East African Countries Unite Against Kala-Azar
Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to eradicate visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar. This event occurred during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, organised by the African Union and the World Health Organization (WHO). Kala-azar is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with high fatality rates, primarily affecting the underprivileged in East Africa.
About Kala-Azar
Kala-azar is caused by a parasite and presents severe symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, and organ enlargement. If untreated, it can be fatal. The majority of cases are found in Eastern Africa, where over 70% of the global burden exists. Children under 15 make up half of those affected, denoting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
NTDs are a group of diseases that predominantly affect impoverished populations in tropical regions. They pose public health challenges due to their complex epidemiology and association with environmental factors. Effective control requires innovative strategies and cooperation among nations.
Recent Developments and Strategies
The MoU aims to boost investment in kala-azar elimination and develop effective strategies for public health concerns. Luis Pizarro from the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) emphasised the need for new oral treatments and medical innovations. The signatory countries plan to implement a framework established in June 2024 for disease elimination.
Regional Cooperation
The MoU encourages cross-border cooperation among countries, with Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania joining efforts to tackle other NTDs. Surveillance platforms like the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response framework play important role in monitoring disease spread across borders.
Global Progress on NTDs
As of May 2025, 56 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD. Countries such as Togo and Benin have made strides, demonstrating that coordinated efforts can lead to success. The WHO reports that many African nations have also made progress in eliminating one or two NTDs in recent years.
Call for Action
The Call for Action urges endemic countries to collaborate on region-specific strategies. It advocates for sharing information and jointly planning health policies to combat NTDs effectively. The interconnected nature of these diseases necessitates a unified response to achieve lasting solutions.
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