Leishmaniasis: 20 years of progress towards elimination in the WHO African Region
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that predominantly affects impoverished populations. It remains a
significant health issue in four eco-epidemiological regions: the Americas, East Africa, North Africa, and West Asia and
Southeast Asia. According to WHO’s Weekly epidemiological record (WER), 99 countries and territories are endemic for
leishmaniasis. The cutaneous form of the disease, which is widespread globally, is endemic in 90 countries, while the
more severe visceral form is endemic in 80 countries.