India Lacks Diagnostic Tests for Emerging Infectious Diseases

Published On:

India Lacks Diagnostic Tests for Emerging Infectious Diseases

 

Why in News?

 

A recent case of Zika virus infection in Pune has highlighted India's preparedness for diagnosing emerging infectious diseases. The case involved a 46-year-old doctor whose diagnosis came after significant symptoms and hospitalization. Subsequent testing of his family revealed that his 15-year-old daughter was also infected. This is not the first Zika case in India; past years have seen outbreaks in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

 

Zika Virus and Diagnostic Challenges

 

• Zika Virus Characteristics: Zika, a mosquito-borne pathogen from the flavivirus family, includes dengue. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, making clinical diagnosis challenging.
• Current Diagnostic State: India's apex body, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), confirmed there is no approved diagnostic test for Zika. Reliance on classical symptoms and clinical suspicion hampers accurate diagnosis and understanding of disease spread.

 

Historical and Recent Outbreaks

 

• Past Outbreaks: India has seen multiple Zika outbreaks, notably in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, with significant cases as recent as 2021.
• Nipah Virus Outbreaks: Kerala faced Nipah outbreaks in 2018, 2021, and 2023. Early identification relied heavily on clinical suspicion due to the lack of diagnostic tests.
• Influenza: Multiple influenza outbreaks also highlighted the gaps in testing and surveillance.

 

Institutional Shortcomings

 

• Over-Reliance on Apex Institutes: The lack of approved diagnostic tests leads to over-reliance on apex institutes. This has resulted in many cases being missed initially, complicating public health responses.

 

Diagnostic Infrastructure and Recommendations

 

• Limitations in Current Infrastructure: The reliance on synthetic genomic data and clinical samples creates bottlenecks in developing accurate diagnostics.
• COVID-19 Pandemic Lessons: India's response to COVID-19, which involved decentralizing testing and leveraging existing infrastructure, shows a potential path forward. The systematic approach for approvals and making tests widely available was crucial.

 

Proposed Solutions

 

• Decentralization: Decentralizing testing facilities, involving public and private laboratories, and leveraging industry resources can enhance preparedness.
• Improved Diagnostics: Developing accessible and affordable diagnostic tests for diseases like Zika, Nipah, and avian influenza is vital. This requires rapid validation of clinical samples and synthetic genomic data.
• Future Preparedness: Establishing a better system for diagnostic approvals, surveillance, and data sharing is essential to handle emerging infectious diseases effectively.

 

Overlords of the Developing World: IMF's Impact on Poor Countries

 

Why in News?

 

Kenya is currently experiencing mass protests against a new finance bill introduced by President William Ruto. This bill, backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), proposes raising taxes on essential goods such as bread, cooking oil, sugar, and diapers. The government's attempt to implement this bill led to violent clashes, resulting in at least 30 deaths and over 200 injuries. Despite initially resisting, President Ruto eventually conceded to public pressure and announced he would not sign the controversial bill.

 

IMF's Role and Conditionalities

 

The protests highlight broader issues with IMF policies and their impact on developing countries. In 2021, Kenya signed a four-year loan agreement with the IMF for $2.34 billion. By May 2023, this loan volume increased to $3.6 billion, with funds released in tranches and subject to strict conditions. The IMF’s influence often requires countries to implement austerity measures, such as increasing taxes and reducing public spending, to ensure loan approval and disbursement.

 

Historical Background and Criticism

 

The IMF was created in 1944 to promote international monetary cooperation and financial stability. However, its policies have been criticized for exacerbating inequality and poverty in developing countries. A 2002 World Bank-funded study by the Structural Adjustment Participatory Review International Network (SAPRIN) examined the impact of IMF's Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) in nine countries across four continents. The report found that SAPs led to the "impoverishment and marginalisation of local populations," including the dismantling of domestic manufacturing sectors, loss of employment, and reduced access to essential services.

 

Unwritten Mandate and Influence

 

The IMF, alongside the World Bank, operates with significant influence over the economic policies of borrowing countries. Their policies are often dictated by the interests of wealthier member countries, notably the United States, which holds a significant voting share. This power imbalance has led to accusations that the IMF and World Bank enforce a modern form of economic imperialism, where developing countries are pressured into adopting policies that primarily benefit Western financial interests.

 

Case Studies and Global Impact

 

The consequences of IMF policies are evident in numerous developing countries. Protests against IMF-imposed austerity measures have occurred in nations like Ghana, Zambia, and Pakistan. In Kenya, the proposed finance bill and subsequent protests are a direct result of IMF conditionalities tied to loan agreements. The reduction in public sector spending has led to diminished social services, exacerbating poverty and inequality.

 

What is Holding up the Teesta Treaty?

 

Why in News?

 

The Teesta water-sharing treaty has been a contentious issue between India and Bangladesh for over a decade. During the recent visit of Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, to India on June 22, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated that a technical team would soon visit Bangladesh to discuss the conservation and management of the Teesta River. This statement has renewed speculation about the pending bilateral agreement.

 

India's Stand

 

According to India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, the recent discussions between the two leaders focused more on managing water flows within the Teesta rather than on sharing the water itself. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed strong reservations about sharing the Teesta waters without involving the State. On June 24, she communicated her concerns to Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the severe impact on north Bengal if the Teesta waters are shared.

 

Bengal's Opposition

 

Mamata Banerjee has consistently opposed the proposed water-sharing agreement, citing potential severe impacts on north Bengal. In 2017, she suggested an alternative proposal involving the sharing of waters from rivers such as the Torsa, Manshai, Sankosh, and Dhansiri, but not the Teesta. Her opposition stems from the belief that the Teesta waters are vital for the region's agricultural and environmental needs.

 

Historical Proposals and Agreements

 

The discussion about the Teesta water-sharing has been ongoing since 2011, when a draft agreement proposed allocating 42.5% of the river's water to India and 37.5% to Bangladesh from December to March. The Teesta River, originating from the Tso Lhamo Lake in Sikkim, flows through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It is crucial for both countries, supporting agriculture and populations along its course.

 

Current Status and Environmental Concerns

 

The recent visit of the technical team to Bangladesh aims to discuss the conservation of the Teesta River, reflecting ongoing environmental concerns. Bangladesh is particularly worried about the impact of the proposed water sharing on its agriculture and livelihoods. Environmentalists in both countries are also concerned about the impact of hydroelectric projects on the river.

 

Ganga Water Sharing Agreement

 

The Ganga water-sharing treaty between India and Bangladesh, signed in 1996, is up for renewal in 2026. This agreement is critical for both nations, as it ensures a regulated flow of the Ganga River waters. Bangladesh's concerns regarding this treaty highlight the importance of fair and equitable water distribution.

 

Technical Team's Role and River Conditions

 

The technical team visiting Bangladesh will focus on the conservation and management of the Teesta River. The state of both rivers, Teesta and Ganga, is crucial for maintaining bilateral relations and ensuring sustainable water use. The Teesta River, particularly, has faced severe droughts and flooding, exacerbating the need for a comprehensive and fair water-sharing agreement.

 

Conclusion

 

The Teesta water-sharing treaty remains unresolved due to complex political, environmental, and regional concerns. The involvement of technical teams and continuous dialogue between India and Bangladesh are essential steps towards achieving a sustainable solution. The renewal of the Ganga water-sharing agreement also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in managing transboundary water resources effectively.