Elimination of Kala-Azar

• According to National Health Policy, 2002 the target to eliminate Kala-azar by 2010 i.e. less than 1 case per 10,000 population at sub-district level, which could not be achieved.
• The revised target for elimination of Kala-azar is 2015.
• Kala-azar is a vector borne disease and its elimination from the community depends on various environmental, socio-economic and health systems related factors. 
• The treatment procedure for Kala-azar has been shifted from injectable to oral drug as first line of treatment to improve the treatment compliance. 
• Miltefosine capsule has been introduced for both adult and children as 1st line treatment.
• The 2nd line treatment is Amphotericin B injection being used for pregnant women/child bearing age women and also for children less than one year age.