Developing a strategic plan for the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Africa: report of a stakeholder meeting, Nairobi, Kenya, 24-27 January 2023
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World Health Organization
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viii, 42 p.
This report documents a stakeholder meeting convened by the World Health Organization, in collaboration with partners, in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023 to develop a strategic framework for the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as a public health problem in eastern Africa. Bringing together national programme managers, ministries of health, donors and technical partners from eight endemic countries, the meeting reviewed the epidemiological situation of VL, examined lessons learned from elimination initiatives in South-East Asia, and discussed approaches to strengthening regional collaboration, sustainable financing and political commitment. The report highlights the substantial burden of VL in eastern Africa, where the disease remains associated with poverty, malnutrition, population displacement, climate-related factors and limited access to health services. The publication presents the agreed strategic framework for 2023–2030, including targets, objectives and priority interventions for early diagnosis and treatment, surveillance, integrated vector management, social mobilization, research, procurement and cross-border collaboration. It also summarizes country perspectives, recommendations for resource mobilization and sustainable financing, and the outcomes of high-level discussions that led to the Nairobi Declaration and a commitment to strengthen regional cooperation. The report is intended to guide countries and partners in coordinating efforts towards the elimination of VL in eastern Africa.
This report documents a stakeholder meeting convened by the World Health Organization, in collaboration with partners, in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023 to develop a strategic framework for the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as a public health problem in eastern Africa. Bringing together national programme managers, ministries of health, donors and technical partners from eight endemic countries, the meeting reviewed the epidemiological situation of VL, examined lessons learned from elimination initiatives in South-East Asia, and discussed approaches to strengthening regional collaboration, sustainable financing and political commitment. The report highlights the substantial burden of VL in eastern Africa, where the disease remains associated with poverty, malnutrition, population displacement, climate-related factors and limited access to health services. The publication presents the agreed strategic framework for 2023–2030, including targets, objectives and priority interventions for early diagnosis and treatment, surveillance, integrated vector management, social mobilization, research, procurement and cross-border collaboration. It also summarizes country perspectives, recommendations for resource mobilization and sustainable financing, and the outcomes of high-level discussions that led to the Nairobi Declaration and a commitment to strengthen regional cooperation. The report is intended to guide countries and partners in coordinating efforts towards the elimination of VL in eastern Africa.