Control of visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa: fragile progress, new threats

Published on September 16, 2021

Visceral leishmaniasis (also known as ‘kala azar’), is a vectorborne disease that is 100% fatal if left untreated, but new threats are on the horizon. BMJ Global Health

  • the leading donor of the global leishmaniasis response, has announced cuts in their overseas aid budget. 
  • the only rapid diagnostic test with a high enough sensitivity for visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa will be discontinueed. f no longer available, thousands of cases may go undetected due to the decreased sensitivity of other tests
  •  a global shortage of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB), the first-line treatment for many patients with visceral leishmaniasis, is looming
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