Endemic and invisible: Visceral Leishmaniasis a One Health imperative in the Somali’s fragile health landscape
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) remains one of the most neglected public-health challenges in the Horn of Africa. This editorial highlights the ecological, social, and political determinants driving VL persistence across the Somali Peninsula, including Somalia, the Somali Region of Ethiopia, and northeastern Kenya. It synthesises evidence on vector ecology, diagnostic and treatment gaps, and the humanitarian dimensions of disease vulnerability, arguing for a One Health, primary-care-anchored approach to prevention and control. The paper calls for renewed national commitment, regional coordination, and donor alignment to integrate VL into health-system-strengthening and universal health coverage agendas in fragile settings.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
Parasites and Host Interactions
Trypanosoma species research and implications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- PLoS neglected tropical diseases
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e0013905–e0013905
- Publication date
- 8 January 2026
- Language
- EN