Strengthening Surveillance of Leishmaniasis in Uganda and Kenya through a Collaborative Multisectoral One Health Capacity Building Approach in Endemic foci

Call for Proposal: CA22-0013

Programme title: One Health as a transdisciplinary ecosystem approach for vector-borne diseases in the context of climate change

Project ID: P22-00833

Project Title: Strengthening Surveillance of Leishmaniasis in Uganda and Kenya through a Collaborative Multisectoral One Health Capacity Building Approach in Endemic foci

Executive Summary / Abstract:
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), remains a neglected disease that globally affects about 400,000 people, with estimated death of around 40,000 annually. Among
the global cases, Uganda and Kenya still account for 15 % of the cases. Within these two (2) countries, the common sandfly vector species responsible for VL
transmission include Phelebotomus orientalis, P. martini, P. celiae and P. rodhaini. Despite the number of interventions in the two countries, VL has remained
endemic in rural hard-to-reach communities of Uganda (Amudat, Nakapiripirit and Kotido) and in Kenya (Turkana, west Pokot and Baringo). Uganda and
Kenya share endemic foci for the disease with cross border migrations albeit, with limited collaboration across the two countries and thus making efforts of
each individual country to have limited impact.
In this proposed work, we plan to strengthening surveillance of leishmaniasis in Uganda and Kenya through a collaborative multisectoral One Health capacity
building approach within endemic foci. We shall train frontline workers concurrently in both countries using our designed/updated training
programs/materials. Trained frontline workers under the supervision of the project team will then be facilitated to map disease hotspots using retrospective
passive and active screening data in humans and animals, decipher disease risk factors, organize and conduct community awareness programs, and enhance
integrated vector (sandfly) control approaches. We shall further strengthen cross border surveillance activities through joint meetings, mentorship of trainees
and monitoring, evaluation and learning