related to their functioning.

Conclusion

The report highlights the urgent requirement for a worldwide dedication to prioritize road safety, particularly for those vulnerable on the roads. It stresses the necessity to bridge legislative shortcomings, improve infrastructure, and raise safety benchmarks. Governments across the globe need to collaborate in collective endeavors to diminish road traffic fatalities and establish safer roads accessible to all.

Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023

Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) report delves into the status of food security and nutrition in the Asia Pacific region, with a specific focus on India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Key Points from the Report

• The recent release by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, titled "Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends," paints a worrisome picture concerning food accessibility and nutritional welfare, particularly in India and the wider Asia Pacific area.

Affordability of Food

• In 2021, over 74% of Indians faced challenges affording a nutritious diet, signifying a substantial segment of the populace grappling with escalating food expenses. Although there was a slight decrease from 2020 (76.2%), the overall number remains distressing. Escalating income disparity and inflation worsen the affordability crisis, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and malnourishment.

Undernourishment

• A significant 6% of India's population suffers from undernourishment, posing economic and social challenges. This figure emphasizes the necessity for robust social safety measures, targeted interventions, and improved access to nutritious food. Addressing undernourishment demands prioritizing maternal health and nutrition, promoting varied and healthy diets, and combating poverty.

Food Insecurity

• While the region's prevalence of food insecurity is lower than the global average, disparities exist. Southern Asia faces higher rates compared to Eastern Asia, highlighting the need for regionalized approaches to food security.
• Persistent hunger and food insecurity threaten human development and stability, requiring urgent action to strengthen food systems and improve access.

Child Health

• 7% of Indian children under five suffer from stunting, reflecting inadequate maternal health and nutrition, poor feeding practices, and repeated infections.
• The high rate of wasting (18.7%) and overweight (2.8%) further underscores the need for comprehensive child health programs and improved nutritional education.
• Addressing these challenges requires promoting early childhood development, advocating for exclusive breastfeeding, and providing access to diverse and healthy foods for children.

Maternal Health

• A staggering 53% of women in India aged 15-49 have anaemia, raising concerns about maternal and neonatal health. This prevalence indicates inadequate dietary intake of iron and other essential nutrients, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and improved access to iron-rich foods and supplements.
• Addressing anaemia requires promoting dietary diversification, improving access to healthcare, and empowering women to make informed choices about their health and nutrition.

Positive Developments

• The slight decrease in the food affordability gap, though small, offers a ray of hope and suggests targeted interventions could yield further improvements.
• India's progress in exclusive breastfeeding (63.7%) surpasses the global average and signifies commendable efforts in promoting early childhood nutrition.

Challenges and the Path Ahead

• The persistent challenges of escalating food expenses coupled with stagnant incomes pose substantial threats to food affordability, necessitating multifaceted solutions such as income-generating opportunities and mechanisms for stabilizing prices.
• Addressing regional disparities in food insecurity requires customized interventions for each subregion, considering their distinct vulnerabilities and strengths.
• Efforts to combat child malnutrition demand comprehensive approaches centered on maternal health and nutrition, early childhood development, and improved access to a varied and nutritious diet.
• Efficiently addressing anemia in women calls for strategies involving dietary diversification, enhanced healthcare access, and empowering women to make informed decisions about their health and nutrition.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency under the United Nations established on October 16, 1945, with a primary mission to combat global hunger.
• Comprising 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, the FAO is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
• Its activities encompass providing technical aid to nations, conducting research, gathering and analyzing data on agriculture and food security, and advocating for sustainable agricultural practices.
• Collaborating with governments, NGOs, international entities, and other stakeholders, the FAO develops policies and programs aimed at bolstering food security and fostering sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Conclusion

The FAO report highlights persistent challenges in food security, nutrition, and access to healthy diets in the Asia Pacific region, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to meet global nutrition goals, especially in addressing the root causes of undernourishment, inadequate nutrition, and health risks faced by vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

Bihar Reservation Law and Breaching 50% Limit

Context: The recent passage of Bihar Reservation Laws in the Bihar Assembly has heightened the quantum of reservations in jobs and education within the state to 75%, surpassing the 50% threshold set by the Supreme Court (SC).

• This development has ignited discussions regarding the acceptable boundaries of reservations in India, especially in light of the "50%" cap established by the Supreme Court of India in the Mandal Commission case (Indra Sawhney, 1992).

Key Highlights of Bihar Reservation Laws:

• The Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes) Amendment Act-2023 and the Bihar (in admission in educational institutions) Reservation Amendment Act, 2023 have been introduced.
• Under these amended acts, a total reservation of 65% is established, allocating 20% for Scheduled Castes, 2% for Scheduled Tribes, 18% for Backward Classes, and 25% for Extremely Backward Classes. Additionally, the previously approved 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) from the general category remains unchanged.

Understanding the 50% Rule:

• The 50% rule, historically supported by the Supreme Court, mandates that reservations in jobs or education should not exceed half of the total available seats or positions.
• Originating from the 1963 M.R. In The Balaji case, it initially classified reservations as an "exception" or "special provision" under the constitutional framework, limiting it to a maximum of 50% of available opportunities.
• However, the perception of reservations evolved in 1976, recognizing them not as an exception but as integral to equality. Despite this evolution, the 50% ceiling remained intact.
• In the 1990 Mandal Commission case, a nine-judge bench reaffirmed the 50% limit, deeming it a binding regulation and not merely a matter of prudence. However, exceptions can be made by states in certain circumstances, particularly to extend reservations to marginalized communities, irrespective of geographical location.
• The recent validation by the Supreme Court of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment allows an additional 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• Consequently, the 50% limit pertains solely to non-EWS reservations, allowing states to reserve up to 60% of seats/posts, including EWS reservations.

States Exceeding the Limit:

• Various states have already surpassed the 50% limit, even excluding the EWS quota. These include Chhattisgarh (72%), Tamil Nadu (69%, protected under the ninth Schedule of the Constitution since 1994), and several northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland (80% each). 
• Lakshadweep has 100% reservations for Scheduled Tribes. Previous attempts by Maharashtra and Rajasthan to exceed the limit were overturned by the courts.

Constitution and Reservation

• 77th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1995: The Indra Sawhney verdict had held there would be reservation only in initial appointments and not promotions.
• However, addition of the article 16(4A) to the Constitution, empowered the state to make provisions for reservation in matters of promotion to SC/ST employees, if the state feels they are not adequately represented.
• 81st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000: It introduced Article 16(4B), which says unfilled SC/ST quota of a particular year, when carried forward to the next year, will be treated separately and not clubbed with the regular vacancies of that year.
• 85th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001: It provided for the reservation in promotion that can be applied with ‘consequential seniority’ for the government servants belonging to the SCs and STs with retrospective effect from June 1995.
• 103rd amendment to the Constitution (2019): 10% reservation for EWS (Economically Weaker Section).
• Article 335: It says that the claims of SCs and STs shall be taken into consideration constituently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.

Way Forward

• Courts should reevaluate the 50% reservation cap considering evolving social dynamics, equity principles, and the changing socio-economic landscape.
• Deliberate on expanding the exceptions beyond social exclusion to include broader criteria for communities facing historical disadvantages, irrespective of geographical boundaries.
• Conduct a detailed review of the existing reservation policies, exploring their effectiveness, impact, and alignment with current societal needs.

India Nears Kala Azar Elimination

Context: Between 2007 and 2022, there was a remarkable decline of 98.7% in Kala-azar cases in India, dropping from 44,533 to 834 cases. Additionally, 632 endemic blocks, which make up 99.8% of the affected areas, located in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, have attained elimination status, recording less than one case per 10,000 population.

• The sole remaining block categorized as endemic is Littipara in the Pakur district of Jharkhand, reporting 1.23 cases per 10,000 population.

What is Kala-azar Disease?

• Kala-azar, also known as Visceral Leishmaniasis or Black Fever or Dumdum Fever, is a severe parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania protozoa parasite. It primarily affects populations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and is characterized by its potentially fatal impact if left untreated.

Types of Leishmaniasis:

There are three main types of Leishmaniasis:

• Visceral Leishmaniasis: The most severe form affecting multiple organs.
• Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Causes skin sores and is the most common type.
• Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis: Leads to skin and mucosal lesions.

Global and National Status:

• Kala-azar ranks as the second deadliest parasitic disease globally, with about 89% of cases reported from eight countries. India contributes approximately 11.5% of the total global cases, with over 90% of these cases reported from Bihar and Jharkhand. Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have achieved their elimination targets at the block level.

Transmission and Symptoms:

• The disease spreads to humans through the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sandfly. Its symptoms include fever, weight loss, anemia, and enlargement of the liver and spleen.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Preventing Kala-azar involves reducing sandfly breeding sites and protecting individuals from sandfly bites using insecticides, bed nets, and repellents. The WHO recommends Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in endemic areas.
  • Treatment involves drugs like sodium stibogluconate and meglumine antimoniate. Combining two or more drugs is suggested to reduce treatment failure and drug resistance risks.

Global and National Initiatives:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate neglected tropical diseases, including Kala-azar, by 2030. The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) targets the elimination of Kala-azar by Mass Drug Administration (MDA) globally.
• India has taken various steps, such as housing schemes, rural electrification, and active case detection, to eliminate Kala-azar by 2023. The National Kala-azar Elimination Programme operates under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) and National Health Mission (NHM). Additionally, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh and Nepal to eliminate Kala-azar from the South-East Asia Region (SEAR).

Snakebite Envenoming

Context: A group of experts from a UK-based university has initiated a pilot study in Burujhari village, Odisha, India, aimed at reducing fatalities caused by Snakebite Envenoming (SE). The study intends to explore potential solutions, including the development of an Early Warning System for snakes.

• India bears the largest burden of snakebite-related deaths globally, with a majority of cases occurring in rural areas. In June 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially categorized Snakebite Envenoming as a high-priority Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).

What is Snakebites Envenoming?

About:

• SE is a potentially life-threatening disease that typically results from the injection of a mixture of different toxins (venom) following the bite of a Venomous Snake and can also be caused by having venom sprayed into the eyes by certain species of snakes that have the ability to spit venom as a defence measure.
• Snakebite poses a significant daily health risk in rural tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, particularly for the hundreds of millions of people in rural and peri-urban communities reliant on agriculture and subsistence activities for survival

Impact:

• Many snakebite victims, mostly in developing countries, suffer from long-term complications such as deformities, contractures, amputations, visual impairment, renal complications and psychological distress.

Deaths from SE:

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 81,410 to 137,880 people around the world die each year because of snakebites.

WHO’s Roadmap for SE:

• WHO launched its roadmap in 2019 with an aim to halve death and disability from snakebite by 2030.
• In order to create a sustainable market for antivenoms there is a need for a 25% increase in the number of competent manufacturers by 2030.
• WHO has planned a pilot project to create a global antivenom stockpile.
• Integrating snakebite treatment and response into national health plans in affected countries, including better training of health personnel and educating communities.

Indian Initiatives:

• Much before the WHO roadmap was launched, researchers from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) started community awareness and health system capacity building from the year 2013.
• In alignment with WHO's Snakebite Envenoming Strategy and the United Nations' Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, India ratified a National Action Plan in 2015 to combat this issue.

What are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)?

• Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) constitute a cluster of infections prevalent among disadvantaged communities in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, primarily caused by various pathogens like viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms.
• These diseases are particularly widespread in tropical regions lacking access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. They often receive comparatively less funding for research and treatment when compared to diseases like tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, and malaria.
  • Examples of NTDs include snakebite envenomation, scabies, yaws, trachoma, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, among others.

2023 World Malaria Report

Context: India's malaria cases continue to decline, but on a global scale, they are on the rise according to the World Malaria Report 2023.

What are the key highlights of the World Malaria Report 2023?

• As per  the World Malaria Report 2023 there were around 33 lakh malaria cases and 5,000 deaths in India last year, a decrease of 30% and 34 % respectively compared with 2021.
• The key finding regarding the malaria trend in India according to the World Malaria Report 2023
  • Reduction in Malaria cases and Fatalities in 2022: Approximately 33 lakh cases and 5,000 deaths reported, marking a decline of 30% and 34% respectively from 2021.
  • Reason for Decline: Effective preventive strategies, case management, availability of vector control tools, point-of-care diagnostics, and prompt community-level treatments.
  • Globally Upward Trend: Globally, malaria cases rose to 249 million in 2022, depicting an increase of 5 million compared to 2021.
• Over the past decade, global malaria cases have stabilized, decreasing from 243 million in 2000 to 233 million in 2019. 
• However, amid the pandemic, cases surged, with an additional 11 million reported in 2020. This figure remained consistent in 2021 but escalated in 2022.
• The global malaria deaths also rose, with 608,000 fatalities recorded in 2022, up from 576,000 in 2019.

About World Malaria Report:

• The World Malaria Report is an annual publication issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at delivering a thorough and current evaluation of trends in global malaria control and elimination efforts. 
• This year's report features a dedicated section specifically addressing the correlation between malaria and climate change.

About Malaria Disease

• Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes and caused by plasmodium protozoa. It poses a life-threatening risk, primarily affecting tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, South America, and Asia.
• The disease is caused by plasmodium parasites, which are spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites initially multiply in liver cells and then invade Red Blood Cells (RBCs).
• Transmission occurs through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, with the parasites reproducing initially in liver cells before attacking Red Blood Cells (RBCs).
• There are five parasite species responsible for malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax being the most significant threats.
• Symptoms of malaria typically include fever and flu-like illness, characterized by chills, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Indian Initiatives to Control Malaria:

National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016-2030)

• Target: The Government of India set a target to eliminate malaria in India by 2027.
• National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination for 5 years.
  • Launched in 2017, It shifted focus from Malaria control to elimination.
  • It provided a roadmap to end malaria in 571 districts out of India’s 678 districts by 2022.
• Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India)
  • Established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
  • It is a conglomeration of partners working on malaria control
• India Achievement: India has achieved a reduction of over 83% in malaria morbidity and 92% in malaria mortality between the years 2000 and 2020.