Visceral leishmaniasis research: Operational focus needed

Abstract

The UK Department for International Development has launched the first ever large-scale effort, KalaCORE,1 to control visceral leishmaniasis. Funding of up to £26·3 million will be provided to tackle visceral leishmaniasis in south Asia and east Africa, the two endemic regions with more than 85% of the global visceral leishmaniasis cases. Through KalaCORE, more than 250?000 cases are hoped to be treated, averting 55?000 deaths. In east Africa, support will aim to reduce the burden of visceral leishmaniasis, whereas support in south Asia will focus on complementing ongoing national efforts to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis.