Global health and hope: African countries unite to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis

This year’s World Health Assembly (the 78^th) is being marked by several historic developments – which, yes, include the much-anticipated Pandemic Treaty. In one of these milestone moments, six African nations came together to commit to eliminating one of the world’s most neglected diseases: visceral leishmaniasis.

At a high-level ceremony co-hosted by the African Union and the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives from Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis (also known as kala-azar). They were joined by Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, who issued a call for cross-border action on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

This is more than just another public health commitment - it’s a pivotal milestone in the decades-long fight against neglected diseases that holds immense promise for millions of people. NTDs remain underfunded and overlooked, despite affecting over 1 billion people globally. Visceral leishmaniasis alone claims thousands of lives each year especially in Eastern Africa, where over 70% of the global burden falls, with children under 15 representing half of all cases.

Yet, for all the urgency, what makes this moment so promising is the leadership of affected countries themselves.

This commitment filled with hope and promise of better lives, was shaped and championed by national governments who are placing NTD elimination at the centre of their health and development agendas.

National and local leadership are driving change, supported by strong community engagement. Countries are designing and implementing context-specific strategies that reflect their priorities, are embedded in local systems, and aim for long-term sustainability.

At the same time, there is growing momentum behind regional collaboration driven by the recognition that diseases do not respect borders. Ministers from across Africa highlighted the critical importance of cross-border coordination, especially in Eastern Africa, where climate change and population movements influence disease patterns. Joint surveillance, interoperable data systems, and synchronized campaigns are seen as essential tools to achieve and sustain disease elimination across the region.

Eliminating visceral leishmaniasis and other neglected diseases is not just a health objective. It can unlock broader development opportunities by removing barriers that perpetuate poverty and social exclusion. These diseases disrupt education, reduce economic productivity, and disproportionately affect women and rural populations, often compounding existing vulnerabilities and social stigma.

Progress toward elimination has the potential to drive social and economic gains: fewer missed school days, improved household income, stronger local economies, and restored dignity for affected individuals. It can also help rebuild trust in public services, particularly in historically underserved areas, and contribute to more resilient and inclusive communities.

As highlighted during the WHA side event, the return on investment is outstanding. Every dollar spent on prevention, treatment, and elimination of neglected diseases yields broad benefits, from reduced healthcare costs to improved labour productivity and strengthened systems that can address future health priorities. The impact is felt by individuals, their families, communities and society overall.

The signs of progress are encouraging. As of May 2025, 56 countries have eliminated at least one NTD (including recent African successes in Chad, Guinea, Mauritania, and Niger). South Asia has shown what’s possible with political will and innovation. In Oct 2023 it was announced that Bangladesh, had eliminated visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem - the first country in the world to do so. This elimination status was validated by WHO after Bangladesh reported less than 1 cases per 10 000 people in the previous 3 consecutive years.

Now, with the Eastern African regional elimination framework launched last year, and strong backing from the African Union, WHO, the END Fund, DNDi, and others, Africa is positioned to lead the way - not just in reducing disease burden, but in building stronger, more equitable health systems and countries.

This month’s renewed commitment to eliminating visceral leishmaniasis is a powerful reminder and a beacon of hope: disease elimination is achievable. With country-led strategies, regional cooperation, and sustained access to treatment and care, we can end one of the world’s most neglected diseases. And the benefits go far beyond health, offering a path toward a more prosperous, economically resilient future for millions of families across the continent.

Read the DNDi press release