India recorded all-time high of 93% DPT3 immunization coverage in 2022: WHO

July 19, 2023

GS Paper II Social Issues

Context:

The projections for national immunization coverage for 2022 from WHO and UNICEF have recently been made public.

Key Highlights:

Inclusion in India:

Current status: In 2022, India had 93 percent of its 22.5 million babies covered, against surpassing the previous pre-pandemic best of 91% recorded in 2019, from the 85% recorded in 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO).
Protection: A group of combination vaccines known as DPT protects against the three human infectious illnesses diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.
Doses: For kids under the age of 7, this vaccination is given to them in three doses.
Benchmark in evaluation: When evaluating how well nations are doing at providing children with normal immunization services, the coverage of this vaccine is frequently employed.

About Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus(DPT)-

Diphtheria:It is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin.
- Mode of spread:The bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.
Pertussis:Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.
- Mode of Spread:The bacteria that cause whooping cough spread easily from person to person through the air. When a person who has whooping cough sneezes or coughs, they can release small particles with the bacteria in them.
Tetanus: Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. Spores of tetanus bacteria are everywhere in the environment, including soil, dust, and manure.The spores develop into bacteria when they enter the body.
- Mode of Spread:Unlike other vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus is not spread from person to person.The spores can get into someone’s body through broken skin, usually through injuries.

Universal Immunization Programme

Genesis: In 1978, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation was introduced. When its reach was extended outside of metropolitan areas in 1985, it was redesignated as the Universal Immunisation Programme.
Vaccines covered: Under UIP, immunization is being provided free of cost against 12 vaccine preventable diseases: Nationally against 11 diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Rotavirus diarrhea, Hepatitis B, Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Hemophilus Influenza type B and Pneumococcal Pneumonia and sub-nationally against 1 disease – Japanese Encephalitis (JE vaccine is provided only in endemic districts).

World Health Organization (WHO)

Formation: 7 April 1948

Type: United Nations specialized agency

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council

Mandate: to promote health and safety while helping the vulnerable worldwide.

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund(UNICEF)

Formation: 11 December 1946

Headquarters: New York City, New York, U.S.

Parent organization: United Nations General Assembly

Mandate: to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

News Source: The Hindu