@article{96189, keywords = {General Medicine}, author = {Alvar J and den Boer M and Dagne DA}, title = {Towards the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem in east Africa: reflections on an enhanced control strategy and a call for action}, abstract = {

East Africa is the world region most affected by visceral leishmaniasis, accounting for 45% of cases globally that were reported to WHO in 2018, with an annual incidence that is only slightly decreasing. Unlike southeast Asia, east Africa does not have a regional approach to achieving elimination of visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem. The goal of the WHO 2021–30 Neglected Tropical Diseases road map is to reduce mortality caused by the disease to less than 1%. To achieve this goal in east Africa, it will be necessary to roll out diagnosis and treatment at the primary health-care level and implement evidence-based personal protection methods and measures to reduce human–vector contact. Investment and collaboration to develop the necessary tools are scarce. In this Health Policy paper, we propose a strategic framework for a coordinated regional approach in east Africa for the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem.

}, year = {2021}, journal = {The Lancet Global Health}, volume = {9}, pages = {e1763-e1769}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {2214-109X}, url = {https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2214-109X%2821%2900392-2}, doi = {10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00392-2}, language = {eng}, }