Kala Azar Elimination Programme | Medical Science Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Kala-azar poses a significant medical and public health challenge in India. Bengal is recognized as one of the world's oldest endemic areas for Kala-azar. In response to the escalating issue of Kala-azar, the Government of India (GOI) initiated a centrally sponsored program for Kala-azar control in the endemic states during the 1990-91 period.

WHO has set the target to eliminate Kala-azar by 2017.

• In 2014, the National Roadmap for Kala-azar Elimination (NRKE) was formulated with a well-defined set of goals, objectives, strategies, timelines, and activities, outlining functions at appropriate levels.
• This document drew upon global, regional, and local evidence, incorporating best practices in the prevention, control, and management of Kala-azar disease, as well as strategies for vector control.
• The NRKE was developed in alignment with the National Strategic Plan of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme for the Twelfth five-year plan period (2012-2017) and concurrently synchronized with the WHO's Regional Strategic Framework for Kala-azar elimination in the South-East Asia Region (2011-2015), considering recommendations from the WHO Expert Committee on Leishmaniases and the WHO Regional Technical Advisory Group of the South-East Asia Region.

The Government of India is actively collaborating with development partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), KalaCORE Consortium, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute (RMRI), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), in the efforts to eradicate Kala Azar from the country. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conduct monthly reviews of the progress in Kala-azar elimination.

Several measures have been implemented to eradicate Kala-azar from the country, including:

• Dissemination of a national roadmap for Kala-azar elimination to states, outlining goals, objectives, strategies, timelines, and activities, with a focus on intervention at various levels such as national, state, district, sub-district, and village.
• Enhancement of treatment compliance through the administration of a single-day, single-dose Liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome) injection for Kala-azar patients, with WHO ensuring a continuous and free supply of AmBisome.
• Ensuring regular provision of diagnostic kits (rapid diagnostic tests) and drugs to states.
• Providing financial assistance of Rs. 500 to each Kala-azar patient and Rs. 2,000 in the case of Post-Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) by the Government of India to compensate for loss of wages.
• Offering Rs. 300 to ASHA or health volunteers to facilitate the transportation of suspected Kala-azar cases to health facilities and ensure complete treatment. Additionally, ASHA receives Rs. 200 during indoor residual spraying for social mobilization and community acceptance, allowing the spray in residents' rooms.

Kala-azar Cases and Deaths in the Country since 2013

As per the reports received from state till June 2019