In a major step toward eliminating one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, Gilead Sciences and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced an expanded partnership to combat visceral leishmaniasis (VL), commonly known as kala-azar.
The renewed five-year agreement, running from 2026 through 2030, aims to strengthen access to life-saving treatment and improve healthcare support for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
A Renewed Commitment Against a Deadly Disease
As part of the agreement, Gilead Sciences will donate more than 400,000 vials of AmBisome (liposomal amphotericin B for injection), one of the most effective treatments available for visceral leishmaniasis.
In addition to medicine donations, the company will also provide:
- Financial support
- Strategic healthcare assistance
- Improved access to diagnosis and treatment programs
The collaboration reflects growing global efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases that continue to affect low-income communities across Africa and Asia.
What Is Visceral Leishmaniasis?
Visceral leishmaniasis is a severe parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. The infection attacks vital internal organs, including:
- The liver
- Spleen
- Bone marrow
If left untreated, the disease can become fatal.
According to global health estimates, between 50,000 and 90,000 new cases are reported every year worldwide, making VL one of the deadliest neglected tropical diseases.
The disease primarily affects impoverished populations living in tropical and subtropical regions with limited healthcare access.
Focus Shifts Toward East Africa
While significant progress has already been achieved in South-East Asia, the renewed partnership will place stronger focus on East African countries where disease burden remains critically high.
Countries expected to benefit from the initiative include:
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Uganda
- Chad
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Yemen
The programme will also continue supporting countries that have historically battled kala-azar, including:
- India
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
Health experts believe regional collaboration and consistent access to treatment are essential to achieving long-term disease elimination.
Remarkable Progress in South-East Asia
The WHO highlighted that the partnership has already produced impressive results over the past two decades.
Since the launch of the VL elimination programme in 2005:
- New cases in South-East Asia have declined by more than 95%
- Bangladesh achieved WHO validation for eliminating visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem in 2023
These achievements demonstrate how coordinated public-private partnerships can successfully tackle neglected diseases that once seemed impossible to control.
Leadership Voices Optimism
Gilead Sciences Chairman and CEO Daniel O’Day emphasized that eliminating visceral leishmaniasis is an achievable goal if global commitment continues.
He stated that the strengthened collaboration will help:
- Expand access to diagnosis
- Deliver life-saving treatment
- Support healthcare systems in underserved regions
WHO Chief Scientist Jeremy Farrar also praised the agreement, describing it as a strong example of how strategic partnerships can accelerate healthcare progress and strengthen disease control efforts worldwide.
Gilead’s Long-Term Contribution
Gilead has been supporting global visceral leishmaniasis control efforts since 2011.
Over the years, the company has:
- Donated more than 1.1 million vials of AmBisome
- Contributed over USD 18 million toward disease control initiatives
With the renewed agreement, total contributions are expected to exceed:
- 1.5 million donated vials
- USD 27 million in overall support
The expanded investment signals a long-term commitment to reducing the burden of neglected tropical diseases across vulnerable communities.
Why This Partnership Matters
Neglected tropical diseases often receive far less attention and funding than other global health challenges, despite affecting millions of people.
For communities struggling with poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure, and ongoing disease outbreaks, partnerships like this can mean:
- Earlier diagnosis
- Better treatment access
- Reduced mortality
- Stronger healthcare systems
The renewed collaboration between Gilead and WHO demonstrates how pharmaceutical companies, global health organizations, and governments can work together to create meaningful change.
Final Thoughts
The expanded Gilead-WHO partnership marks another important milestone in the global fight against visceral leishmaniasis. With increased medicine donations, financial support, and a stronger focus on high-burden African nations, the initiative offers renewed hope for thousands of patients at risk from this deadly disease.
As global health leaders continue pushing toward elimination goals, this collaboration stands as a reminder that sustained investment, scientific innovation, and international cooperation remain critical in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
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