Visceral leishmaniasis in Somalia: A review of epidemiology and access to care

Authors: Temmy Sunyoto, Julien Potet, Marleen Boelaert

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2017

Abstract

Somalia, ravaged by conflict since 1991, has areas endemic for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a deadly parasitic disease affecting the rural poor, internally displaced, and pastoralists. Very little is known about VL burden in Somalia, where the protracted crisis hampers access to health care. We reviewed evidence about VL epidemiology in Somalia and appraised control options within the context of this fragile state's health system. VL has been reported in Somalia since 1934 and has persisted ever since in foci in the southern parts of the country. The only feasible VL control option is early diagnosis and treatment, currently mostly provided by nonstate actors. The availability of VL care in Somalia is limited and insufficient at best, both in coverage and quality. Precarious security remains a major obstacle to reach VL patients in the endemic areas, and the true VL burden and its impact remain unknown. Locally adjusted, innovative approaches in VL care provision should be explored, without undermining ongoing health system development in Somalia. Ensuring VL care is accessible is a moral imperative, and the limitations of the current VL diagnostic and treatment tools in Somalia and other endemic settings affected by conflict should be overcome.

Connect with us

AMEB Mother and child care Italia
amebitalia@gmail.com

IPSIA
ipsia@acli.it

GRT
grt@grtitalia.org

Privacy & Cookie Policy

About SOMAR

The platform Somali Medical Archives has been developed as a tool to promote cooperation between Somali health professional in their mother country and abroad, engaging the diaspora for the improvement of Somali Health Services.

 
SOMAR Somali Medical Archives is an idea by Edna Moallin Abdirahman

Save
Cookies user preferences
We use cookies to ensure you to get the best experience on our website. If you decline the use of cookies, this website may not function as expected.
Accept all
Decline all
Read more
User state
Joomla user state
Accept
Decline
Marketing
Set of techniques which have for object the commercial strategy and in particular the market study.
Adform
Accept
Decline