Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) elimination target set by India is defined as reducing the annual incidence to below which threshold per 10,000 population at the sub-district (block/taluka) level?

• A < 5 per 10,000
• B < 2 per 10,000
• C < 0.5 per 10,000
• D < 1 per 10,000 ✓

Explanation

India's Kala-azar Elimination Programme (KAEP) target is to reduce the annual incidence of visceral leishmaniasis to below 1 case per 10,000 population at the block (sub-district) level in endemic districts by 2023 (extended target). This WHO-endorsed definition of elimination (as a public health problem) differs from eradication. Achievement requires active case detection, indoor residual spraying with DDT/synthetic pyrethroids, and treatment with liposomal amphotericin B.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.