The Hindu Editorial Topic : How Water Insecurity Disproportionately Affects Women in India
GS-1 & 2 Mains , Women and Water Conservation
Question : How does the lack of access to safe drinking water at home disproportionately affect rural households in India?
The Burden of Water Collection
- Over 41% of rural households lack access to safe drinking water at home (National Sample Survey, 2020-21).
- Distance to water sources can be significant, ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 km or more.
- The responsibility of collecting water falls mainly on women and girls, causing stress and consuming their time.
- India holds 18% of the world’s population but less than 5% of its water resources.
Consequences for Women
- Reduced school attendance and academic performance for girls due to time spent collecting water.
- Increased risk of gender-based violence faced by women during water collection trips.
- Lack of water leads to open defecation practices, with negative consequences for women:
- Health issues like diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera.
- Menstrual hygiene problems.
- Psychosocial stress and risk of sexual violence.
Government Initiatives
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to provide tap connections for household drinking water.
- Encourages women’s participation in water management through Pani Samitis (village water committees).
- Trains women in water quality monitoring to empower them and ensure water quality.
Looking Forward
- Track progress beyond just water access or quality.
- Measure progress against intended gender goals:
- Reduced school dropout rates for girls.
- Lessened burden of water collection on rural women.
- Improved socio-economic outcomes for women.
The Hindu Editorial Topic : Preserving Kidney Function: Focus on Prevention
GS-2 Mains : Health Section
Question : How does the unequal distribution of kidney specialists impact access to preventive care and early detection of Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India?
The Burden of Kidney Disease
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health concern globally.
- In 2019, CKD caused over 3.1 million deaths worldwide (7th leading cause).
- India faces a growing challenge due to its large population and diverse healthcare needs.
Challenges in India
- Unequal distribution of kidney specialists (concentrated in south & metros).
- Low compliance with treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease (increases CKD risk).
- Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown origin (CKDu) affecting specific communities needs further research.
- Genetic factors may differ in India compared to other populations.
Preventive Strategies
- Manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension through:
- Counseling
- Nutrition
- Medication (e.g., SGLT2 inhibitors, RAAS blockers)
- Effective blood pressure control (<130/80 mmHg).
- Exercise and weight management.
- Avoid overuse of certain medications (NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors).
- Stay hydrated, especially for those working outdoors in hot conditions.
World Kidney Day
- Theme in 2024: “Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice”
- Aims to raise awareness about kidney disease and promote early detection/treatment.
- Initiatives like “Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam” (Tamil Nadu) for disease detection are crucial.
Conclusion
- With a focus on prevention, early detection, and improved access to care, the future looks promising for managing kidney disease in India.
हिन्दी