New threats to visceral leishmaniasis control

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis—also known as kala-azar—is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sandflies and is the deadliest parasitic killer after malaria. It threatens the poorest communities most strongly. “Visceral leishmaniasis is a fatal disease if not treated, many millions of people in endemic areas are exposed to infection, and with [frequent] occurrence of outbreaks, often associated with conflict, population displacement”, says Elin Hoffmann Dahl (MSF Access Campaign, Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland).