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Slum population most at risk: ICMR
News:
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released the results of the first sero-survey on COVID-19 spread.
- The sero-surveillance study is been conducted in 83 districts covering 28,595 households and 26,400 individuals.
Outcomes of the Survey:
- The urban slum population was most vulnerable to the spread, followed by urban settlements.
- The ICMR clarified that the country is not in the community transmission phase.
- Compared to rural areas, the risk of spread was 1.09 times higher in urban areas and 1.89 times higher in urban slums.
- The infection fatality rate is very low at 0.08%.
- About 0.73% of the population surveyed showed evidence of past exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):
- It is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
- It is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world.
- The Government of India had set up the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) In 1911 with the specific objective of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country.
- After independence, it was redesignated the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 1949, with considerably expanded scope of functions.
- The Governing Body of the Council is presided over by the Union Health Minister.
- The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.