Six African Nations Sign MoU to Eliminate Kala-Azar

Six East African countries — Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan — have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to eliminate kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis). The MoU was signed during a World Health Organization (WHO) event in collaboration with the African Union, held on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, in May 2025.

Why in News?

This agreement marks a significant milestone in the global effort to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly kala-azar, which still poses a serious public health threat in East Africa. With over 70% of global kala-azar cases reported in this region, the MoU represents a coordinated effort to increase investment, improve surveillance, and promote cross-border cooperation to eliminate the disease.

What is Kala-Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis)?

• A life-threatening disease caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted through sandfly bites.
• Symptoms: Prolonged fever, fatigue, weight loss, liver and spleen enlargement.
• If untreated, almost always fatal.

Why the Focus on East Africa?

• 70%+ of global kala-azar cases occur in Eastern Africa.
• Half the affected population are children under 15.
• East African nations bear a disproportionate burden of the disease.

About the MoU and Signatories

• Signed by: Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
• Supporting Organizations: WHO, African Union, and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).
• Objective: Eliminate kala-azar by scaling up investment, treatment access, cross-border surveillance, and public health coordination.

Major Commitments and Measures

• Implementation of region-specific strategies.
• Development of oral treatments and innovation in drug delivery.
• Strengthening surveillance platforms like the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR).
• Collaborating with countries like Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania to enhance cross-border NTD management.

Progress and Static Facts

• NTDs affect over 600 million people in Africa.
• 56 countries have eliminated at least one NTD by 2025.
• Togo has eliminated 4 NTDs.
• India, Benin, Ghana each eliminated 3 NTDs.
• Recent NTD eliminations: Mauritania, Chad, Guinea, Niger (2024–25).