What is Kala Azar?
Overview:
In the wake of the rising public health threat caused by the parasitic infection visceral leishmaniasis (VL),(kala-azar), the WHO launched a new framework to guide health authorities, policymakers and other stakeholders to eradicate the disease in eastern Africa.
About Kala-azar:
- Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is a severe form of leishmaniasis caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani.
- It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female sandfly, primarily Phlebotomus argentipes in India.
- Symptoms: The disease is characterized by irregular bouts of fever, substantial weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, and severe anaemia if left untreated, which can lead to death within two years.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis combines clinical signs with parasitological or serological tests, such as the rK39 diagnostic kit.
Kala-azar is endemic in 75 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with India accounting for 18% of the global burden in 2020.
Q1: What are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)?
NTDs are a diverse group of 20 conditions/diseases that are mainly prevalent in tropical areas, where they thrive among people living in impoverished communities. They are caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins) and are associated with devastating health, social, and economic consequences. These include Guinea worm, Chikungunya, Dengue, Kala Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis), and Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis), among others, and India is home to about 12 NTDs. The WHO estimates that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people, while the number of people requiring NTD interventions (both preventive and curative) is 1.6 billion.
Source: WHO comes up with new framework to combat kala-azar in Eastern Africa
Download PDF
Share this article
