The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme set an elimination threshold for visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in India. Elimination is declared when the annual incidence falls below:

• A Less than 1 case per 1 lakh population at the district level
• B Less than 1 case per 1,000 population at the village level
• C Less than 1 case per 10,000 population at the block (sub-district) level ✓
• D Zero indigenous transmission sustained for three consecutive years

Explanation

The kala-azar elimination target adopted jointly with Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand defines elimination as an annual incidence of less than 1 case per 10,000 population monitored at the block or PHC level, not at the district or national level. This sub-district denominator is the fact that distinguishes the correct key from the district-level figure that mirrors the TB elimination threshold and therefore tempts students who confuse the two programmes.

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.