2020 · Paper V · 10 marksFrequently asked

Write short notes on the causes, treatment, and methods of prevention of any 3 of the following diseases: 1. Cholera; 2. Malaria, 3. Encephalitis, 4. Tuberculosis, and 5. Avian flu.

In short

Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae in contaminated water, is treated with oral rehydration and prevented by safe water and sanitation; malaria, caused by Plasmodium via Anopheles mosquitoes, is treated with chloroquine or artemisinin therapy and prevented by nets. Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, needs a six-month multidrug course.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Cholera, malaria, and tuberculosis remain major health challenges in India, especially in Andhra Pradesh1, driven by environmental, social, and infrastructural factors that facilitate disease transmission and complicate control efforts.
Institutional Framework and Capacity
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National Programmes

India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme2 (NTEP) and Intensified Malaria Elimination Project (IMEP)-33 target TB and malaria, with Andhra Pradesh actively involved in implementing these initiatives to reduce disease burden.

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Healthcare Infrastructure

The 2024 CAG audit highlighted critical vacancies in medical personnel and shortages of Community Health Centres in Andhra Pradesh, limiting effective disease management and timely treatment delivery.

Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
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Treatment Complexities

TB treatment involves prolonged multi-drug regimens complicated by drug resistance and patient non-compliance in Andhra Pradesh, posing significant challenges to successful outcomes.

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Prevention Measures

Vector control through insecticide-treated nets and elimination of mosquito breeding sites have had partial success in Andhra Pradesh but require scaling up for sustained impact.

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Social Support

Nutritional schemes like Nikshay Poshan Yojana provide essential support to TB patients, addressing social determinants that influence treatment adherence and recovery in Andhra Pradesh.

Way Forward
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Strengthen Workforce and Infrastructure

Addressing medical staff vacancies and upgrading diagnostic facilities in rural and underserved areas of Andhra Pradesh will improve early detection, treatment adherence, and reduce transmission.

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Community Engagement and Environmental Management

Culturally sensitive awareness campaigns combined with improved water sanitation and vector control measures in Andhra Pradesh can significantly reduce disease transmission and promote preventive behaviours.

Conclusion
Persistent challenges in Andhra Pradesh require enhanced healthcare infrastructure, surveillance, and community participation, with programmes like NTEP and IMEP exemplifying India’s commitment to ending these diseases and achieving SDG 3 goals.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: Three diseases at a glance. Three diseases at a glance. Diagram (tree): Three diseases at a glance; Communicable diseases; Cholera: Vibrio cholerae, unsafe water; Malaria: mosquito vectors, stagnant water; TB: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, multi-drug
Diagram: Three diseases at a glance

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