Kala-azar Disease
- 20 Oct 2024
In News:
India to seek WHO certification for eliminating disease.
Overview of Kala-Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis)
- Cause: Kala-azar is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani, transmitted by the bite of infected female sandflies (Phlebotomus argentipes in India).
- Symptoms: Includes irregular fevers, weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, severe anaemia. If untreated, it is fatal in over 95% of cases.
- Affected Areas: Historically, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and parts of Uttar Pradesh report the highest number of cases, with Bihar alone accounting for over 70% of India's cases.
India's Achievement in Kala-Azar Control
- Current Status:
- India has managed to maintain Kala-azar case numbers below 1 per 10,000 population for two consecutive years.
- This meets the WHO's criteria for elimination certification.
- 2023 and 2024 Statistics:
- 2023: 595 cases and 4 deaths.
- 2024 (so far): 339 cases and 1 death.
WHO Certification for Elimination
- WHO's Target: The World Health Organization aims to eliminate Kala-azar as a public health problem by 2030.
- Elimination Criteria: A country can be certified when:
- Local transmission is interrupted for a specified period.
- There is a system in place to prevent re-emergence of the disease.
- Global Context: Bangladesh is the first country to have eliminated Kala-azar, receiving WHO certification in October 2024, after reporting fewer than 1 case per 10,000 people for three consecutive years.
India's Kala-Azar Elimination Strategies
- National Health Policy (2002): Initially set the target to eliminate Kala-azar by 2010, revised multiple times, and is now aiming for 2030.
- Key Strategies:
- Active Case Detection: Identification and treatment of all cases.
- Vector Control: Targeting sandfly breeding grounds through insecticides and environmental management.
- Community Awareness: Educating the public on disease prevention and early diagnosis.
- Improved Surveillance: Ensuring rapid diagnosis and treatment access, including the use of the rK39 diagnostic kit.
- Integrated Vector Management: Combining insecticide spraying with environmental changes to reduce sandfly populations.
Challenges and Areas of Focus
- Root Causes: Persistent issues like poverty, inadequate sanitation, and malnutrition contribute to the spread of Kala-azar, particularly in rural, impoverished areas.
- Long-term Solutions:
- Strengthen vector control and improve sanitation.
- Address socio-economic factors like poverty and displacement.
- Invest in research for vaccines and new treatments.
Public Health Impact and the Way Forward
- Elimination Milestone: If India continues to reduce cases, it will join Bangladesh in eliminating Kala-azar as a public health threat.
- Sustaining Gains:
- Surveillance and quick response to new cases remain critical.
- Expand access to rapid diagnostic tools and effective anti-parasitic treatments.
- Focus on inter-sectoral convergence, integrating efforts from various government sectors, including health, sanitation, and housing.