Malaria - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

1)   India has reduced new malaria cases by what percent?

a. 55
b. 25
c. 75
d. 95
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 75

Explanation:
India has reduced its new malaria cases by one third, and even crossed the malaria mortality targets of 2020, according Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda at a high-level round table on 'Accelerating the Elimination of Malaria in the Southeast Asia Region'.

Nearly three-fourth of the share of the regional burden, India's successes have significantly contributed to the reduction of the burden of malaria for the entire Southeast Asia region.

The Union Minister noted that a majority of malaria cases in the country occur in its bordering districts, forests and tribal areas


2)   Which of the following is/are true about the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination?

a. It provides sector wise elimination targets based on endemicity of malaria
b. Targets for elimination of malaria are provided for the next 5 years
c. Early detection of malaria is covered under the plan
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017-22).

The Strategic Plan gives year wise elimination targets in various parts of the country depending upon the endemicity of malaria in the next 5 years.

The government would like to eliminate malaria by 2027 and urged the states for active cooperation.

National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) outlined India’s commitment for eliminating malaria by 2030.

The launch of the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017-22) which gives strategies is working towards the ultimate goal of elimination of malaria by 2030.

National Strategic Plan is for five years.

Since the past three years focus is on Long Lasting Impregnated Nets (LLINs) with more 14 million nets disbursed and 25 million nets are to be distributed.

Salient Features

The strategies involve strengthening malaria surveillance,
Also part of the plan is establishing a mechanism for early detection and prevention of outbreaks of malaria, promoting the prevention of malaria.

This is through the use of Long Lasting Impregnated Nets (LLINs), effective indoor residual spray and augmenting the manpower and capacities for effective implementation for the next five years. Inter sectoral coordination is the key.

Around one child dies of malaria every two minutes and the burden is the heaviest in the African region. India has the third highest malaria burden in the world.


3)   On April 25th which day is celebrated across the globe:

a. World Rheumatism Day
b. World Brain Day
c. World Meningitis Day
d. World Malaria Day
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: World Malaria Day

Explanation:
On April 25th people across the globe take part in a wide range of activities to mark World Malaria Day.

  • The Day is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria.
  • Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. WMD is one of eight official global public health campaigns currently marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day and World AIDS Day.
  • The theme for 2016 is “End Malaria For Good”.


4)   Using a groundbreaking gene editing technique, researchers inserted a DNA element into the germ line of _____________ mosquitoes that resulted in the gene preventing malaria transmission being passed on to 99.5 per cent of offspring.

a. Anopheles stephensi
b. Anopheles dephensi
c. None of the above
d. Both a and b
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Anopheles stephensi

Explanation:
A stephensi is a leading malaria vector in Asia.Researchers packaged anti-malaria genes with an enzyme (which can cut DNA) and a guide RNA to create a genetic "cassette" that, when injected into a mosquito embryo, targeted a highly specific spot on the germ line DNA to insert the anti-malaria antibody genes in this strain. Close to 99.5 percent of offspring exhibited this trait of blocking malaria.