World Wetlands Day!

Wetlands are areas which are saturated with water either permanently or seasonally (freshwater, saltwater or brackish water). 

They are important areas of biodiversity due to the wide range of plant and animal species that they house.  Wetlands are important for education & research activities, enthralling zoologists, ecologists and many other scientists with the ample opportunities they present for studies in the various fields. They also enable nutrient recycling, groundwater recharge & irrigation, water storage, flood control, and shoreline protection. 

As nature tourism attraction places, many times they also help in generating good revenue for locals.

In pic, Vedanthangal, TN:

In pic, Sundarban, West Bengal:

Let's understand significance of wetlands in biodiversity, environment & water conservation. Strive to protect them with increasing awareness. 

India has the largest number of wetlands in South Asia - 75 Ramsar sites - over 13 lakh hectares! Let us be responsible for protecting our wetlands and do our bit to slow down climate change.

#wetlands #wetlandday2023 #nature #conservation #biodiversity #animals #birds #plants #water #climate #science #education #research #Veritadyne

New addition to National Immunization program - HPV vaccines

In news today is the Government of India's decision to add the HPV vaccination to the national immunisation program for girls aged 9 to 14. 

This could be very much related to the fact that just last week the Serum Institute of India launched the made-in-India HPV vaccine CERVAVAC, although market authorization was granted last year. This vaccine could cut costs from Rs 4000 for international vaccines to Rs 200 to 400 by the SII. Although SII will still need to participate in the government tender along with international heavy weights like Merck!

India accounts for a quarter of all cervical cancer incidence in the world, so it is imperative to produce and utilise this vaccine. Since their introduction around 2006, HPV vaccines have been found to be safe & effective. HPV infections decreased by more than 85 % in teens and more than 70% in women in early 20s. Cervical cancer screening and awareness programs will compliment these efforts of the Indian government in reducing cancer spread and deaths.

A very worthy initiative with the hope that the vaccines produced and administered are great in quality in terms of both safety and efficacy. Trust the program will include boys of same age group as well in the future.