Improved diagnostics for visceral leishmaniasis: a prerequisite for elimination

Summary

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is among the deadliest neglected tropical diseases worldwide affecting the most impoverished populations. East-African countries accounted for 57% of the VL global burden in 2020. The WHO recently launched a VL elimination plan for East-Africa, with early detection and treatment of VL cases as the backbone to reduce transmission and VL burden. However, due to gaps in diagnostics and inaccessible healthcare the official numbers are just the tip of the iceberg and many patients remain untreated. Molecular diagnostics are promoted but their implementation in resource-constrained setting is very limited. We aim to ameliorate the research capacities and multidisciplinary collaboration of clinical, laboratory and anthropological researchers at Arba Minch University (AMU) and Jinka Hospital in southern Ethiopia to support independent and gender-equal research. Training on molecular techniques, good laboratory and clinical practice, interpretation and communication of results, evidence-based medicine and findings of the study will be organized at AMU and other health facilities. Trainees will train the next generation. In line with the elimination goals, we will define an improved and less-invasive diagnostic algorithm for VL patients which is acceptable and accessible for all. Therefore, a diagnostic study introducing molecular diagnostic in combination with a qualitative study with in-depth interviews of different stakeholders will be conducted. By investing in multistakeholder engagement though a community of practice, including patients, healthcare workers, researchers, policy makers and NGOs, we ensure uptake of research findings into policy and practice. The project is embedded in a DGD-funded sandwich PhD project. The qualitative study will be performed by the Anthropological Department of AMU involving two female master students. Flemish promoters and supervisors are employed by the University of Antwerp and the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp.

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