Poverty one of contributory factors behind malaria, TB

New Delhi, Mar 14 (UNI) The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers poverty as one of the contributory factors behind diseases such as TB, filariasis and leprosy, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

The WHO was collaborating with the Indian Government in developing appropriate technical strategies and interventions to counteract these diseases, Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said in a written reply.

In response to another question, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare P Lakshmi said the Government has drawn up a preparedness plans for the creation of appropriate infrastructure and laboratory facilities to meet any bird flu outbreak in the country.

She said as per the WHO report On Animal Health, Bird flu has been reported from 17 countries and these are Afghanistan, China, Djibouti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Slovenia, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and Vietnam till March 12, this year. However, India is free from Bird Flu since August 11, 2006.

She said workers in poultry farms, markets and involved in culling activity and children who play with backyard poultry are under high risk group. Information, education and communication strategies are being implemented through radio and TV sports.

In response to another question, Ms Lakshmi said a joint study conducted by the FICCI-Ernest and Young on Indian Healthcare scenario has predicted a shortfall of 4,53,785 doctors and 1,29,0174 nurses by 2012.

UNI