Question: For which of the following virus United Nations has launched the Multi-Partner trust fund?
(a) Zika virus
(b) Retro virus
(c) Japanese encephalitis
(d) None of the above
Ans: (a)
Related facts:
- On 6 May 2016 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the establishment of the UN Zika Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) to finance critical unfunded priorities in the response to the Zika outbreak.
- The Trust Fund aims at providing a rapid, flexible and accountable platform to support a coordinated response from the United Nations system and partners.
- MPTF will directly support the Zika Strategic Response Framework.
- Zika Strategic Response Framework is developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in consultation with UN agencies, partners and international epidemiological experts.
- This fund will act as a central point for the Donors.
- An Advisory Committee will direct funds to the highest-priority activities in the affected countries.
- Since 1 January 2015, 61 countries and territories have reported local transmission of Zika virus.
- Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.
- The recent rise in the spread of Zika virus in some countries has been accompanied by an unprecedented rise in the number of children being born with unusually small heads — identified as microcephaly.
- Several countries have also reported an increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome — a neurological disorder that can lead to paralysis and death.
- There is now scientific consensus that Zika virus is linked to severe foetal malformations and serious disorders of the central nervous system and is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- On 1 February 2016, the WHO announced that the cluster of cases of microcephaly and other neurological disorders, in particular Guillain-Barre syndrome, constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- The Zika Strategic Response Framework aims to investigate and respond to the cluster of microcephaly and other neurological complications linked to Zika virus, increase preventive measures, communicate risks and provide care and support to those affected.
- It is notable that Microcephaly is a medical condition in which the brain does not develop properly resulting in a smaller than normal head.
Reference:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=53873#.VzpYBvl97IV
http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sg2228.doc.htm