Blood parasitic diseases in India: Current landscape, challenges, and the road ahead.

Blood parasitic diseases remain a significant public health challenge in India, with malaria, lymphatic filariasis (LF), and visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) accounting for the highest disease burden among parasitic infections. India contributes a major share of the global burden, particularly for LF and kala-azar, and remains one of the few countries endemic for all three major blood parasites. These diseases remain endemic in several regions, particularly among marginalized and tribal populations. The complex epidemiology is compounded by asymptomatic carriers, atypical clinical manifestations, and coinfections, often leading to delayed diagnosis and incomplete treatment coverage. In addition, geographic inaccessibility, socio-economic deprivation, poor health-seeking behavior, and limited infrastructure further hinder elimination efforts. However, recent advances in molecular diagnostic methods and treatment strategies have opened a new window for precise detection and surveillance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current epidemiology, emerging challenges, and recent scientific and technological advances in the control and elimination of blood parasitic diseases in India. It emphasizes the critical need for a multisectoral, evidence-based approach, combining innovative tools, community engagement, and health system strengthening to achieve long-term, sustainable elimination.