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Dengue Prevention.

India Nears Completion of Phase-3 Trials for Indigenous Dengue Vaccine: ICMR

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India is on the cusp of a major public health milestone, with nearly 8,000 out of a targeted 10,000 participants already enrolled in Phase-3 clinical trials of the country’s first homegrown dengue vaccine, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Dr. Manoj Murhekar, Director of ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai, confirmed the progress in an interaction with The Hindu. The large-scale trials, which are being conducted at 20 different centres across the country, are testing the efficacy of DengiAll, a tetravalent vaccine developed by Panacea Biotec. This formulation aims to provide protection against all four known dengue virus serotypes that co-circulate in various parts of India. “An effective vaccine must be able to offer strong immunity against all four strains,” Dr. Murhekar emphasized. The ICMR is the primary funder of the project, with Panacea Biotec offering partial financial and technical support. Once vaccinated, participants will be monitored for a period of two years at locations including Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for dengue in India, despite the disease being a recurring and widespread health issue. India remains among the top 30 countries most affected by dengue, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). By the end of 2023, over 129 countries had reported cases of dengue globally. The candidate vaccine, DengiAll, is derived from the TV003/TV005 tetravalent strain originally created by the U.S.-based National Institutes of Health. Panacea Biotec is one of three Indian firms granted access to the strain and has advanced furthest in the development process. The company completed early-stage (Phase-1 and 2) trials in 2018–19, which delivered encouraging results. It also holds a process patent for its unique formulation. The Union Health Ministry highlighted that the first participant in the Phase-3 trial received a dose at Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak last year. Dengue poses a significant health threat in India. Although 75–80% of infections are asymptomatic, individuals can still spread the virus via Aedes mosquito bites. Among symptomatic cases—comprising about 20–25%—children face an elevated risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. In adults, the disease can escalate into life-threatening conditions such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The challenge of controlling the virus is compounded by the presence of four distinct serotypes, each offering limited cross-immunity, making repeated infections common. With the success of this trial, India could soon have its first domestically developed and licensed dengue vaccine, marking a crucial step forward in the country’s fight against vector-borne diseases. Source: The Hindu  

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Delhi Health Minister Highlights Doctors Shortage, Criticizes L-G for Inaction

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Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has raised concerns about a significant shortage of doctors and specialists in the city’s hospitals, citing a nearly 30% vacancy rate. Despite repeated requests to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Bharadwaj claims no substantial efforts have been made to address these critical vacancies. He accused the L-G’s office of delaying appointments by citing excuses such as the unavailability of the Chief Minister and the lack of a National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) meeting. During a press conference, Bharadwaj outlined measures the Delhi government is taking to combat the spread of dengue, including directives for public announcements at metro stations, bus stations, and other transport hubs to raise awareness about dengue prevention. He emphasized the need for all government hospitals to be fully equipped to handle dengue cases and directed the Health Secretary to visit hospitals daily to ensure compliance, although he expressed uncertainty over the implementation of these orders. Bharadwaj also highlighted the need for schools to enforce full-sleeve clothing for students as a protective measure against mosquito bites. He noted plans to increase public awareness through radio ads, campaigns, posters, and announcements in metro and public transport stations. The Health Minister accused the L-G’s office of spreading false information and obstructing the recruitment process for medical staff in government hospitals. He criticized the L-G, appointed by the BJP-led central government, for evading responsibility during major crises in Delhi, including a recent incident at the Asha Kiran Home Shelter, where 13 residents died due to a lack of doctors and paramedical staff. Bharadwaj blamed this tragic outcome on the L-G’s failure to appoint necessary medical personnel, despite having authority over transfers and postings. Bharadwaj also pointed out that the L-G’s office issued a misleading statement claiming that the absence of an NCCSA meeting prevented staff appointments at Asha Kiran Home. However, these appointments were made following a court order without the need for an NCCSA meeting, which he said exposed the falsehoods propagated by the L-G’s office. The minister emphasized that many hospitals are currently managed by overburdened directors or medical superintendents due to staff shortages. He noted that multiple letters sent to the L-G’s office have gone unheeded, with responses citing reasons like the unavailability of the Chief Minister and procedural delays tied to NCCSA meetings. The NCCSA, chaired by the Delhi Chief Minister and including the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home), was formed in May to oversee service matters, including transfers and postings of Group ‘A’ officers in the Delhi government. Source: Business Standard

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