Present situation of vector-control management in Bangladesh: A wake up call

Objectives Kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis is one of the major vector-borne diseases in Bangladesh. The disease is transmitted by sandfly. The incidence of the disease, which has been increasing since the early eighties, must be reduced by taking adequate vector-control measures. The objective of the present study was to identify the favorable factors and the constraints of present vector-control management in Bangladesh. Methods Purposively selected senior entomologist and retired senior entomologist at central level, civil surgeons, entotechnicians, health inspectors and spray men from kala-azar-endemic districts, community leaders, and NGO representatives were key informants of the study. A household survey to learn about knowledge and perceptions of the people about kala-azar vector was carried out, using a structured questionnaire, in 202…