Infectious Diseases in Indian Sub-Continent

Abstract

The Indian subcontinent has a huge burden of infectious diseases due to its enormous and diversified population, growing urbanisation, climate unpredictability, socio-economic inequalities, and changing health care problems. Despite considerable advances in the control of disease through wider immunisation, improved sanitation and improved surveillance systems, infectious diseases continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the region. Endemic diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, typhoid fever and diarrhoeal diseases also persist, along with emerging and re-emerging infections such as COVID-19, Nipah virus disease, antibiotic resistance bacterial infections and zoonotic pathogens. Growing international travel, environmental changes and population mobility further magnify the spread and evolution of infectious hazards. This article gives an overview of epidemiology, determinants, clinical impact and public health significance of infectious illnesses in the Indian subcontinent. It also covers breakthroughs in diagnostics, vaccines, antimicrobial stewardship, genomic monitoring and integrated disease surveillance systems that are driving current infectious disease management. The article ends with the call for a multidisciplinary, One Health approach that includes governments, health care professionals, researchers and communities to boost preparedness, improve outbreak response and minimise the burden of infectious illnesses in the region.