Kala-azar Elimination Programme

Kala-azar is one of the serious medical and public health problems in India. Bengal is considered as one of the oldest Kala-azar endemic area of the world. Due to the increasing problem of Kala-azar, Government of India (GOI) launched a centrally sponsored Kala-azar control programme in the endemic states in the year 1990-91.

WHO has set the target to eliminate Kala-azar by 2017. Government of India is directly working with development partners such as Bill Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), KalaCORE Consortium, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute (RMRI), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate Kala Azar from India.

On monthly basis Kala-azar elimination is being reviewed by Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as well as higher officials of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

To eliminate Kala -azar from the country many steps have been taken such as:

National roadmap for Kala-azar elimination has been circulated to states with goals, objectives, strategies, timelines with activities and functions at appropriate level. This document has been developed for focused intervention at national, state, district and sub-district and village levels.
Treatment of Kala-azar patient with single day single dose Liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome) injection has improved treatment compliance. Continuous free supply of AmBisome is ensured by WHO.
Regular supply of diagnostic kit (rapid diagnostic test) and drugs in states
An amount of 500 Rs. is given to each Kala-azar patient and Rs. 2,000 is given in case of Post-Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) from Government of India to compensate the loss of wages.
Rs. 300 is given to the ASHA or health volunteer to bring Kala- azar suspected case to health facility as well as to ensure complete treatment. Moreover, ASHA is also being paid Rs. 200 during indoor residual spray for social mobilization and community acceptance to allow spray in their rooms.

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References:

pib.nic.in

www.nvbdcp.gov.in