Role of Science Education in Disease Control – UPSC GS3

Context: Neglect of Science education on disease control and health is one of the main reasons for the current Covid crisis in India.
How Science Education can help in controlling the spread of disease?
  • Many waterborne diseases in India could be prevented if children are taught the science behind the origin and causes of the disease.
  • Malaria: Avoiding the proliferation of mosquitoes prevent the chances of being infected by the parasite. Malaria breeds in stagnant water. Spreading kerosene on stagnant water restricts the growth of Mosquito larvae.
  • Typhoid and Jaundice: It is possible to prevent typhoid fever and jaundice by avoiding contaminated water. Children should be taught how boiling water can kill microbes and ensure disease prevention.
  • Diarrhoea: It can be prevented by ensuring the supply of clean water in all geographical locations.
How the neglect of education on disease control and health contributed to the current Covid crisis?
  • Inefficiency of our education system has failed to instil belief system on controlling the diseases. For instance, to control the Pandemic, Health advisories such as Social distancing, wearing masks, ban on spitting were advised.
  • Due to a lack of knowledge in the Science of Health and diseases many violated these health advisories. It resulted in the rapid spread of Covid-19.
Way forward
  • Along with due importance for Science teaching, a rational social environment is needed.
  • Children should be encouraged to participate in dissent and debate to instil rationality.
NOTE: It can be used in Essays related to Education or Diseases
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