Karnataka: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) programme launched

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) programme was launched in the state of Karnataka, on November 12, 2021.

Key Points

• PCV programme was launched under the universal immunisation programme on the occasion of ‘World Pneumonia Day’.
• It was launched with the aim of spreading awareness and reducing pneumonia induced mortality & morbidity among children.
• Programme was launched by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai at KIMS, Hubballi on October 22, 2021.

Bacterial pneumonia

Pneumococcal is the name of group of diseases which are caused by bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main cause of bacterial pneumonia in children aged under five years. Young children, elderly, and those with suppressed immune system or those who are malnourished are at the increased risk of getting infected to pneumococcal disease.

Pneumonia disease in India

In India, there are an estimated 1.2 million children who die before completed the age 5 while 15.9% of deaths are the result of pneumonia.

Effectiveness of PCV

PCV is safe and effective measure to prevent pneumococcal disease. It reduces the incidence of meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious bacterial infections that are caused by pneumococcus. To cure the diseases, two primary doses are advised, one at six weeks and second at 14 weeks. Apart from that, a booster dose advised at nine months.

World Pneumonia Day

World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12, annually. The day was established in 2009 by Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia.

Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)

UIP vaccination programme was launched in 1985 by Indian government. It became a part of Child Survival & Safe Motherhood Programme in 1992. This programme is currently one of the focus areas under National Rural Health Mission since 2005. It comprises of vaccination for 12 diseases namely, tuberculosis, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, poliomyelitis, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B, rubella, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and Pneumococcal diseases.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021