logo
India hands over Sickle Cell, Thalassemia vaccines to Nepal

India hands over Sickle Cell, Thalassemia vaccines to Nepal

The Print25-04-2025
'The Government of India is providing medicines and vaccines worth USD 2 million for the management of patients with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease in response to a request from the Nepali government,' the statement said.
Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava handed over the first consignment of vaccines for Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia to Minister of Health and Population Pradip Paudel, the statement said.
Kathmandu, Apr 25 (PTI) India handed over Sickle Cell and Thalassemia vaccines to Nepal in response to the Nepal government's request, a statement said on Friday.
'The first consignment of vaccines/medicines includes Influenzae Vaccine (3100 units), Salmonella Vaccine (1550 units), Meningococcus Vaccine (3100 units), Haemophilus Influenza Vaccine (4640 units), and Streptococcus Pneumonia Vaccine (4640 units),' it said.
The statement said the contribution from India would help bolster Nepal's efforts in addressing these inherited blood disorders, which pose significant health challenges to affected individuals and families.
'The provision of these vaccines underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations, particularly in the crucial healthcare sector,' it said.
The ambassador said the vaccines would be instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia in Nepal.
Paudel acknowledged the long-standing collaboration with India and its contributions to Nepal's healthcare system.
'This initiative is a testament to the close ties and collaborative spirit between India and Nepal, reflecting a shared vision for a healthier future for their citizens. The Government of India remains committed to partnering with Nepal in various sectors, including health, to foster mutual progress and development,' the statement said. PTI SBP PY PY PY
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

A comprehensive effort to contain sickle cell disease
A comprehensive effort to contain sickle cell disease

Hindustan Times

time3 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

A comprehensive effort to contain sickle cell disease

Many within India's tribal communities have been silently battling the debilitating genetic disorder known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). For decades, this condition has taken a toll on their health and socioeconomic development, exacerbated further by geographic isolation and limited access to health care. Recognising this dire need, the Union government launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) in July 2023. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to not only eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission but also restore dignity and health to millions affected by this condition. In its first two years, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has yielded remarkable results, with joint efforts of MoHFW and the states, with over 60.7 million individuals have been screened across more than 300 districts in 17 high-prevalence states. (HT Archive) Sickle cell disease alters the shape of red blood cells, impairing their oxygen-carrying capacity and leading to severe health complications over time. Among tribal populations, the impact is profound, as they are disproportionately affected by this genetic disorder. According to Global Burden of Disease figures (2021), an estimated 82,500 births with SCD occur in India. The National Health Policy 2017 laid the groundwork for addressing this crisis. Building on this, the 2023 budget announced the NSCAEM, setting a target to screen 70 million individuals under 40 years by FY26. The activity was implemented under the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), making it one of the largest population-based genetic screening programmes globally. The mission also aims to eliminate genetic transmission of SCD by 2047 while providing comprehensive care to those already afflicted. In its first two years, this mission has yielded remarkable results, with joint efforts of MoHFW and the states. As on July 31, over 60.7 million individuals have been screened across more than 300 districts in 17 high-prevalence states. Among those screened, 216,000 individuals were found to suffer from the disease, while 1.69 million were identified as carriers. Analysis reveals that 95% of cases are concentrated in five states: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. The story of Meena, a young tribal girl from Nawapara Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, is emblematic of the mission's impact. Diagnosed during the screening drive, Meena was enrolled in a nearby health sub-centre. The trained Community Health Officer (CHO), auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) and ASHA worker at the sub-centre ensured that she had access to free hydroxyurea, the drug that significantly alleviated the symptoms of SCD. Today, Meena leads a healthier life and is an advocate for genetic counselling in her community. To accelerate screening efforts, point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic devices approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have been deployed. Initially limited to three, the number of approved kits has now expanded to over 30, reducing costs dramatically from ₹100 to ₹28 per kit. This initiative has ensured cost-effective and efficient diagnostic capabilities. The implementation of this mission is not solely focused on screening; it prioritises holistic care for individuals diagnosed with SCD. Management interventions under the mission include free health care services with access to essential medicines and diagnostics, hydroxyurea, a key drug for managing SCD, is added to the National Essential Drug list (EDL). The mission also emphasises genetic counselling and public awareness as pivotal strategies for eliminating SCD. Over 26.2 million genetic status cards have been distributed, empowering individuals with critical health information. SCD cards have become a vital tool for informed decision-making, enabling families to make choices that reduce the risk of genetic transmission. Fifteen health care institutions/medical colleges have been selected to establish Centres of Excellence (CoEs), as per guidelines laid down by the MoHFW, and funding support from the ministry of tribal affairs. These institutions focus on prenatal diagnosis and management of severe SCD complications, ensuring specialised care for at-risk families. Additionally, a National Level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme organised in October 2024 has equipped health care professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complexities of SCD management effectively. The success of NSCAEM is underpinned by the whole-of-government approach, by which MoHFW is involving the tribal affairs, social justice & empowerment, education, and women & child development ministries. This inter-ministerial coordination ensures holistic implementation, addressing the socio-cultural and geographic dimensions of tribal health. Research-backed interventions, supported by the department of health research of the MoHFW, have further enhanced cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes. While the achievements are commendable, MoHFW has now shifted focus to future priorities for the mission. The immediate focus will be on expanding genetic counselling, public awareness campaigns, and distribution of genetic status cards. Leveraging community-level platforms will be crucial in ensuring that every carrier and diseased individual receives the care and support they need. Enhanced research efforts will provide actionable insights to refine interventions further. The true spirit of this mission lies in its motto: 'Supporting our fighters, strengthening our survivors, and standing by our warriors.' By combining political will, scientific innovation, and grassroots implementation, India is poised to eliminate sickle cell anaemia and transform the lives of millions. As India strides confidently towards its 2047 goal of eliminating SCD, the NSCAEM stands as a beacon of hope. It exemplifies what can be achieved when government, healthcare professionals, and communities unite for a common cause. India's fight against sickle cell anaemia is not just about combating a genetic disorder — it is a commitment to equity, dignity, and the health of our nation's most marginalised groups. With the experience of individuals like Meena guiding the way, the mission serves as a testament to the transformative power of targeted health care initiatives, marking a historic leap in addressing tribal health challenges. Jagat Prakash Nadda is the Union minister for health and family welfare. The views expressed are personal.

Pfizer launches next-gen vaccine for pneumococcal disease
Pfizer launches next-gen vaccine for pneumococcal disease

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

Pfizer launches next-gen vaccine for pneumococcal disease

Pfizer has introduced its 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for adults in India, offering protection against 20 serotypes responsible for a majority of pneumococcal diseases. This single-dose vaccine provides timely and proactive protection for all adults, including those with chronic conditions, potentially eliminating the need for a second dose. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Drug firm Pfizer on Monday said it has launched its next-generation 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine ( PCV20 ) for adults in vaccine helps protect against clinically relevant 20 serotypes responsible for a majority of invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease , it said in a enables timely and proactive protection for all adults, including those living with chronic conditions, it will be available as a single-shot vaccine and those vaccinated with PCV20 may not need a second dose, the drug maker said."We believe this vaccine, with its broad coverage of 20 pneumococcal disease serotypes, will address the increasing need for adult immunisation in our country," Pfizer MD Meenakshi Nevatia said. PTI

Pfizer launches next-gen vaccine for pneumococcal disease
Pfizer launches next-gen vaccine for pneumococcal disease

News18

time6 hours ago

  • News18

Pfizer launches next-gen vaccine for pneumococcal disease

Agency: PTI New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Drug firm Pfizer on Monday said it has launched its next-generation 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for adults in India. The vaccine helps protect against clinically relevant 20 serotypes responsible for a majority of invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease, it said in a statement. It enables timely and proactive protection for all adults, including those living with chronic conditions, it added. PCV20 will be available as a single-shot vaccine and those vaccinated with PCV20 may not need a second dose, the drug maker said. 'We believe this vaccine, with its broad coverage of 20 pneumococcal disease serotypes, will address the increasing need for adult immunisation in our country," Pfizer MD Meenakshi Nevatia said. PTI MSS MSS MR MR view comments First Published: August 11, 2025, 19:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store