Introduction of the Centre
Prof. (Dr.) Shyam Sundar laid the foundation of Kala Azar Medical Research Centre ( KAMRC), Rambag Road, Muzaffarpur, Bihar as a unit of SITARAM MEMORIAL TRUST in the year 1994. Currently Dr. Shyam Sundar is professor at Banaras Hundu University, Varanasi U.P. KAMRC is being administered by Mr. Anil Sharma for last three decades with the passion to eliminate Kala Azar disease from the roots. Recognised by state and Central government of Republic of India, KAMRC is constantly striking hard to achieve its goal with the help of many untold but ruthless voluntarily efforts of numerous scientists, doctors, para-medical personnel and non-technical people from different corners of the society.
Majority of Kala Azar disease cases are found in the poorest-of-the poor sector of the society where the biggest challenge is to be aware about this disease and get cured for life. Marching together with Bihar Government initiative towards Kala Azar prevention and elimination they own the responsibility of making the people aware about this disease and searching the cases from far doors and farms so that they can be attended for the right treatment. They are happy and feel enthusiastic that for patients of Kala Azar there is no difference in treatment and post-treatment procedures from the primary health centres established by the state government.
Mission and Vision
The Kala-Azar Medical Research Centre (KAMRC) in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is a charitable trust dedicated to the elimination of Kala Azar disease. The centre's mission is to provide comprehensive care to patients, including free treatment, medicine, medical check-ups, and hospitalization. Additionally, KAMRC offers free accommodation to patients and their families, ensuring that they receive holistic support during their treatment. This generous provision underscores the centre's commitment to making treatment accessible and affordable for those affected by this debilitating disease. The centre's vision is to be a leading institution in the fight against Kala Azar, leveraging cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes and ultimately eliminate the disease. By providing a comprehensive range of services, including free treatment, medicine, medical check-ups, and hospitalization, KAMRC aims to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and support.
Annual Case Report
| YEAR | TOTAL CASE | PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Ongoing | 115 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2023 | 98 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2022 | 143 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2021 | 190 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2020 | 297 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2019 | 416 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2018 | 1464 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2017 | 259 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2016 | 394 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2015 | 520 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2014 | 546 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2013 | 720 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2012 | 867 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2011 | 1009 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2010 | 833 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2009 | 831 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2008 | 943 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2007 | 933 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2006 | 893 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2005 | 890 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2004 | 966 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2003 | 958 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2002 | 892 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2001 | 856 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 2000 | 827 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 1999 | 712 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 1998 | 726 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 1997 | 639 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 1996 | 638 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 1995 | 486 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
| 1994 | 378 | Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar |
A Journey of KAMRC Since 1994 to Till Date
(1994 to 12.11.2024 treated 19439 cases of VL and PKDL)
Mission : The Kala Azar Medical Research Center (KAMRC) is dedicated to the elimination of Kala Azar in endemic regions through a comprehensive approach that includes integrated surveillance, community-based education, groundbreaking research and innovative solutions.
Core Activities :
- Early Detection and Treatment : KAMRC focuses on the timely diagnosis and treatment of Kala Azar to reduce mortality and transmission.
- Research and Innovation : The centre leads cutting-edge research on diagnostics, treatment options, and preventive measures to combat the disease.
- Community Mobilization : Through awareness campaigns and community engagement, KAMRC strives to promote knowledge and participation in Kala Azar elimination efforts.
Since its inception, KAMRC has played a pivotal role in the fight against Kala Azar, focusing on both immediate intervention and long-term strategies for sustainable disease control and elimination.
Endemic Areas : Primarily affects rural and under-resourced communities, especially in parts of Bihar.
Global Health Challenge : Kala Azar remains a priority for national and global public health programs.
Field Work : Active Case Detection
We are continuously working in 1120 villages of all highly endemic block of Muzaffarpur, Saran, Siwan, Sitamarhi and Gopalganj since 2017. We are into conducting Demographic Survey, SERO Survey, Skin Survey and Entomological Survey in the villages.
- In villages our aim is to focus Door to Door search VL & PKDL,Awareness in villagers through Pamphles and conversations, Meetings with local health practitioner, Medicines shop keepers.
- With Active Case detection findings of VL and PKDL, primary health care centres (PHCs) in Bihar are also synched from our field activities.
- In 2019 we conducted sero surveys with DAT and rk39 antibodies tests in six villages in VL endemic and non-endemic areas to know whether serological surveys can distinguish endemic areas from areas without transmission, and whether such surveys can be used to monitor trends I transmission intensity over time.
Field Activities in Active Case Detection
Area selection : On the Basis of Line List of VL & PKDL
Cluster selection : On the Basis of Index Case and incidence of past VL.
Door to Door Survey :
- Door survey with our Questionnaire and given information sheet to every HH.
- Door to Door Confirmation of for Fever
- Physical and Telephonic Confirmation for Fever and Lesion.
- Refer to KAMRC for further Diagnosis
- Conduct rk39 strip test if any febrile is more than 2 weeks during field visit.
Documentation : Keep record of suspected VL founded during Physical or Telephonic confirmation in Line Listing format.
Follow up documented cases : Ensure Physical or Telephonic follow up of Recorded suspected VL till cure.
Treatment : As Applicable
Documentation : Keep Record of treated VL & PKDL and suspected subjects.
Follow up and Monitoring with documentation : Physical and Telephonic follow-up up to six months in case of VL & up to 18 months ub case if PKDL.
Entomology Lab :
Entomology lab is established with main focus towards the study o Kala-azar Vector sand fly (Phlebotomusargentipes), its Epidemiology, Transmission dynamics, Blood Meal Identification, Finding of Reservoir Hosts and Assess Insecticide Resistance etc.
- Well established closed colony of P.argentipes.
- Certified as pathogen free.
- From March to December 2015 (254 nights), Over 68000 sand flies collected from using CDC-type light traps.
- 13348 Blood-fed and gravid femalescollected individually in isoline-rearing vials for oviposition.
- More than 2500 egg clutches harvested and reared according to standard methods.
- Presently colony is running at 69 generations.
- Emergence rate of 3000 to 4000 flies/weeks.
- Completed Human xenodiagnosis project (2016-2019)- Total 287 individual recruited(77 Active VL, 26 PKDL, 187 Asymptomatic)
- Active VL (78%) and PKDL (88%) can transmit L. donovani to sand fly.
- Asymptomatics are not playing role in maintaining transmission cycle.
- Non Humanxenodiagnosis completed (2018-2021) Total 232 Livestock rodents and dogs enrolled.
- Domestic memmals are not playing any role in transmission.
- Established diagnostic doses and times for different insecticide to assess insecticide resistance in sand fly.
- Presently assessing the resistance status of P. argentipes in field.
- Sand flies started showing early sign of possible resistance.
2017 Seminar on Kala Azar Elimination : District level VL and PKDL workshop o 09 Feb 2017
- Title : Aimed at reaching a consensus concerning the gaps in our understanding of VL and PKDL that challenge VL elimination programme.
- Goal : Raised awareness and shared strategies for combating Kala Azar in endemic regions.
- Participants : State Programme Officer and Team, and From North Bihar-all DMO & PHC-MOIC, Health workers, NGOs.
- Outcome : Strengthened community collaboration and increased early detection.
Activities(At a glance)
- Hospital based activities
- OPD
- Pathology Lab
- IPD
- Entomology Lab
- Molecular Lab
Field based Activities
- ACD
2022 Seminar on Sustainable Kala Azar Elimination
Title: Kala-Azar Sustainable elimination by better coordination
Goal : Focused on long-term strategies for eliminating Kala Azar through sustainability in surveillance, treatment, and prevention.
Key Topics :
- Importance of integrated approaches for disease control.
- Strengthening health systems and community health workers.
- Scaling up surveillance and early detection.
Outcome: New partnerships and increased community engagement for sustainable change.
Volunteers in Endemic Areas
Role : Appointed and trained volunteers in high-risk areas for data collection, case identification, and community outreach.
Impact : Volunteers have been instrumental in gathering critical health data, identifying suspected cases early, and educating the community.
Test Strips for Diagnostic Support : KAMRC distributed test strips amongst the local health practitioner for early detection of Kala Azar, enabling quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment for affected individuals.
KAMRC's Ongoing Initiatives
Title : Continuous Efforts for Sustainable Kala Azar Elimination
Content : House-to-House Surveys and Surveillance
Objective : Regular house-to-house surveys to identify suspected cases of Kala Azar and other fevers.
Method : Field workers,Health workers and volunteers visit every household, inquire about symptoms, and refer suspected cases for diagnosis. The information sheet is distributed in every visit in the villages.
Community Education and Seminars : Regular seminars and workshops to educate villagers on Kala Azar, preventive measures, and the importance of seeking early treatment. Using local languages and culturally appropriate materials to engage the community effectively.
Phone Outreach Program : Regular phone calls to villagers, especially in remote areas, to inquire about fever cases and provide guidance on accessing treatment.
Goal : To ensure no case is missed and to encourage timely intervention.
Providing Test Strips : KAMRC continues to provide test strips to local health practitionor and community health workers for rapid diagnostic testing in endemic areas.
Slide 5 : Volunteers and Community Engagement
Title : Empowering the Community : Volunteers and Outreach Efforts
Content
Role of Volunteers : Volunteers are critical partners in the fight against Kala Azar. They are appointed in endemic areas to
- Conduct awareness campaigns.
- Collect data on symptoms and report potential cases.
- Support Field workers in conducting surveys.
- Ensure timely referrals for testing and treatment.
Training and Support : Volunteers receive regular training by KAMRC on Kala Azar symptoms, prevention, and how to use diagnostic tools.
Continuous Monitoring : Volunteers are monitored and supported by KAMRC’s field staff to ensure quality data collection and effective outreach.
Engagement with Local Leaders : Collaboration with local panchayat leaders, village heads, and religious leaders to disseminate information and build trust in the community.
Research and Innovation at KAMRC
Title : Pioneering Research for Better Kala Azar Management
Content
Research Focus Areas :
- Improved Diagnostics: Developing and testing new diagnostic tools for faster and more accurate detection of Kala Azar.
- Treatment Studies: Conducting research on new treatment regimens and strategies to improve recovery rates.
- Vector Control Research: Studying the behavior of sandflies to design more effective vector control interventions.
- Epidemiological Studies: Understanding transmission patterns to refine control strategies.
- Research Collaborations: KAMRC works with national and international research institutions and public health bodies to advance knowledge and strategies for Kala Azar elimination.
Innovation for Sustainability :
- Developing community-based solutions for sustainable disease control.
- Focus on creating long-term surveillance systems that are community-driven and integrated into existing health infrastructure.
The Challenges We Face
Title : Overcoming Barriers in Kala Azar Elimination
Content
Geographical Barriers : Accessing remote villages for surveys and treatment can be challenging due to infrastructure limitations.
Solution : Use of mobile health units and strategic placement of volunteers in key areas to reach the most vulnerable populations.
Lack of Awareness : Some communities still lack awareness of Kala Azar and its dangers.
Solution : Focused and consistent awareness campaigns in local languages, involving trusted community leaders and health workers.
Resource Constraints : Limited funding and human resources to expand activities.
Solution : Partnering with National and international organizations to scale up efforts.
Seasonal Variability in Disease Incidence : Kala Azar transmission is higher during the monsoon season when sandfly populations peak.
Solution : Enhanced surveillance and testing during high-risk seasons, alongside continuous community engagement.
Looking Forward : The Path to Sustainable Elimination
Title : The Road Ahead : Ensuring a Kala Azar-Free Future.
Content
Expansion of Surveillance and Outreach : KAMRC will continue expanding its surveillance network, increasing the number of villages covered and strengthening data collection efforts.
Enhanced Community Mobilization : Increasing the involvement of local Health practitionor in case detection and reporting, with a focus on reducing stigma and encouraging treatment-seeking behavior.
Sustained Research and Innovation : Focus on developing new diagnostic technologies and treatment protocols, as well as more effective vector control methods.
Scaling Up Volunteer Networks : Training more volunteers in endemic regions, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to conduct effective outreach and data collection.
Collaborations for Greater Impact : Partnerships : Strengthening collaborations with National & international organizations and research institutes to share resources and best practices.
Thank You
Thank you for your continued support in the fight against Kala Azar. Together, we can achieve sustainable elimination.
Call to Action
Join us today in making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
