What is the Pandemic Fund?

Following the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, the World Bank established the Pandemic Fund. It aims to fortify pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities in countries with low and middle incomes.

• The fund provides additional resources specifically for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. It encourages countries to boost investments, improves coordination among partners, and serves as a platform for advocacy.
• In a related story, lumpy skin disease has made a comeback, impacting India’s cattle population. Several states are currently dealing with active cases.

India’s Application for Pandemic Preparedness Funding:

• India has sought funding from the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund to fight pandemics affecting both humans and animals.
• Given that many diseases are zoonotic , India stresses the need for animal disease surveillance and prevention.
• This request underscores India’s dedication to being fully equipped for any future global pandemics or health crises.

Goals and Financial Support of the Pandemic Fund

• The Pandemic Fund, launched in September 2022, makes crucial investments to reinforce pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities at local, regional, and global levels.
• The fund’s first allocation round approved $300 million. The United States and the European Union have made substantial pledges, with total commitments surpassing $1.6 billion.

Structure and Collaboration of the Pandemic Fund

• The World Bank is the trustee of the Pandemic Fund and houses its Secretariat, which includes technical staff from the World Health Organization (WHO) .
• The fund functions through a cooperative partnership among donor countries, co-investors, foundations, and civil society organizations.
• Its main goal is to support low- and middle-income countries in their efforts to prepare for pandemics.

Resurgence of Lumpy Skin Disease

• Lumpy skin disease, a severe condition that affects cattle, has re-emerged in India.
• As of May 18, 2023, there were 10,413 active cases, mostly in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• The disease has been detected in eight states since January 2023, with a recent increase in cases.
• Vaccination campaigns are underway to control the disease, and a second round of vaccinations has begun.

Steps to Combat Lumpy Skin Disease

• In the second round of vaccination, around 1.87 million doses of goat pox vaccine, which is somewhat effective against lumpy skin disease, have been given to animals since January 2023.
• The final stages of approval are underway for the development of an indigenous vaccine specifically for lumpy skin disease.
• Uttarakhand has vaccinated about 58% of animals in the second stage, with more vaccine doses available.

Seasonal Nature of Lumpy Skin Disease

• Lumpy skin disease is a vector-borne disease that usually rises during the summer and peaks during the monsoon season.
• With the ongoing vaccination efforts, the likelihood of a further increase in cases is considered low.

Conclusion

• India’s request for funding from the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund emphasizes the country’s dedication to enhancing pandemic preparedness.
• The re-emergence of lumpy skin disease in cattle necessitates proactive measures, such as vaccination campaigns and the development of an indigenous vaccine.
• These developments highlight the importance of strong measures to tackle health challenges affecting both humans and animals.