WHO recommends new, improved treatment for Kal-azar
The World Health Organization has issued new treatment guidelines for Kala-azar, a deadly parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies. The updated protocols move away from painful, long-term injections toward safer, shorter oral drug combinations.
Why it matters
This represents a significant advancement in public health for endemic regions, potentially saving thousands of lives by improving treatment accessibility and patient compliance.
In a statement released on Monday, WHO described Kala-azar as the world’s deadliest parasitic killer after malaria, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly. WHO revealed that the disease is endemic in 80 countries, with only 25% to 45 percent of over 50,000 cases reported to them.
The evidence behind these new guidelines came from clinical trials, including those conducted at Kacheliba Sub-County Hospital in Kenya led by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other partners. Trials were also conducted in Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
According to the organisation, high fever, weight loss, anaemia, spleen and liver enlargement are some of the symptoms of Kal-azar which may lead to death if not treated.
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