Tackling Tuberculosis: India’s Challenge
Short Notes or Revision Notes
GS-2 Mains
Question : Examine the challenges faced by India in tackling tuberculosis (TB) and the measures taken to address them.
Introduction to Tuberculosis
- Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium.
- Varieties: Affects lungs (pulmonary TB) or other organs (extra-pulmonary TB).
- Transmission: Airborne transmission through coughing, sneezing, or spitting.
- Treatability: TB is treatable and curable.
Underreporting Concerns in India
- Historical Issue: Under-reporting has hindered India’s anti-TB efforts.
- Progress: India achieving its target of initiating treatment in 95% of diagnosed cases.
- India TB Report 2024: Shows improvement in closing the gap between estimated and reported cases.
India’s Anti-TB Program
- Ambitious Goal: Aim to eliminate TB by next year.
- MDR-TB Challenge: Multi-drug resistant TB poses a significant threat.
- Progress in MDR-TB: Increased testing for drug resistance, but more outreach needed.
- Testing Methods: Molecular testing recommended for accurate diagnosis.
- Treatment Challenges: Demanding drug regimens and poor completion rates for second-line treatments.
- Transition to Bedaquiline: Experts advocate for the use of bedaquiline for shorter duration and cheaper generics.
- Mental Healthcare Integration: Emphasized as a critical aspect of TB treatment, yet lacking in implementation.
- Affected Demographics: Poor, slum dwellers, and HIV/AIDS patients are most affected by TB.
Conclusion and Recommendations
- Encouraging Progress: India’s efforts against TB show promising signs.
- Ongoing Challenges: More efforts needed to defeat TB.
- Future Strategies: Utilize advanced technology and humane methods for comprehensive TB control.
Africa at the Centre
Short Notes or Revision Notes
GS-2 Mains
Question : Discuss the significance of Africa in India’s engagement with the Global South, as highlighted by President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Mauritius.
Introduction
- President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Mauritius highlights Africa’s importance for India’s engagement with the Global South.
Africa’s Significance for the Global South
- Concept of the Global South:
- India advocates for a more inclusive global order through the Global South concept.
- This concept’s effectiveness is debated, but it holds value in a multipolar world.
- Africa’s strategic importance:
- Africa’s high growth rate (3.8%) and young population make it a key player.
Opportunities for India-Africa Relations
- Strong economic ties:
- $98 billion Indian investments in Africa (2023)
- $100 billion bilateral trade
- India is the second-largest credit provider to 42 African countries
- Around 200 Indian developmental projects completed in Africa
- Indian social enterprises offer low-cost solutions.
- Africa’s influence in global forums:
- Africa’s growing population (3/4 of humanity) and economic power (over 39% of global GDP) necessitate a more inclusive global governance system.
- India’s support for the African Union in the G20 is a positive step.
India-Africa Development Cooperation
- Focus areas:
- Critical mineral sector: Africa holds 30% of the world’s reserves, crucial for the low-carbon future. Cooperation in this sector benefits both India (diversifying supply chains) and Africa (capturing value chains).
- Building technical skills in Africa: India can collaborate with African technical organizations to enhance negotiation, project management, and technical skills.
- Research collaboration: Collaboration between Indian and African research institutions can address shared challenges.
Conclusion
- India’s historical ties with Africa provide a strong foundation for a transformed, multifaceted relationship. This is crucial as India shapes its vision for the Global South.