COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
1. Context
The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) reviewed the ongoing activities for pandemic preparedness across agencies and recognised the need for a unified effort in pandemic preparedness through a "National One Health Mission (NOHM)" to address gaps and enhance coordination among multiple sectors. Thirteen Ministries/Departments coordinate and synergise their activities to realise the objectives of the NOHM, which is steered by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India along with key stakeholders.
2. What is a Disease?
A disease is a pathological condition of a living organism resulting from the effect of a specific cause, such as a pathogen, genetic mutation, or environmental factors. It disrupts normal bodily functions and can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Diseases can be classified into various categories, including:
- Infectious Diseases: Caused by pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites (e.g., influenza, tuberculosis).
- Genetic Diseases: Resulting from genetic mutations or abnormalities (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome).
- Chronic Diseases: Long-lasting conditions that develop gradually (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease).
- Autoimmune Diseases: Where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).
- Degenerative Diseases: Involve the progressive deterioration of tissues or organs (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease)
3. What is a Communicable Disease?
A communicable disease, also known as an infectious or transmissible disease, is an illness that can be spread from one person to another or from animals to humans. These diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
Key characteristics of communicable diseases include:
- Transmission: They can spread through various means, including:
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- Direct contact with an infected person
- Indirect contact with contaminated objects or surfaces
- Airborne transmission (through coughs or sneezes)
- Vector-borne transmission (via insects or animals)
- Contaminated food or water
- Contagiousness: The ability to spread varies among diseases, with some being highly contagious and others less so.
- Incubation period: The time between infection and the appearance of symptoms can range from hours to years, depending on the disease.
- Preventability: Many communicable diseases can be prevented through measures like vaccination, hygiene practices, and public health interventions.
Examples of communicable diseases include:
- Influenza (flu)
- COVID-19
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B and C
- Measles
4. National One Health Mission (NOHM)
The National One Health Mission (NOHM) is an initiative that aims to address health challenges at the human-animal-environment interface using an integrated approach. While I don't have specific details about its implementation or current status, I can provide you with general information about the One Health concept and its relevance to India.
The key pillars of the NOHM are:
- Technology enabled integrated surveillance across sectors.
- National network of Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories (for testing high-risk or unknown pathogens).
- Collaborative and integrated R&D for medical countermeasures including vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for human-animal-wildlife-livestock health.
- Data integration across sectors.
- Training and capacity building in all spheres related to One Health.
5. Way Forward
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), active since 2004, monitors and responds to over 33 communicable diseases across all 36 States/UTs. IDSP employs District Public Health Laboratories (DPHLs) and State Referral Laboratories (SRLs) for disease surveillance and media scanning to enhance early outbreak detection and response. The Government has approved ₹386.86 Crore for a new program under the National One Health Mission, aimed at bolstering integrated disease control and pandemic preparedness through enhanced surveillance, R&D, data integration, and global collaboration
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For Prelims: Communicable Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Diabetes, and Prediabetes, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and ICMR.
For Mains: 1. Explain the significance of the study on metabolic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India and their implications for public health policies. (250 Words)
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Previous year Questions
1.Which one of the following is a rare disease caused by the deficiency of Vitamin D that causes the bones to become soft and to bend? (SSC CHSL 2020)
A.Rickets
B.Pernicious anemia
C.Atrophic gastritis
D.Lupus
Answer (A)
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Source: PIB
