India's Achievement in Kala-Azar Elimination
India is close to eliminating kala-azar as a public health issue, having reduced cases to under one per 10,000 people for two consecutive years.
India plans to seek WHO certification for eliminating kala-azar.
In 2023, India reported 595 cases and four deaths from kala-azar; in the current year, there have been 339 cases and one death.
A sustained government-led public health campaign addressed both the disease and its social impacts, such as poverty and sanitation.
Challenges Faced
Continued monitoring is crucial to maintain the low number of cases and ensure successful elimination.
Kala-azar is classified as a neglected tropical disease, often linked to poverty and inadequate sanitation.
There is currently no vaccine for kala-azar or trachoma, making elimination efforts more challenging.
The disease remains in the community, which requires vigilance to prevent a resurgence.
Efforts to find better treatments and vaccines must continue despite current successes to ensure long-term elimination.
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