Closely monitoring outbreak of H9N2, clusters of respiratory illness in children in China: Govt
New Delhi, Nov 24: India is prepared for any kind of exigency that may emerge from the current influenza situation in China, the government said Friday, highlighting that it is monitoring the outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in that country.
There is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza -- H9N2-- case reported in China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness, the Union health ministry said.
Some media reports have indicated clustering of cases of respiratory illness in children in northern China for which the World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued a statement, it said.
Based on available information, an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks. "The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations," the ministry said.
Recently, a meeting was held under the Directorate General of Health Services to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of avian influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (avian influenza virus) in October in China that was reported to the WHO, it said.
"The overall risk assessment by the WHO indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to the WHO so far. The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognised. India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency," the ministry added.
The WHO on Thursday said it has made an official request to China for detailed information on the spike in respiratory illnesses after Chinese health authorities reported multiple infectious respiratory diseases with surging cases of mycoplasma pneumonia and influenza flu among children.
The ministry said India is embarking on a 'One Health' approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues. There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure especially since the Covid pandemic, it said.
The PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched by the prime minister and it is developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary, to prepare health systems in responding effectively to the current and future pandemics and disasters, the ministry said.
In addition, India's surveillance and detection networks under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have rich experience of dealing with challenging health situations during the Covid pandemic, the ministry said.
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Will move Supreme Court, have faith in it: Unnao rape survivor's mother at protest outside Delhi HC
New Delhi (PTI) The Unnao rape survivor’s mother on Friday said she will approach the Supreme Court challenging the suspension of life term of convict Kuldeep Sengar as she participated in a protest outside the Delhi High Court against the last week's verdict.
Activists from the All India Democratic Women's Association along with activist Yogita Bhayana and the survivor's mother held a protest outside the court, demanding cancellation of the bail of Sengar, an expelled BJP MLA.
Speaking to PTI, the survivor’s mother said she had come to the high court to protest as her daughter had endured immense suffering.
“I am not blaming the entire high court, but only the two judges whose decision has shattered our trust,” she said.
The mother added that earlier judges had delivered justice to the family, but the accused had now been granted bail.
“This is an injustice towards our family. We will approach the Supreme Court, as I have faith in it,” she told PTI.
Scores of protesters gathered outside the high court holding placards saying: “Kuldeep Sengar ki umar kaid ki saza barkaraar rahe” and “Mahilaon ki garima ke saath khilwad nahi chalega”
They also raised slogans such as “Balatkariyo ko sanrakshan dena band kro” and “Gunehgaron ko bachana band karo” (stop protecting rapists and convicts) in support of the Unnao rape survivor.
Criticizing the central government over the ruling, one of the protesters said, “How can the BJP government or the court give him bail. They have to dismiss his bail or this government must go.”
“This is not a coincidence that the bail was granted just two days before court holidays. This is a planned move. The citizens of this country are not foolish. Till how long will they continue to deceive us…,” another woman said.
Demanding the cancellation of Sengar’s bail, another protester said, “He has raped a girl and killed her father because of which she is still in this condition. Stop giving protection to the rapist and protect the victims.”
As the agitators continued their protest, the Delhi Police announced through microphone that demonstration in front of the Delhi High Court is not allowed, warning them of legal action.
"Demonstrating here is prohibited and illegal. Legal action can be taken against you. If you want to protest, go to Jantar Mantar," a police personnel said.
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered the release of Sengar, who is serving a life term in the case, on bail pending the disposal of his appeal against his conviction by a trial court in December 2019.
In its order, the court directed that the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA shall not come within a five-kilometre radius of the victim’s residence or threaten the rape survivor or her mother, and said any violation of the conditions would automatically lead to the cancellation of his bail.
However, Sengar will remain in jail as he is also serving a 10-year sentence in connection with the custodial death of the survivor's father and has not been granted bail in that case.
