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Subject: Health

  • Pathogens without payback: when sharing isn’t caring

    Why in the News?

    Negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) framework under the recent WHO Pandemic Agreement (May 2025) are set to begin again. This highlights a long-standing global inequity: countries that share pathogen data, mainly low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), continue to receive minimal benefits from vaccines and treatments developed using that data.

    What is PABS Framework?

    1. The Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, established under Article 12 of the WHO Pandemic Agreement adopted in May 2025, is a global framework designed to ensure that the sharing of dangerous pathogens is matched by the equitable sharing of the vaccines and treatments derived from them. 
    2. While the core Agreement was adopted in 2025, the PABS Annex containing the specific operational rules is currently being finalized by an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). The IGWG aims to conclude negotiations by May 2026 for presentation at the 79th World Health Assembly.

    Core Pillars of the PABS Framework: 

    The system operates on a “grand bargain” principle intended to rectify inequities seen during the COVID-19 pandemic: 

    1. Rapid Access: Member States commit to quickly sharing biological materials (pathogens) and their Digital Sequence Information (DSI) with the World Health Organization (WHO) and designated laboratory networks.
    2. Mandatory Benefit-Sharing: In exchange for this data, manufacturers using PABS materials must provide 20% of their real-time production of pandemic-related products (vaccines, diagnostics, etc.) to the WHO for global distribution.
      1. 10% as free donations.
      2. 10% at affordable, not-for-profit prices.

    Why do pathogen-sharing countries fail to receive proportional benefits?

    1. Structural Inequity: Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) share pathogen samples via WHO but lack binding guarantees for access to vaccines or diagnostics.
    2. Innovation Asymmetry: Developed countries control pharmaceutical R&D, enabling them to monopolize end products.
    3. Voluntary Framework Failure: Existing systems rely on goodwill rather than enforceable obligations.
    4. Example: During COVID-19, LMICs contributed samples but faced vaccine hoarding by high-income countries.

    How did COVID-19 expose failures in global health equity?

    1. Vaccine Apartheid: High-income countries hoarded vaccines; LMICs experienced prolonged shortages.
    2. Data Evidence: Africa received only 3-14% of global vaccine supply.
    3. COVAX Limitations: Delivered ~1/5th of WHO’s 2 billion dose target by mid-2021.
    4. Economic Impact: Delayed vaccination caused 1.3 million preventable deaths and $28 trillion global economic loss (IMF).
    5. Drug Inequality: Ebola drug Inmazeb cost ~$6,000 per treatment, unaffordable for poorer nations.

    What does the PABS framework aim to change structurally?

    1. Legal Linkage: Connects sample-sharing with mandatory benefit-sharing obligations.
    2. Access Mandate: Requires pharmaceutical companies to provide 20% of real-time production during pandemics.
    3. Pricing Mechanism: Ensures at least half of allocated doses are free and the rest at reasonable prices.
    4. Capacity Building: Includes provisions for technology transfer and licensing to expand production in LMICs.

    Why is there resistance from developed countries and industry?

    1. Innovation Concerns: Binding mandates may reduce incentives for private pharmaceutical investment.
    2. IP Protection: Firms resist compulsory sharing of intellectual property and technology.
    3. Bureaucratic Burden: Concerns that compliance mechanisms may delay research and innovation.
    4. Example: EU favors voluntary systems like Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) over binding legal frameworks.

    What are the limitations of existing global mechanisms?

    1. Non-binding Agreements: Current frameworks lack enforcement provisions.
      1. Enforcement Void: Current WHO systems (like the PIP Framework) are limited in scope (mostly influenza) and lack the “teeth” to penalise a company that refuses to share its patents during a crisis.
    2. Fragmented Governance: Multiple overlapping systems reduce accountability.
    3. Technological Gaps: LMICs lack manufacturing capacity despite access to data.
    4. Example: WHO’s existing system ensures access to data but not equitable outcomes.
    5. The GISAID Paradox: While GISAID is excellent for surveillance, it provides zero guarantees for equity. A country can upload thousands of sequences to help track a variant but still be the last to receive the vaccine developed from that very data.

    Is there a viable middle path between equity and innovation?

    1. Tiered Obligations: Lower commitments during normal times, stronger during pandemics.
    2. Global Fund Mechanism: Supports LMIC manufacturing without overburdening companies.
    3. Incentive-based Sharing: Rewards companies that share IP rather than coercing compliance.
    4. Balanced Governance: Combines legal enforceability with flexibility in implementation timelines.

    What are the broader implications for global health security?

    1. Future Pandemic Preparedness: Ensures faster and equitable response mechanisms.
    2. Trust Deficit Reduction: Addresses Global South concerns about exploitation.
    3. Geopolitical Stability: Prevents vaccine nationalism and supply chain disruptions.
    4. Emerging Risks: Addresses threats like mpox, engineered pathogens, and AI-driven bio-risks.

    Conclusion

    The PABS debate reflects a deeper structural imbalance in global health governance where risks are shared but rewards are concentrated. Without enforceable equity mechanisms, future pandemics risk repeating COVID-19’s failures. A balanced framework combining legal mandates, incentives, and capacity-building is essential to ensure that global cooperation translates into equitable outcomes.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2020] Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Linkage: The PYQ covers GS-II (International Institutions, Global Health Governance) by evaluating the effectiveness and limitations of WHO in managing pandemic response. It links to current issues like WHO Pandemic Agreement and PABS, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement, equity, and coordination in global health security.

  • Early screen use stunts vital social growth of children, experts warn

    Why in the News?

    Early screen exposure among children is emerging as a structural transformation in childhood itself, rather than merely a behavioural concern. The issue reflects a shift in parenting practices, learning environments, and socialization processes, intensified by post-pandemic digital dependence. The article highlights how excessive screen exposure during the critical developmental window (0-5 years) disrupts neurocognitive growth, weakens social skills, and creates patterns resembling behavioural addiction.

    How does early screen exposure disrupt the critical developmental window of childhood?

    1. Critical Developmental Window: Early years (0-5) shape brain architecture through neuroplasticity; disruption leads to long-term deficits.
    2. Neuroplasticity Impact: Brain wiring depends on sensory and social inputs; screen-based interaction provides limited stimulation.
    3. Foundational Skill Loss: Weakens language acquisition, emotional bonding, and behavioural learning during formative years.

    How does the displacement effect explain developmental deficits caused by screens?

    1. Displacement Effect: Screen time replaces essential developmental activities rather than adding new value.
    2. Reduced Physical Exploration: Limits crawling, touching, and environmental interaction; example: children engaging with screens instead of tactile play.
    3. Decline in Social Learning: Reduces imitation, observation, and conversational engagement with caregivers.

    What evidence establishes a link between screen exposure and mental health outcomes?

    1. Dose-Response Relationship: Higher screen usage leads to proportionately worse mental health outcomes.
    2. Longitudinal Evidence: Study tracking over 3 lakh children shows increased socio-emotional problems with rising screen exposure.
    3. High Usage Data: Adolescents spend ~8.5 hours daily on screens, indicating excessive exposure levels.
    4. Behavioural Addiction Patterns: Case study: children in Ghaziabad showed extreme distress when screens were withdrawn.
    5. Psychological Symptoms: Includes hallucinations, diminished attention, and emotional instability.

    How does excessive screen use affect socialization and interpersonal competence?

    1. Non-verbal Communication Loss: Reduces ability to interpret tone, facial expressions, and body language.
    2. Empathy Deficit: Weakens emotional understanding due to lack of real-world interaction.
    3. Social Capital Erosion: Limits development of interpersonal skills essential for relationships and cooperation.
    4. Silent Social Spaces: Observation: cafeterias and public spaces shifting from active interaction to isolated screen use.

    How has the transformation in parenting practices contributed to rising screen dependency?

    1. Digital Pacification: Screens used as tools to calm or distract children instead of active engagement.
    2. Convenience Parenting: Reduces effort required for physical or emotional interaction.
    3. Pandemic Acceleration: Lockdowns increased reliance on screens as primary engagement medium.
    4. Early Exposure Shift: Infants exposed to YouTube and digital content instead of traditional toys and interaction.

    What risks emerge from prolonged and unsupervised screen exposure in children?

    1. Addiction Risk: Continuous usage leads to dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
    2. Emotional Dysregulation: Reduces capacity to manage stress and emotions.
    3. Algorithmic Exposure Risk: Platforms expose children to inappropriate or harmful content without parental awareness.
    4. Isolation Effect: Decreases peer interaction, increasing loneliness and detachment.

    What measures can address the adverse developmental and social impacts of screen exposure?

    1. Time Regulation: Limits screen exposure, especially below 5 years.
    2. Supervised Access: Ensures content filtering and guided engagement.
    3. Experiential Learning Promotion: Encourages play-based, peer-based, and sensory learning.
    4. Parental Awareness: Promotes active parenting and reduced reliance on digital devices. 

    Conclusion

    Early screen exposure is reshaping childhood by disrupting critical developmental processes and socialization patterns. Excessive use, especially in early years, leads to cognitive, emotional, and social deficits. A balanced approach that limits screen time and prioritizes real-world interaction is essential to ensure healthy child development.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.

    Linkage: This highlights changing patterns of primary socialization in family and the impact of digital technology on child development. It directly connects to screen exposure replacing human interaction, leading to deficits in emotional bonding, empathy, and social skills.

  • India Faces Challenge in Meeting 2030 Maternal Mortality Target

    Why in the News?

    A recent study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health highlights that India may struggle to meet the SDG target of reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) below 70 per 1 lakh live births by 2030.

    Key Findings of the Study

    India’s Progress in Maternal Mortality

    • 1990: 1.19 lakh maternal deaths
    • 2015: 36,900 deaths
    • 2023: 24,700 deaths

    Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):

    • 1990: 508 deaths per lakh live births
    • 2023: 116 deaths per lakh live births

    India has made significant progress, but rate of improvement has slowed.

    Global Scenario

    • Global maternal deaths (2023): 2.4 lakh
    • India accounts for ~10% of global maternal deaths
    • Out of 204 countries:
      • 100 countries achieved SDG target (<70 MMR)
      • 104 countries yet to achieve
    • Countries struggling like India: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Pakistan

    India’s Position

    • India falls in MMR range: 100–140
      (SDG target: Below 70)
    • However, India remains among countries with largest improvement since 1990, along with: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nepal, and Rwanda

    State-wise Disparity 

    States pulling India’s MMR down: Assam and Uttar Pradesh

    SRS Data:

    • India: 122 (2015-17) → 88 (2021-23)
    • Assam: 215 → 110
    • Uttar Pradesh: 197 → 141
    • Southern states are closer to achieving SDG target.
    [2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna: 1 It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2 Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women. 3 It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. 4 Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

  • Antibiotic Resistance Fuels 87 Percent of India’s Typhoid Economic Burden

    Why in News

    A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia (2026) found that antibiotic resistant typhoid infections accounted for 87 percent of India’s typhoid economic burden in 2023.

    Key Findings

    • Total economic burden of typhoid in India: ₹123 billion
    • Antibiotic resistant typhoid share: 87 percent
    • Children under 10 years contributed to over 50 percent of costs
    • Households bore 91 percent of total expenses
    • Around 70,000 families faced catastrophic health expenditure

    High Burden States

    • Five states accounted for 51 percent of national burden
    • Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal

    What is Typhoid

    • Bacterial infectious disease
    • Caused by Salmonella Typhi
    • Spread through contaminated food and water
    • Linked to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water

    What is Antibiotic Resistance

    • Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics
    • Medicines become less effective
    • Treatment becomes longer and more expensive
    • Higher risk of complications

    [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 1 Genetic predisposition of some people. 2 Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases. 3 Using antibiotics in livestock farming. 4 Multiple chronic diseases in some people. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • [24th March 2026] The Hindu OpED: A decade of building India’s TB Championship movement

    PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2020] COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management to the pandemic.Linkage: This PYQ tests application of technology in public health crises, focusing on diagnostics, digital tools, and governance outcomes in disease management. The same COVID-driven technological shift (AI, rapid diagnostics, decentralisation) is now being institutionalised in TB control to address early detection gaps and improve accessibility.

    Mentor’s Comment

    India’s fight against tuberculosis (TB) is entering a decisive phase. On the occasion of World TB Day (March 24), the focus has shifted from treatment expansion to a more critical bottleneck, early and accurate diagnosis.

    What is TB Diagnosis?

    Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis involves identifying TB bacteria through sputum tests (smear microscopy, culture, or rapid molecular tests like GeneXpert), chest X-rays, and TB infection tests (skin test or IGRA blood test). Active TB, which causes symptoms like cough and fever, requires sputum analysis, while latent TB is detected by immune response tests

    Why is TB diagnosis emerging as the central challenge in India’s TB elimination strategy?

    1. High Burden Reality: India contributes the largest share of global TB cases, making early detection a critical bottleneck.
    2. Diagnostic Delay: Delays in diagnosis increase transmission, worsen outcomes, and raise mortality.
    3. Asymptomatic Prevalence: National TB Survey shows ~50% of TB cases are asymptomatic, making symptom-based screening insufficient.
    4. Low Sensitivity Tools: Traditional sputum smear microscopy fails to detect drug resistance and has low sensitivity.

    How has the TB diagnostic landscape evolved in the last decade?

    1. Technological Transition: Shift from sputum smear microscopy,  molecular diagnostics (CBNAAT, TrueNat).
    2. Indigenous Innovation: TrueNat (2020) enabled decentralized molecular testing at primary care level.
    3. AI Integration: AI-enabled portable chest X-rays allow rapid screening and interpretation.
    4. Programmatic Expansion: NTEP deployed hundreds of portable X-ray machines under community screening drives.
    5. Non-Sputum Methods: Use of tongue swabs and alternative samples improves accessibility for vulnerable populations.

    What structural gaps continue to limit the effectiveness of TB diagnostics?

    1. Access Inequality: Limited availability of molecular testing in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
    2. Human Resource Constraints: Dependence on trained radiologists and technicians restricts scaling.
    3. Turnaround Delays: Delayed reporting reduces treatment initiation efficiency.
    4. Pediatric TB Challenge: Children often lack sputum; diagnosis remains difficult due to low bacillary load.
    5. Extra-Pulmonary TB (EPTB): Accounts for ~25% of TB burden; diagnosis remains complex and expensive.

    Why is a comprehensive diagnostic toolbox necessary for TB elimination?

    1. Diverse Disease Manifestation: TB presents in multiple forms (pulmonary, extra-pulmonary, asymptomatic).
    2. Population Diversity: Requires tools adaptable for children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
    3. Drug Resistance Detection: Molecular tools enable early identification of resistant strains.
    4. Precision Targeting: AI and biomarkers help identify high-risk individuals for preventive therapy (TPT).

    What role do innovation and research play in strengthening TB diagnostics?

    1. Evidence-Based Procurement: Technologies evaluated by ICMR before scale-up.
    2. Cost-Effectiveness Focus: Need for affordable and scalable diagnostic tools.
    3. Biomarker Development: Enables prediction of disease progression and targeted interventions.
    4. AI-Based Solutions: Portable ultrasound and AI-driven screening tools under development.
    5. Real-World Validation: Need for field-based studies to assess performance in low-resource settings.

    How do community-led initiatives like TB Champions strengthen the TB response?

    1. Peer Advocacy: TB survivors act as communicators, reducing stigma and improving awareness.
    2. Behavioural Change: Community engagement improves treatment adherence and early reporting.
    3. The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) Integration: Survivor-led model formally adopted under National TB Elimination Programme.
    4. Social Inclusion: Targets vulnerable groups, urban poor, tribal populations, socially marginalized.
    5. Anti-Stigma Impact: Increased confidence among patients; improved care-seeking behaviour. 

    Conclusion

    India’s TB elimination strategy is increasingly dependent on diagnostic transformation rather than treatment expansion. While technological innovation and community participation have improved detection capacity, systemic gaps in accessibility, inclusivity, and real-world implementation persist. A comprehensive, evidence-based, and decentralized diagnostic ecosystem is essential to accelerate progress toward TB elimination.

  • SC Strikes Down 3-Month Cap on Maternity Leave for Adoptive Mothers

    Why in the News

    • The Supreme Court of India (March 2026) struck down the 3-month age cap for maternity leave for adoptive mothers under:
      • Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
      • Code of Social Security, 2020

    What the Law Earlier Said

    • 12 weeks maternity leave was allowed only if child < 3 months at adoption
    • Result: Most adoptive mothers could not qualify

    Supreme Court Ruling

    • Adoptive mothers: Entitled to 12 weeks maternity leave regardless of child’s age
    • Held: “Motherhood cannot depend on child’s age”

    Why SC Struck Down the Cap

    1. Violation of Equality (Article 14)

    • Article 14 of the Indian Constitution
    • Court said: Distinction between mothers based on child’s age is: Artificial and unreasonable
    • Same caregiving responsibilities: Infant (2 months) vs child (4 months)

    2. Violation of Right to Life & Dignity (Article 21)

    • Article 21 of the Indian Constitution
    • Includes:
      • Reproductive autonomy
      • Right to form a family (including adoption)

    3. Law was “Illusory” in Practice

    • Adoption process (under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015):
      • Mandatory waiting periods
      • Legal procedures
    • Result: Child rarely available below 3 months

    4. Importance of Child Bonding

    • Maternity leave ensures: Emotional bonding and Child’s adjustment in new family
    • Applies equally to: Adoptive mothers (even more critical)

    5. Rejection of Government Argument

    • Govt suggested: Use crèche facilities
    • Court response:
      • Not universal (only for ≥50 employees)
      • Cannot replace maternal care
    [2019] With reference to the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017, consider the following statements: Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave. This act applies to all organisations with 20 or more employees. It has made it mandatory for every organisation with 100 or more employees to have a crèche. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • India’s Progress in Reducing Child Mortality: UN Report (2025)

    Why in the News

    • The Levels and Trends in Child Mortality by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation highlights:
      • Global slowdown in reducing child deaths
      • India’s steady improvement in child and neonatal mortality

    Global Scenario

    • 4.9 million children died before age 5 (2024)
      • Includes 2.3 million newborns
    • Under-5 mortality:
      • ↓ More than 50% since 2000
      • BUT progress slowed by >60% since 2015
    • 2.1 million deaths (age 5–24 years)
    • Regional Distribution
    • Sub-Saharan Africa: Accounts for 58% of global under-5 deaths

    India’s Performance

    1. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR)

    • 1990: 57 per 1000 live births
    • 2024: 17 per 1000

    2. Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR)

    • 1990: 127 per 1000
    • 2024: 27 per 1000

    3. Key Drivers of Improvement

    • Expanded immunisation coverage
    • Increase in institutional deliveries
    • Strengthening of public health systems
    • Targeted interventions:
      • Maternal & child healthcare
      • Nutrition programs

    Key Observations

    • India is a major contributor to mortality reduction in South Asia
    • Demonstrates that: Low-cost interventions can significantly reduce deaths

    Challenges Ahead

    • Slowing global progress
    • Persistent: Malnutrition and Infectious diseases
    • High neonatal share: Nearly half of under-5 deaths
    [2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna: 
    1. It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 
    2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
    3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. 
    4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age. 
    How many of the statements given above are correct? 
    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

  • Growing Concern Over Nicotine Pouches in India

    Why in the News

    Health experts and anti-tobacco activists are demanding stricter regulation or a ban on nicotine pouches, which are increasingly being sold online in India. Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Drugs Control has issued alerts and notices against their illegal sale.

    What are Nicotine Pouches?

    • Small microfiber pouches containing nicotine powder, flavourings and additives.
    • Placed between the gum and lip, where nicotine is absorbed through the mouth lining.
    • Do not contain tobacco, but still deliver nicotine directly to the bloodstream.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nicotine pouches dissolve in the mouth and do not require spitting.

    Why Experts Are Concerned

    • Highly Addictive: Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical, especially harmful for youth and pregnant women.
    • Not Approved for Smoking Cessation: Neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor Indian authorities approve nicotine pouches as a quitting aid.
    • Health Risks: Possible effects include:
      • Cardiovascular problems
      • Gum disease and oral health issues
      • Increased overall nicotine intake
    • Some pouches reportedly contain up to 50 mg nicotine, far higher than standard nicotine replacement products.
    [2020] Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? Automobile exhaust Tobacco smoke Wood burning Using varnished wooden furniture Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • HPV Vaccine Policy: India-made Cervavac Yet to Enter National Programme

    Why in the News

    India has launched a large-scale HPV vaccination campaign for adolescent girls using Gardasil, while the India-made vaccine Cervavac has not yet been included in the national immunisation programme due to ongoing research on its single-dose effectiveness.

    HPV Vaccine Campaign in India

    • India plans to vaccinate 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years.
    • The campaign currently uses Gardasil-4, developed by Merck.
    • Vaccination is supported by funding from Gavi.

    About the Indigenous Vaccine: Cervavac

    • Developed through collaboration between:
      • Department of Biotechnology
      • BIRAC
      • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
      • Serum Institute of India
    • Officially launched in 2022.
    • Estimated price if procured by government: ₹200–400 per dose (much cheaper than global vaccines).

    Why Cervavac is Not Yet in the Programme

    • Ongoing ICMR Study: The Indian Council of Medical Research is studying whether one dose of Cervavac produces enough long-lasting antibodies. Results expected by 2027.
    • WHO Recommendation Change: The World Health Organization now allows single-dose HPV vaccination in national programmes. Gardasil already has WHO prequalification for single-dose use, while Cervavac does not yet.
    • Free Vaccine Supply: India received GAVI support providing limited “free” HPV vaccine doses, encouraging the use of Gardasil initially.

    Two-Dose vs Single-Dose Debate

    • Earlier recommendation: 2 doses for girls aged 9–15 (6 months apart).
    • New WHO guidance (2022): Countries may use single-dose schedules to improve coverage and reduce costs.
    • Single-dose programmes are easier to implement because adolescent girls may not return for the second dose.

    Burden of Cervical Cancer in India

    • Second most common cancer among Indian women.
    • About 80,000 new cases annually.
    • Around 42,000 deaths each year.
    • India accounts for about 20% of global cervical cancer cases.

    About HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

    • A group of viruses spread mainly through sexual contact.
    • Certain strains such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 cause most cervical cancers.
    • Vaccination significantly reduces risk.
    [2022] In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector-based platform. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • India Ranks Second Globally in Childhood Obesity

    Why in the News

    The World Obesity Atlas 2026, released by the World Obesity Federation on World Obesity Day (March 4), reported that India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, after China.

    Key Findings

    Scale of Childhood Obesity in India (2025)

    • Children aged 5–9: ~15 million overweight or obese
    • Children aged 10–19: ~26 million overweight or obese

    High BMI figures among children:

    • China: 62 million
    • India: 41 million
    • United States: 27 million
    • India therefore ranks second globally in number of children with high BMI.

    Global Trend

    • 20.7% of children worldwide (ages 5–19) are overweight or obese.
    • This increased from 14.6% in 2010.
    • By 2040, about 507 million children globally may be overweight or obese.

    Major Risk Factors Identified in India

    • Low Physical Activity: 74% of adolescents (11–17 years) do not meet recommended physical activity levels.
    • Poor Nutrition: Increased consumption of sugary beverages among children.
    • Inadequate School Nutrition: Only 35.5% of school-age children receive school meals.
    • Sub-optimal Breastfeeding: 32.6% of infants (1–5 months) do not receive optimal breastfeeding.

    Health Risks Linked to High BMI

    By 2040, India may see rising cases of:

    • Hypertension
    • Hyperglycaemia
    • High triglycerides
    • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
      • These conditions increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later in life.

    Recommended Policy Actions

    • Introduce taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.
    • Restrict junk food marketing targeting children.
    • Promote healthy school meals and physical activity.
    • Strengthen nutrition and breastfeeding programmes.

    Prelims Pointers

    • BMI (Body Mass Index) = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²).
    • World Obesity Day is observed on March 4.
    • Childhood obesity increases risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
    • MASLD refers to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.
    [2016] Which of the following is/are the indicator/ indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? Undernourishment Child stunting Child mortality Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 only