title: An overview of visceral leishmaniasis elimination program in India: a picture imperfect.
abstract: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been one of the most neglected tropical diseases in India. Concurrent and correct data on the burden of VL is vital to plan, allocate trained resources and to monitor the progress of the elimination program. More emphasis on integrated vector management can help in combating the disease spread. Effective surveillance, active and accurate diagnosis using rK39 strip test and use of an affordable, safe and efficient treatment option like liposomal amphotericin B remain the key components of VL control. Sustained advocacy, information, education and communication are needed in all the endemic areas. In this paper, we review the effectiveness of the strategies adopted in VL elimination in India.
authors.affiliation: SIRO Clinpharm Pvt Ltd, DIL Premises, Swami Vivekanand Road, Near Tatvagyan Vidyapeeth, Ghodbunder Road, Thane (W) 400 610, India.
authors.forename: Ubhayabharathi
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gurunath
authors.forename: Rayanta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.forename: Vatsal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Shah
mesh_terms: D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D006078:Government Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000187:drug effects; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007893:Leishmania donovani / Q000187:drug effects; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D058069:Neglected Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D015397:Program Evaluation
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D007306:Insecticides; C068538:liposomal amphotericin B; D000666:Amphotericin B
keywords: elimination in India; indicator; integrated vector management; kala-azar; visceral leishmaniasis