Kala-Azar Fortnightly Elimination Strategy for Young Population in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction: Kala-azar (KA), the most severe form of leishmaniasis, is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of infected female sandflies. It affects poor communities and causing significant health, social and economic impact. All the affected countries are committed to eliminate KA by 2017. For which early case detection and complete case management of Kala-Azar is important strategy to stop transmission. Objectives: To reduce the annual incidence of Kala-azar to less than one per 10,000 population at block level by the end of 2017 through kala azar elimination strategy. Method: Kala Azar Fortnight was observed in 149 villages of 37 blocks of 9 endemic districts in the year 2016 (February 13, 2016 to February 27, 2016) and (May 01, 2016 to May 15, 2016)with rapid diagnostic kits rK39to screen all the suspected patients and subsequently were referred to PHC/CHC/district hospitals /Medical Colleges for their further treatment. Result: In year 2016, a total of 107 cases were detected from different villages of affected districts in Uttar Pradesh. Out of which 23 cases are male in the age group of <15 year and 17 cases are female in the age group of <15 year. Conclusion: Large number of kala azar cases were of younger population who needs to be treated urgently to avoid HIV/TB co-infections and complication.