Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala Azar) Elimination from Indian Sub-continent by 2015
Arti Gupta *
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Mukesh Nagar
PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
Sidharth Sekhar Mishra
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Chandrakant Lahariya
DNB WHO/NPSP, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objective: To review the progress towards the goal of elimination of visceral leishmaniasis (Kala azar) from the Indian sub-continent by 2015.
Method: Both electronic and print databases were searched for studies related to Kala azar.
Finding: The burden of Kala azar is grossly underestimated by the health systems in the Indian sub-continent due to over-reliance on passive surveillance. Poly-parasitism and co-infections are the major emerging problems in the world of Kala azar. Resistance has been reported for DDT indoor residual spraying. Treatment drugs are not ideal, and supplies of these drugs are irregular as well.
Conclusion: Achievement of elimination of Kala azar from Indian sub-continent is still unpredictable. To improve the elimination of Kala azar it should be classified as a notifiable disease. There is a need to refocus current strategies and monitor the program more closely. Furthermore, there is a need to assess alternative vector control methods. Policies to control Kala azar will have to include health education and behaviour change. Kala azar may not affect the national economy or the national GDP, but it devastates the families affected.
Keywords: Kala azar, visceral leishmaniasis, neglected tropical diseases, black fever.