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More about news:
- India had initially aimed to eliminate kala-azar by 2010, but the target was extended until 2023 due to persistent challenges.
- India reported only 520 cases of kala-azar in 2023 across India.
- Elimination criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO): no block in the country reporting more than one case per 10,000 people.
About Kala Azar:
- Caused by a protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani and transmitted by the female sandfly, Phlebotomus argentipes.
- Symptoms: Irregular fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anaemia.
- Prevention: Avoid getting bitten by a sand fly.
- Treatment: The main drugs available are antimony, amphotericin, paromomycin and now the oral drug miltefosine.
Why in news?
India has achieved its target of eliminating Kala Azar, according to data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).
