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Source-This post on India achieves target to eliminate ‘Kala-Azar’ is based on the article “India achieves target to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis ‘Kala-Azar‘” published in “Business Standard” on 5th April 2024.
Why in the News?
According to data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) Programme, India has successfully met its goal of eradicating visceral leishmaniasis, commonly referred to as kala-azar.
| The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) started in 2003-04 to prevent and control diseases like Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue, Kala-azar, Lymphatic Filariasis, Malaria, and Chikungunya. |
Decline in Kala Azar Cases in India
1. According to the most recent data from NCVBDC, India recorded a total of 520 cases of kala-azar in 2023 nationwide, thus fulfilling the elimination criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. WHO criteria stipulates that no area within the country should report more than one case per 10,000 people.
3. According to WHO, in 2020, India represented 18% of the world’s kala-azar cases.
What is Kala-Azar?
| Aspect | Details |
| About | 1. Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania parasites (Leishmania donovani in India). 2. It is a neglected tropical disease and is the second-largest parasitic killer in the world (after malaria). |
| Transmission | It is transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. |
| Symptoms | Fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anemia |
| Impact | Kala-azar primarily affects the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. |
| Fatality rate | 95%, if left untreated. |
| Treatment | 1. Injectable liposomal amphotericin B is administered. 2. 12-week course of Oral Miltefosine is prescribed for PKDL (Post Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis). |
Note– Post Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL)– It occurs when Leishmania donovani invades and multiplies in skin cells, causing skin lesions. PKDL typically appears after kala-azar treatment.
Strategies Adopted to Eliminate Kala Azar in India
1. Spraying: Intensive indoor residual spraying to target and reduce sandfly breeding grounds.
2. Wall Plastering: Coating walls with a specific soil (Gerrard Soil) to deter sandflies from nesting.
3. Treatment Compliance: Engaging the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) network to oversee treatment completion for PKDL patients.
Three mains form of the Kala-azar
1. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL)– Impacts multiple organs and represents the most severe illness.
2. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form, causing skin ulcers, mainly on exposed body parts, which can result in lifelong scars and disability or stigma.
3. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis destroys mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, and throat, leading to severe damage.
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