India has been recognized with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award for its relentless efforts in combating these infectious diseases, as announced by the health ministry on Friday.
The award ceremony, held at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington DC, US on March 6, saw Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington DC, receiving the accolade on behalf of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Measles and Rubella: A Brief Overview
Measles and rubella are highly contagious viral infections that primarily affect children.
Measles
Measles, also known as rubeola, is caused by the measles virus and typically spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes of an infected person. The virus can survive in the air and on surfaces for several hours, making transmission easy, especially in crowded areas. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that spreads across the body. Complications can arise, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Rubella
Rubella, commonly known as German measles, is caused by the rubella virus and spreads similarly through respiratory droplets. While rubella is usually mild in children and adults, it can have severe consequences for pregnant women. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, especially during the first trimester, it can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the fetus. CRS can result in serious birth defects such as heart abnormalities, deafness, and developmental delays.
India’s Comprehensive Efforts
India’s receipt of the Measles and Rubella Champion Award highlights the nation’s dedication to public health and its exemplary leadership in tackling these infectious diseases. The award recognizes India’s multifaceted approach to combating measles and rubella, encompassing vaccination campaigns, surveillance systems, public awareness initiatives, and innovative strategies to reach underserved populations.
The Measles and Rubella Partnership, comprising leading organizations such as the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO, lauded India’s commitment and achievements in reducing measles and rubella cases and preventing outbreaks.
Future Directions
India’s proactive measures, including the incorporation of the MR vaccine into the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and the implementation of targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, reflect the country’s dedication to eliminating measles and rubella. The government’s ongoing efforts aim to ensure the health and well-being of all citizens, particularly children and vulnerable populations.
As India continues its journey towards measles and rubella elimination, the recognition bestowed upon the nation serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of frontline health workers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities across the country.
Efforts to combat measles and rubella have yielded significant results, with 50 districts consistently reporting no measles cases and 226 districts remaining free of rubella cases over the past 12 months, the statement added.
Measles and rubella are vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), with the MR vaccine becoming a part of the UIP since 2017. The Indian government remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminating measles and rubella from the country, striving towards a healthier future for all citizens.