Prelims 20-03-2024
Snakebite Envenoming
Why in News?
- Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE), under the ‘One Health’ approach.
| One Health Approach
Ø One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Ø It brings different sectors together to solve the health, productivity, and conservation challenges. |
About Snakebite Envenoming:
- The snakebite envenoming (poisoning from snake bites) was classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a high-priority neglected tropical disease.
- An estimated 1.8 – 2.7 million people worldwide are envenomed annually.
- In India, around 50,000 deaths occur of an estimated 3-4 million snake bites annually which accounts for half of all snakebite deaths globally.
- In India, around 90% of snake bites are caused by the ‘big four’ among the crawlers – common krait, Indian cobra, Russell’s viper and saw scaled viper.
About NAPSE:
- The NAP-SE provides a broad framework for management, prevention and control of Snakebite envenoming in India.
- Vision: “To prevent and control snakebite envenoming in order to halve the numbers of deaths and cases of disability that it causes by 2030”
- Aim: Systematic reduction of snakebite envenoming risk through sustained availability of anti-snake venom, capacity building, referral mechanism and public education.
- NAPSE provides a broad framework for states to develop their own action plan for management, prevention and control of snakebites through the ‘One Health’ approach.
How Anti-venom is made?
- Antivenoms are purified antibodies against venoms or venom components. They are produced from antibodies made by animals to injected venoms. They are the only definitive treatment for effective bites by venomous snakes. They are included in the WHO Essential Medicines List.
Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024
Why in news:
- Indian Army contingent departed for Seychelles to participate in the Tenth edition of Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024”
About Exercise:
- It is a Joint Exercise Between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
- ‘LAMITIYE’ meaning ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language is a biennial training event and has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001.
- Features : The 10 days long Joint Exercise will include Field Training Exercise, combat discussions, lectures & demonstrations, which culminates with two days of Validation Exercise.
- Objectives : To enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations in Semi-Urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.
- The exercise will also build and promote bilateral military relations in addition to exchanging skills, experiences and good practices between both armies