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India has taken a significant stride towards eradicating Kala Azar, the second deadliest parasitic disease in the country after malaria. In 2023, India successfully met the goal of reporting fewer than one case per 10,000 people in all regions.
Decline in Kala Azar Cases in India:
- In 2023, India reported 595 cases and 4 deaths of Kala Azar, compared to 891 cases and 3 deaths in 2022.
- The National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) oversees the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases, including Kala Azar.
- it is one of the targeted diseases for elimination under NVBDCP.
About Kala Azar:
- it is a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania parasites.
- It affects nearly 100 countries, including India, and is transmitted through sand fly bites.
- Symptoms include fever, weight loss, and swelling of the spleen or liver. If untreated, the fatality rate can be as high as 95%.
Strategies for Elimination:
- Key interventions include treatment, spraying to control sandfly breeding sites, and wall plastering to prevent sandfly nesting.
- Efforts focus on addressing Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) and ensuring treatment compliance.
Government Initiatives:
- The Indian government initiated the Kala Azar control program in 1990-91.
- National Health Policy aimed for Kala-azar elimination by 2010, later revised to 2020.
- Collaborative partnerships with organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and WHO have been crucial in achieving elimination goals.
Major Developments:
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Bangladesh’s Validation by WHO:
- In October 2023, Bangladesh received validation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for successfully eliminating Kala Azar as a public health concern.
- This remarkable achievement made Bangladesh the first country in the world to reach this milestone, demonstrating the effectiveness of its disease control measures and healthcare initiatives.
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India’s Elimination Status:
- India has achieved the status of Kala Azar elimination with less than one reported case per 10,000 population.
- This accomplishment reflects India’s sustained efforts in implementing comprehensive control strategies, including vector control measures, treatment initiatives, and public health awareness campaigns.
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Progress in Kala Azar Cases:
- Over the years, India has witnessed a significant decline in Kala Azar cases, with a remarkable reduction of over 98% from 2007 to 2022.
- This substantial decrease underscores the effectiveness of ongoing disease control efforts and highlights India’s commitment to combatting neglected tropical diseases.
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Focus on Endemic States:
- Despite progress, efforts are ongoing in Kala Azar endemic states such as Bihar and Jharkhand.
- These regions continue to face challenges related to disease transmission and healthcare accessibility, necessitating targeted interventions and sustained support to achieve complete elimination.
People also ask
Q1: What is Kala Azar, and why is its elimination significant in India?
Ans: it is, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a deadly parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies. Its elimination is crucial as it affects thousands of people in India, leading to severe health complications and fatalities if left untreated.
Q2: What milestone did India achieve in 2023 regarding Kala Azar elimination?
Ans: In 2023, India successfully reported fewer than one case per 10,000 population across all blocks, marking significant progress in eliminating this.
Q3: How does this achievement impact public health in India?
Ans: The decline in Kala Azar cases signifies improved public health conditions and effective control measures implemented by the government and healthcare agencies. It demonstrates India’s commitment to combatting neglected tropical diseases and improving the overall well-being of its citizens.
Q4: What strategies were employed to achieve this milestone?
Ans: India implemented comprehensive strategies, including rigorous indoor residual spraying, wall plastering to prevent sandfly nesting, and ensuring treatment compliance among affected individuals.
Q5: What are the future goals and challenges in the fight against Kala Azar in India?
Ans: While significant progress has been made, efforts continue in endemic states like Bihar and Jharkhand to sustain elimination efforts.
