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.