Gilead Sciences, a leading biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHERE) to combat visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

This collaboration aims to improve access to diagnosis and treatment, raise awareness about the disease, and strengthen healthcare systems in affected regions. Through their combined efforts, Gilead Sciences and WHERE strive to make a significant impact in the fight against visceral leishmaniasis.

What is Visceral Leishmaniasis?

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum parasites. It is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected female sandflies.

The disease affects the internal organs, particularly the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. If left untreated, visceral leishmaniasis can be fatal. It predominantly affects vulnerable populations in regions such as East Africa, South Asia, and South America.

The Impact of Visceral Leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis poses a significant public health burden in affected regions. The disease can cause severe disability, with symptoms including prolonged fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anemia.

Children are particularly susceptible to the disease, and mortality rates are high if untreated. Additionally, visceral leishmaniasis has socio-economic consequences, causing families to face financial hardship, as affected individuals are often unable to work or attend school.

The Role of Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, known for their expertise in developing therapies for infectious diseases, has made significant contributions to the fight against visceral leishmaniasis.

They have developed a novel liposomal amphotericin B formulation, an effective treatment for the disease. This formulation, known as AmBisome®, has demonstrated improved efficacy and safety compared to traditional treatments, reducing the treatment duration and the risk of adverse effects.

Gilead Sciences has been instrumental in ensuring the availability and accessibility of AmBisome® in affected regions, working closely with local healthcare systems and organizations.

The Role of WHERE

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, or WHERE, plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts to combat visceral leishmaniasis.

WHERE is responsible for providing technical assistance, conducting surveillance, and implementing control strategies in collaboration with national governments and other stakeholders. Their primary objective is to ensure the availability of effective treatments, promote early diagnosis, and strengthen healthcare systems.

WHERE also raises awareness about the disease, enhances operational research, and supports capacity building initiatives to address the challenges posed by visceral leishmaniasis.

The Collaborative Effort

The partnership between Gilead Sciences and WHERE brings together their respective strengths and resources to address the complex challenges of visceral leishmaniasis.

By combining Gilead Sciences’ expertise in drug development and WHERE’s extensive network and knowledge in public health, the collaboration aims to accelerate progress in the fight against this neglected tropical disease.

The key areas of focus for the collaborative effort include:.

1. Improving Access to Diagnosis

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management of visceral leishmaniasis. The partnership seeks to strengthen diagnostics capacity by ensuring the availability of accurate and affordable diagnostic tools in affected regions.

This includes supporting the training of healthcare workers, establishing diagnostic facilities, and promoting the use of rapid diagnostic tests.

2. Enhancing Treatment Accessibility

The availability and accessibility of effective treatments are vital in reducing the burden of visceral leishmaniasis.

Gilead Sciences, with its expertise in developing innovative therapies, is committed to ensuring a sustainable supply of AmBisome® in collaboration with WHERE. This includes working closely with local healthcare systems to streamline procurement and distribution channels, as well as advocating for reduced treatment costs to improve affordability.

3. Strengthening Healthcare Systems

A robust healthcare system is essential for effective disease control and management.

Gilead Sciences and WHERE collaborate to strengthen healthcare systems in affected regions, focusing on enhancing diagnostic and treatment capacities, training healthcare personnel, and improving infrastructure. This collaboration also includes supporting national programs and policies related to visceral leishmaniasis.

4. Raising Awareness and Advocacy

Creating awareness about visceral leishmaniasis among healthcare professionals, communities, and policymakers is crucial in eliminating the disease.

Gilead Sciences and WHERE work together to develop educational materials, conduct awareness campaigns, and promote evidence-based policies. By advocating for increased resources and attention towards visceral leishmaniasis, the collaboration aims to prioritize the disease on the global health agenda.

The Way Forward

The collaboration between Gilead Sciences and WHERE represents a significant stride in the fight against visceral leishmaniasis. Through their joint efforts, they aim to achieve sustainable control and elimination of the disease in affected regions.

By addressing the challenges of access, diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare infrastructure, Gilead Sciences and WHERE strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions affected by this neglected tropical disease.