MALARIA CONSORTIUM - UGANDA

Situation analysis on past and current control activities, assessment of feasibility and value of control against visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Africa

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systematic disease which may be fatal if untreated. VL is usually caused by Leishmania donovani or L. infantum, protozoan parasites that are transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Eastern Africa is one of the main endemic areas; the disease occurs in numerous foci in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. Surveillance data indicates that the number of VL cases in the region has increased dramatically over the last decade. Despite the increasing VL burden in eastern Africa, efforts to control the disease are either non-existent or remain sub-optimal. In line with COMDIS goals of improving quality and/or coverage of CDC programmes in decentralised health systems, this study will be placing the foundations for effective control in Eastern Africa. In an attempt to reverse the current VL trend and strengthen regional control, this study aims to determine current burden and epidemiology of VL and review past and present control efforts, as well as research activities. The study will also determine the feasibility and value of VL control in the region and prioritise research agenda. Wide dissemination of the results will be used to raise awareness of this debilitating disease in the region and beyond, establish collaboration and information exchange between affected countries and advocate for increased national and international support for VL control in eastern Africa.