Latest news with #VL
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
India's sustained efforts in eliminating kala-azar
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), commonly known as kala-azar, is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies was once a major public health challenge for India, affecting the poorest and most vulnerable communities, causing prolonged fever, weight loss, anaemia, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. If left untreated, it can be fatal. A related condition, Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL), occurs in some patients after treatment, leading to skin rashes that can harbour parasites and contribute to disease transmission. Despite this, through sustained efforts, innovative strategies, and unwavering commitment, India has met the elimination threshold for this disease, meaning that it no longer persists as a public health problem. India's journey towards VL elimination has been marked by significant milestones. Since the inception of the National Kala-azar Elimination Programme (NKAEP) in 1991, we have seen a dramatic reduction in VL cases. From over 77,000 cases in 1992, the number has plummeted to just 485 in 2024. In the last 10 years alone, there has been a 95% decrease in cases. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of our targeted interventions, including early diagnosis and complete treatment, integrated vector management, and community mobilisation. In the last few years, the major focus of our strategy has been on reducing the human reservoir of infection through prompt and complete treatment and decreasing vector density through indoor residual spraying (IRS). The introduction of single-dose Liposomal Amphotericin B has revolutionised treatment, achieving a cure rate of 99%. Additionally, the programme is being championed at the uppermost echelons of the government with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauding the efforts taken for the elimination of kala-azar, through his radio address via Mann ki Baat. This, coupled with regular reviews by the health minister a has led to the reaffirmation of support from the health ministers across endemic states, ensuring India achieves success in elimination Now that the elimination target has been met, sustaining our gains becomes crucial. The consolidation phase requires intensified surveillance and targeted IRS and community engagement. A cornerstone of India's efforts has been its robust approach to surveillance, which ensures early detection, prompt treatment, and sustained disease control. The strategy integrates both active and passive surveillance to enhance detection and response. Health workers go door-to-door in villages four times a year, especially in areas where cases have been found before or where the disease might be spreading silently. This helps them find and treat patients quickly before the disease can spread further. At the same time, hospitals and health centres continue to report any new cases they come across. To make tracking cases even better, a digital system called the Kala-azar Management Information System (KAMIS), embedded in the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), has been set up. This system collects information in real-time, helping health officials make quick decisions and act when needed. Moreover, to further these efforts we have identified medical colleges as regional centres to sustain elimination, ensuring continued expertise and vigilance in disease management. Despite the progress, sustaining VL elimination comes with a distinct set of challenges. Ensuring multiple rounds of active case detection and follow-up of VL and PKDL cases remains critical. Tribal areas pose additional difficulties, where traditional healers often serve as the first point of contact, delaying formal medical intervention. Enhancing surveillance through the KAMIS portal in new, silent and persistent villages and transmission hotspots are also key areas where we are ensuring attention. India is committed to further reducing VL incidence to below 0.5 cases per 10,000 population at the block level by 2027-28. Periodic epidemiological assessments will be conducted to evaluate VL status in non-endemic and doubtful areas, ensuring that new outbreaks do not emerge. National and state-level capacity-building programs will be strengthened to maintain expertise in case management and vector control. Collaborations with the Indian Council for Medical Research and ICMR and National Centre for Disease Control will support ongoing research and policy development to sustain elimination efforts in the long term. India's success in eliminating VL serves as a global model for tackling other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The combination of active and passive surveillance, targeted vector control, community engagement, and scientific innovation has proven to be a winning strategy. Our achievements would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our ground-level health workers. These dedicated individuals have been at the forefront of our fight against VL, conducting door-to-door screenings, educating communities, and encouraging treatments. India's success in eliminating VL is a testament to the power of commitment, innovation, and collaboration. Moving forward, we remain steadfast on sustaining this achievement, ensuring that VL elimination translates into long-term health security for all. This article is authored by Dr Tanu Jain, director, National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), New Delhi.
Jordan News
05-02-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Leishmaniasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention - Jordan News
Leishmaniasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected sandfly. This disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in poorer and developing areas. It can cause severe health issues such as skin deformities or damage to internal organs if not treated properly. What is Leishmaniasis? Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by Leishmania parasites, single-celled organisms. The infection is spread by the bite of an infected female sandfly, which lives in tropical and subtropical areas. There are several types of leishmaniasis, including: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL): The most common type, it causes skin sores that leave permanent scars. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL): The most severe form, affecting internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It can be fatal if not treated. Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL): A rare form affecting the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth, leading to severe disfigurement. How is Leishmaniasis Transmitted? Leishmaniasis is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly. These flies live in both rural and urban areas, especially in places with rodents or stray dogs, which act as natural reservoirs for the parasite. When the sandfly bites an infected animal, it picks up the parasite and transmits it to humans during a subsequent bite. Additionally, the disease can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected person, though these cases are rare. Symptoms of Leishmaniasis: The symptoms vary depending on the type of leishmaniasis: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL): The disease causes bumps or nodules at the site of the sandfly bite, which develop into open sores or ulcers. These sores can heal on their own but often leave permanent scars. The lesions may persist for months or even years. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) (Kala-Azar): Persistent fever. Weight loss and general weakness. Swelling of the liver and spleen. Anemia and low platelet count. If untreated, VL can lead to death. Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL): Severe destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, and throat. Permanent facial disfigurement. Difficulty breathing or swallowing. Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis: The diagnosis of leishmaniasis is based on clinical examination and laboratory tests, including: Microscopic Examination: A sample from the affected tissue (such as skin or bone marrow) is examined under a microscope to identify the parasite. Serological Tests: These tests detect antibodies against the parasite in the blood. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A molecular test used to detect the parasite's DNA. Treatment of Leishmaniasis: Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease: Antiparasitic Medications: Medications like antimony compounds (e.g., Glucantime) and Amphotericin B are used to treat severe cases of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Topical Treatments: Creams like Paromomycin are used to treat skin lesions. Surgery: In severe cases of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, surgery may be needed to repair facial deformities. Where is Leishmaniasis Found? Leishmaniasis is found in specific regions, including: Parts of Asia. Parts of Africa, including tropical and North African regions. Southern Europe. The Middle East. Central America. South America. Some areas of Mexico. Prevention of Leishmaniasis: Preventing leishmaniasis is crucial, especially in endemic areas. Preventative measures include: Controlling Sandfly Populations: Use of insecticides in endemic areas. Proper waste disposal to reduce breeding grounds for sandflies. Personal Protection: Wearing long clothing and using insect repellents when in affected areas. Avoiding outdoor activities during sandfly peak hours (dawn and dusk). Animal Reservoir Control: Controlling rodent and stray dog populations that carry the parasite. Vaccinating dogs against leishmaniasis in endemic regions. Health Awareness: Educating local populations on how the disease is transmitted and how to prevent it. Encouraging people to seek immediate treatment when symptoms appear. Leishmaniasis remains a significant health challenge, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, but through preventive measures and timely treatment, the burden of the disease can be reduced. اضافة اعلان
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Advanced Aesthetic Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the approval of Algeness® VL agarose facial injection filler for marketing in China
AAT announces additional significant updates RADNOR, Pa., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Aesthetic Technologies, Inc. ("AAT") announced today that their partner in China has obtained approval to market their unique dermal filler Algeness® VL agarose facial injection filler, a 2.5% agarose gel dermal filler. AAT's development and distribution partner is Lanzhou Biotechnique Development Co., Ltd. ("LanDev"), the aesthetic section company of China National Biotec Group Company Limited (belonging to Sinopharm Group, "CNBG"), which acted as the agent for Algeness® VL agarose facial injection filler and obtained the registration license as an imported Class III medical device from the National Medical Products Administration. Algeness® is the first officially approved agarose-based injection filler in China. Algeness® is the culmination of many years of scientific and clinical research to define a novel biocompatible material to fill wrinkles and volume loss in facial soft tissues. Their team of scientists and physicians worked with Algeness® to create an exceptional 100% natural and biodegradable injectable implant with a unique injection technique. According to Doug Abel, President and CEO of AAT, "We are excited and look forward to the entry of Algeness® into the large aesthetic market in China through our partner LanDev. We believe that LanDev is the ideal partner to maximize the success of Algeness® in China as they are the sole domestic Chinese manufacturer of botulinum toxin and their product, Hengli, was the first to launch in China and holds significant market share. This approval marks a significant accomplishment by the LanDev, CNBG, AAT, and Ghimas teams and our regulatory advisors and partners." "We see the upcoming entry into the market in China with such a strong partner as transformational for the Company, and a demonstration of the clinical performance of this truly unique product," he adds. This important achievement follows a series of significant milestones for Advanced Aesthetic Technologies that were reached over the last two years including: Successfully advancing the clinical trial to be submitted to the US FDA as part of the Pre-Market Authorization (PMA process) through the primary safety and efficacy endpoints with additional, ongoing patient follow up. Advancing the balance of the required information for US FDA submission in 2025. Obtaining the CE Mark under the elevated requirements of the Medical Device Regulations (MDR) initially with therapeutic claims and recently expanding the label to include aesthetic claims under Annex XVI. Acquiring a controlling interest in Ghimas, S.p.A., the original developer and manufacturer of Algeness®. Plastic Surgeon Dr. Omer Buhsem from Istanbul serves as the Medical Director for Algeness® and has conducted preclinical work with the product portfolio. "I believe that Algeness®, through its unique rheology and structure, brings an important additional tool to our aesthetic armamentarium from both efficacy and safety perspectives. With my patients, I am uniquely able to define the desired shape while working with a product that I have found to be very safe." Dr. Buhsem has previously published a 700-patient retrospective of his experience with Algeness®. The unique Algeness® dermal filler continues to receive very positive reviews from aesthetic practitioners globally. According to dermatologist Dr. Tatjana Pavicic of Munich, Germany, "Algeness® is a true revolution in the field of aesthetic medicine. It stands out for its purely natural composition, biocompatibility, and the remarkable, natural-looking results we can achieve for our patients. In our nearly 10 years of experience with Algeness®, my patients report high satisfaction with the immediate lift and long-lasting results, and I appreciate the product's excellent safety profile and predictability." The approval in China combined with the Company's achievement of critical milestones launches AAT into the next stage. Future commercialization in China combined with the potential for US approval, the significant product performance data developed to support registration, and the unique product profile provide the foundation for Algeness® to have an important place in medical aesthetics. About Advanced Aesthetic Technologies, Inc. AAT is a fast-growing, global corporation developing new technologies for aesthetic medicine. Their Algeness® family of injectable implants is the culmination of many years of scientific and clinical research with the goal of providing aesthetic treatment providers with advances in the ability to achieve deep structural support, clean definition, and exceptional clinical outcomes where patients receive their outcome at the time of treatment. Algeness® is a 100% natural and biodegradable filler based on purified agarose with a differentiated clinical and safety performance profile. AAT continuously invests in research and product development to expand the scientific knowledge on Algeness® and agarose while continually pursuing new and innovative technologies to expand our portfolio. Algeness® is the all-natural, biodegradable, biocompatible agarose-based gel implant, free of all synthetic or cross-linking chemicals. Algeness® dermal fillers add immediate facial volume with excellent persistence without the cross-linking chemicals found in Hyaluronic Acid fillers. It is currently available in many markets in for concentrations of agarose to match specific cosmetic improvements of the lips, fine lines, naso-labial folds and for shaping the cheeks, jawline and other facial areas. In China, only Algeness® VL agarose facial injection filler is now approved for the treatment of nasolabial folds. As of this release, AAT is in the process of pursuing registration in the U.S. market through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, For media inquiries, Media@ For more information about Algeness® Dermal Filler: Filler@ For inquiries about global distribution: Facebook: Advanced Aesthetics Technologies, Inc.150 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite F-200, Radnor, PA 19087 View original content: SOURCE Advanced Aesthetic Technologies, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
