Six East African nations—Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eradicate visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar. This historic agreement took place during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, organized by the African Union and the World Health Organization (WHO). This development is crucial for competitive exam aspirants, highlighting global health initiatives, regional cooperation, and efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Understanding Kala-Azar
What is Kala-Azar?
Kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis, is a life-threatening neglected tropical disease caused by a parasite transmitted through sandfly bites. It presents severe symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, and organ enlargement. If untreated, it has a high fatality rate. Eastern Africa bears over 70% of the global kala-azar burden, with children under 15 accounting for half of the cases, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
Challenges of NTDs
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases that primarily affect impoverished populations in tropical regions. These diseases, including kala-azar, pose significant public health challenges due to their complex epidemiology and links to environmental factors. Effective control requires innovative strategies, cross-border cooperation, and sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure.
| NTD Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Population | Impoverished communities in tropical regions |
| Key Challenges | Complex epidemiology, limited healthcare access, environmental factors |
| Examples | Kala-azar, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis |
MoU and Regional Cooperation
Details of the MoU
The MoU aims to enhance investment in kala-azar elimination and develop effective public health strategies. Luis Pizarro from the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) emphasized the need for new oral treatments and medical innovations. The signatory countries plan to implement a framework established in June 2024 to eliminate kala-azar, focusing on cross-border surveillance and resource sharing.
Broader Regional Efforts
Beyond the six signatory nations, countries like Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania have joined efforts to tackle other NTDs. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response framework plays a pivotal role in monitoring disease spread across borders, ensuring a coordinated response to regional health challenges.
Global Progress on NTDs
Achievements and Goals
As of May 2025, 56 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD. Nations like Togo and Benin have demonstrated that coordinated efforts can yield significant results. The WHO reports that many African countries have made progress in eliminating one or two NTDs, highlighting the importance of global cooperation and innovative health policies.
Call for Action
Unified Response to NTDs
The Call for Action issued during the 78th World Health Assembly urges endemic countries to collaborate on region-specific strategies. It emphasizes information sharing and joint health policy planning to combat NTDs effectively. The interconnected nature of these diseases necessitates a unified response to achieve sustainable solutions.
Key Highlights
- Event: MoU signed at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
- Kala-Azar: A neglected tropical disease with over 70% of cases in Eastern Africa, affecting children under 15.
- MoU Objective: Boost investment and implement a June 2024 framework for kala-azar elimination.
- Regional Cooperation: Involves cross-border surveillance and support from countries like Cameroon and Nigeria.
- Global Progress: 56 countries have eliminated at least one NTD as of May 2025.