Gaza Faces Polio Threat Amidst Siege
Introduction
Gaza, under siege and facing severe humanitarian challenges, is currently grappling with the resurgence of polio, a disease nearly eradicated globally. The situation reflects broader issues of health crises in conflict zones and the implications for regional and global health security.
Background and Current Situation
Detection of Poliovirus: In July 2024, Israel’s Health Ministry detected poliovirus particles in Gaza’s sewage. This led to a vaccination campaign by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for soldiers and those entering Gaza.
Gaza’s Health Crisis:
- Healthcare Infrastructure: As of May 2024, only about one-third of Gaza’s 36 hospitals were operational, severely affecting the delivery of medical services.
- Epidemic Declaration: On July 29, Gaza’s Health Ministry declared a polio epidemic. The virus detected is believed to be vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2.
Impact of Conflict on Health
- Polio Spread: The poliovirus is an obligate human pathogen, meaning it can only replicate in humans. If detected in sewage, it indicates the virus has infected residents. The deterioration of medical conditions, destruction of infrastructure, and ongoing conflict exacerbate the spread and containment of the virus.
- Immunization Rates: Gaza’s immunization rates dropped from 99% to 89% in the past year. Despite Israel’s provision of vaccines, the conflict and damaged infrastructure hinder effective distribution and vaccination efforts.
Repercussions and Global Health Concerns
- Regional Implications: Continued conflict and health crises in Gaza could lead to the virus spreading beyond Gaza, potentially affecting Israeli populations and other regions.
- Global Polio Eradication Efforts: Polio, a disease nearly eradicated globally, poses a threat if it re-emerges in conflict zones. Efforts to eradicate polio have made significant progress, but conflicts like the one in Gaza threaten these achievements.
Polio: Definition and Status in India
What is Polio?
- Definition: Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children and can lead to paralysis and sometimes death.
- Transmission: The virus spreads through contaminated water and food, or through direct contact with an infected person.
Current Status in India
- Eradication Efforts: India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, following an extensive vaccination campaign.
- Surveillance and Vaccination: India maintains high immunization coverage through the Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) program to prevent any potential outbreaks.
- Challenges: India continues to monitor and ensure high vaccination rates to safeguard against polio re-emergence, given the global context of disease eradication efforts.
Polio: Definition and Status in India
What is Polio?
- Definition: Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children and can lead to paralysis and sometimes death.
- Transmission: The virus spreads through contaminated water and food, or through direct contact with an infected person.
Current Status in India
- Eradication Efforts: India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, following an extensive vaccination campaign.
- Surveillance and Vaccination: India maintains high immunization coverage through the Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) program to prevent any potential outbreaks.
- Challenges: India continues to monitor and ensure high vaccination rates to safeguard against polio re-emergence, given the global context of disease eradication efforts.
Conclusion
- The resurgence of polio in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict underscores the severe consequences of war on public health.
- It highlights the urgent need for conflict resolution to facilitate effective healthcare delivery and prevent the spread of diseases.
- For India and the global community, maintaining vigilance against polio and supporting conflict-affected regions are crucial for sustaining the gains achieved in disease eradication.
SUSTAINABILITY AND COMPETETION
- Current Status
- Net-Zero Pledge: Achieve by 2070.
- Ranking: Fifth in global warming contributors.
- Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- Potential Actions:
Guidelines for Sustainability Agreements
- Exemption Methods: For greener technologies and innovations.
Integration into National Competition Policy.
- Comparisons and Recommendations
- TRAI Recommendations (2011): Include sustainability in telecom policy.
- Study on Green Initiatives: Consider comprehensive studies similar to the U.K. model.
