In News: Around 99.8% endemic blocks in India have achieved elimination status
Kala-azar cases in India fell to 834 in 2022 from 44,533 in 2007 — a 98.7 per cent decline.
As many as 632 endemic blocks (99.8 per cent) spread across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal have received elimination status (less than one case per 10,000).
Only one block (Littipara) of Pakur district, Jharkhand is in the endemic category (1.23 cases / 10,000 population)
Globally:
Visceral leishmaniasis or kala-azar is the most serious form of the disease and as of November 2022, about 89 per cent of the global cases were reported from eight countries: Brazil, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan
India contributes 11.5 per cent of total cases reported globally.
The disease mainly affects poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and is associated with malnutrition and poor housing, population displacement, weak immune system and lack of resources
Kala-Azar
After malaria, kala-azar is the deadliest parasitic disease in the world.
It is one of the three conditions in the disease group called leishmaniasis caused by the protozoa parasite Leishmania.
The parasite is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sandfly, a tiny 2-3 mm long insect vector.
This type of leishmaniasis affects the internal organs, usually the spleen, liver and bone marrow.
Some people have no symptoms. For others, symptoms may include fever, weight loss and swelling of the spleen or liver.
Medication exists to kill the parasites. If left untreated, severe cases are typically fatal.
Up to 20% of the patients who are correctly treated and cured, develop a skin condition called Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) which surfaces within months to years after treatment.
These patients can contain large amounts of parasites in their skin lesions, making them an important source of transmission.
Steps being taken by India to Eliminate this Disease
Development of a plan for the “unreached poorest” or underprivileged sections in endemic areas.
Leveraging of Kala-azar elimination programme within POSHAN Abhiyaan for maximum benefit at community level.
Exploration of the opportunity of providing improved housing under the flagship program of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), along with rural electrification, testing, treatment and periodic high-level review, incentivising through award distribution.
Exploration of the opportunity of providing improved housing under State Schemes.
Involvement of Rural Health Practitioners (RHPs)
Co-ordination with the rural development department and engage with Panchayati Raj functionaries for awareness, community engagement, environment management and social empowerment.
Supporting the states in active case detection, surveillance, treatment as well as supply of diagnostic kits, medicines, sprays.
