International Health — MCQs

International Health Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 71: Under the WHO "Vision 2020" program, the "SAFE" strategy is adopted for which of the following diseases:

A. Glaucoma
B. Onchocerciasis
C. Trachoma (Correct Answer)
D. Diabetic retinopathy

Explanation: ***Trachoma*** * The SAFE strategy is an acronym for **Surgery** for trichiasis, **Antibiotics** to treat infection (especially azithromycin), **Facial cleanliness**, and **Environmental improvement** to prevent transmission. * This comprehensive approach is central to the global elimination efforts for **trachoma**, as outlined by the WHO's Vision 2020 initiative. *Glaucoma* * Glaucoma management typically involves **medications (eye drops)** to lower intraocular pressure, laser therapy, or **surgery** to improve fluid drainage from the eye. * The SAFE strategy with its specific components (Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) is not applicable to the pathophysiology or treatment of **glaucoma**. *Onchocerciasis* * Onchocerciasis, or **river blindness**, is primarily controlled through mass drug administration of **ivermectin** to kill microfilariae and prevent new infections. * While both are Neglected Tropical Diseases causing blindness, the SAFE strategy is not designed for **onchocerciasis** prevention or treatment, which focuses on vector control and anthelmintic drugs. *Diabetic retinopathy* * Management of diabetic retinopathy focuses on **strict glycemic control**, managing blood pressure and lipids, and interventions such as **laser photocoagulation**, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents, or vitrectomy for severe cases. * The term "SAFE strategy" with its specific interventions relates to bacterial infection control and environmental hygiene, which are not primary methods for managing **diabetic retinopathy**.

Question 72: Headquarters of FAO is located in

A. Geneva
B. New Delhi
C. New York
D. Rome (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Rome*** - The **Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)** of the United Nations is headquartered in **Rome, Italy**. - This specialized agency leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. *Geneva* - **Geneva**, Switzerland, hosts many international organizations, including the **World Health Organization (WHO)** and the **World Trade Organization (WTO)**. - It is not the headquarters for the FAO. *New Delhi* - **New Delhi**, India, is a major capital city and houses regional offices for various international bodies. - However, it is not the global headquarters for the FAO. *New York* - **New York City** is home to the **United Nations Headquarters** itself. - While many UN-related activities occur there, the FAO's primary headquarters is in Rome.

Question 73: According to WHO guidelines, the minimum number of health workers per 1000 population required to achieve universal health coverage is

A. 1.5
B. 3.0
C. 4.5
D. 2.3 (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Correct: 2.3*** - According to the **WHO World Health Report 2006**, the minimum threshold density of skilled health workers (physicians, nurses, and midwives) required to achieve adequate coverage of essential health interventions is **2.3 per 1000 population**. - This threshold was established based on achieving 80% coverage of skilled birth attendance, which serves as a proxy indicator for universal health coverage. - Countries falling below this threshold are considered to have a critical shortage of health workers. *Incorrect: 1.5* - This value is **below the WHO recommended threshold**. - Countries with 1.5 health workers per 1000 population would face significant challenges in achieving universal health coverage. - This density is insufficient to provide essential health services. *Incorrect: 3.0* - While this is **above the minimum threshold**, it is not the WHO-specified minimum value. - This represents a better health worker density but is not the official guideline answer. *Incorrect: 4.5* - This value is closer to the **WHO Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health (2016)** target of 4.45 health workers per 1000 population for achieving SDG health targets. - However, the question asks for the **minimum** threshold, which remains **2.3** as established in the 2006 World Health Report.

Question 74: Tropical diseases targeted for research and training by WHO include all except:

A. Schistosomiasis
B. Rabies (Correct Answer)
C. Trypanosomiasis
D. Filariasis

Explanation: ***Rabies*** - While rabies is a significant public health concern, it is generally *not included* in the list of **Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)** targeted for research and training by the WHO. - Rabies is often managed through **vaccination campaigns** and **post-exposure prophylaxis**, differing from many NTD control strategies focused on vector control and mass drug administration. *Schistosomiasis* - **Schistosomiasis** is a **parasitic disease** caused by trematode worms, and it is explicitly listed as one of the major **Neglected Tropical Diseases** targeted by the WHO. - The WHO focuses on controlling schistosomiasis through **preventive chemotherapy** and **improved sanitation**. *Trypanosomiasis* - **Trypanosomiasis**, specifically **African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)** and **American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)**, are both prominent in the WHO's list of **NTDs**. - Research and training efforts are concentrated on disease surveillance, vector control, and access to diagnostics and treatment for these severe parasitic infections. *Filariasis* - **Filariasis**, including **lymphatic filariasis** and **onchocerciasis (river blindness)**, is another key **Neglected Tropical Disease** targeted by the WHO for elimination. - The WHO supports **mass drug administration** programs and vector control strategies to combat filariasis globally.

Question 75: Where is the headquarters of WHO located?

A. Geneva (Correct Answer)
B. New Delhi
C. New York
D. London

Explanation: ***Geneva*** - The **World Health Organization (WHO)** has its headquarters in **Geneva, Switzerland**. - As a specialized agency of the **United Nations**, its central administrative and coordinating functions are based there. *New Delhi* - **New Delhi** is the capital of India and hosts the World Health Organization's Regional Office for **South-East Asia (SEARO)**, not its global headquarters. - While an important regional hub, it does not oversee global operations. *New York* - **New York City** is home to the **United Nations Secretariat** and many other UN agencies. - However, the global headquarters of the World Health Organization is specifically in **Geneva**. *London* - **London**, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a major international city with many global organizations. - However, the **WHO headquarters** is not located in London.

Question 76: The headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) is located in -

A. Geneva (Correct Answer)
B. New Delhi
C. Paris
D. New York

Explanation: ***Geneva*** - The **World Health Organization (WHO)** has its headquarters located in **Geneva, Switzerland**. - The headquarters has been in Geneva since WHO's establishment in **1948**, serving as the central hub for the organization's global health initiatives and governance. - Geneva hosts many international organizations, making it a key center for international diplomacy and health policy. *Paris* - **Paris** is home to UNESCO and other international organizations, but **not WHO headquarters**. - While France has significant international presence, the WHO central office is in Switzerland. *New York* - **New York City** is the headquarters of the **United Nations**, but not the WHO. - The UN headquarters houses various UN-related offices, but WHO operates independently from Geneva. *New Delhi* - **New Delhi** is the capital of India and hosts the **WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO)**, but not the main headquarters. - Regional offices handle specific geographical areas, while the primary administration and Director-General office is in Geneva.

Question 77: Which of the following cities is the headquarters of UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)?

A. New York, USA (Correct Answer)
B. Rome, Italy
C. Paris
D. Geneva, Switzerland

Explanation: ***New York, USA*** - This is the **headquarters of UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)**, established in 1946. - UNICEF's headquarters are located at **UNICEF House** in New York City, coordinating global programs for child health, nutrition, education, and protection. - As a UN agency, UNICEF operates from New York alongside the UN headquarters. *Rome, Italy* - Rome is the headquarters of the **Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)** and the **World Food Programme (WFP)**. - These organizations focus on food security, nutrition, and agricultural development globally. *Paris, France* - Paris is the headquarters of **UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)**. - UNESCO focuses on education, science, culture, and communication worldwide. *Geneva, Switzerland* - Geneva is the headquarters of the **World Health Organization (WHO)** and many other UN agencies. - WHO is the leading global health authority, coordinating international health responses and setting health standards.

Question 78: Which of the following is a major international humanitarian agency widely recognized for emergency aid and long-term development projects in global health?

A. Ford foundation
B. CARE (Correct Answer)
C. DANIDA
D. Rockefeller foundation

Explanation: ***CARE*** - **CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere)** is a major international humanitarian agency delivering emergency aid and long-term international development projects. - It is widely recognized for its significant contributions to global health and poverty alleviation. *Ford foundation* - The **Ford Foundation** is a private foundation that supports social justice initiatives, including arts and culture, democratic governance, and economic opportunity. - While it funds various impactful programs, it is not primarily known as an emergency relief or health aid organization in the same vein as CARE. *DANIDA* - **DANIDA** is the official development cooperation agency of Denmark, focusing on humanitarian assistance, human rights, and sustainable development. - It is a significant donor but is a government agency rather than a non-governmental organization primarily focused on direct relief like CARE. *Rockefeller foundation* - The **Rockefeller Foundation** is a philanthropic organization that supports innovative solutions to global challenges in health, food, and economic opportunity. - It has a strong historical focus on public health but operates more as an incubator and funder of solutions rather than a direct relief organization.

Question 79: Diseases under surveillance by WHO under International Health Regulations are all, EXCEPT:

A. Malaria
B. Smallpox
C. Louse-borne typhus fever
D. Leprosy (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Leprosy*** - **Leprosy** is considered a **neglected tropical disease** and is not currently listed among the diseases under *mandatory surveillance* by the WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR). - While it remains a public health concern, particularly in endemic areas, its *global surveillance requirements* differ from those diseases deemed to have immediate international public health implications. *Malaria* - **Malaria** is a disease under *mandatory surveillance* by the WHO, as it has a high epidemic potential and can quickly spread across borders, posing a significant public health risk. - Countries are required to report outbreaks and implement control measures under the IHR. *Smallpox* - Although **smallpox** has been *eradicated*, it remains on the list of diseases that must be notified under IHR due to the potential threat of its re-emergence by accident or bioterrorism. - Any suspected case would trigger an immediate international health response. *Louse-borne typhus fever* - **Louse-borne typhus fever**, caused by *Rickettsia prowazekii*, is listed as a disease requiring notification under the IHR due to its potential for *epidemic spread*, especially in conditions of overcrowding and poor hygiene. - Its ability to cause *severe illness* and its *historical impact* on populations make it a disease of international concern.

Question 80: Disease not included under International surveillance

A. Common cold
B. Tension headache (Correct Answer)
C. Rabies
D. Malaria
E. Yellow fever

Explanation: ***Tension headache*** - **Tension headaches** are a common, benign, and typically self-limiting condition that does not pose a public health threat requiring international attention. - They are **not communicable** and do not have the potential for widespread international spread. - This is a **non-infectious neurological symptom** with no epidemic potential. *Common cold* - While the **common cold** is highly contagious and caused by various respiratory viruses, it is **not under formal international surveillance**. - It is generally a mild, self-limiting illness that does not meet the criteria for International Health Regulations (IHR) reporting. - However, severe acute respiratory syndromes (like SARS or COVID-19) are under international surveillance due to their pandemic potential. *Rabies* - **Rabies** is a fatal zoonotic disease included under **WHO International Health Regulations (IHR)** surveillance. - It requires international monitoring due to high case-fatality rate (nearly 100%) and potential for cross-border transmission through animal movement. - WHO coordinates global surveillance to track animal reservoirs, implement vaccination programs, and prevent human deaths. *Malaria* - **Malaria** is a major disease under **WHO Global Malaria Programme** surveillance with mandatory reporting requirements. - International surveillance tracks disease burden, drug resistance patterns, vector control effectiveness, and progress toward elimination goals. - It causes significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. *Yellow fever* - **Yellow fever** is a mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic disease explicitly listed under **WHO International Health Regulations (IHR)**. - Countries must report outbreaks and maintain vaccination requirements for international travel from endemic areas. - International surveillance prevents epidemic spread and guides vaccination campaigns.

Practice by Chapter

World Health Organization

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UNICEF

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Other International Health Agencies

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International Health Regulations

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Global Disease Burden

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Global Health Initiatives

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Millennium Development Goals

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Sustainable Development Goals

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Global Fund

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International Health Aid

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Health in Humanitarian Crises

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Cross-Border Health Issues

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