India declared free of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015: WHO
Q. In June 2015, World Health Organisation has declared India free of which infection?- Published on 19 Jun 15a. Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus
b. HIV / AIDS
c. Polio
d. Hepatitis A
ANSWER: Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus
As per the WHO, the elimination of neonatal tetanus is defined as less than one case in 1000 live births in every district across the country. Abolishing a disease that was once responsible for 15% of deaths in the country is surely a matter of great pride. According to the experts, three major reasons for eradication of this disease were: 1.The increase in Maternal tetanus immunisation rates 2. Introduction of cash incentives for institutional deliveries & 3. Use of delivery kits that reduce contamination along with safe umbilical cord practices. Nagaland was the last Indian state to achieve maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination.
