Endemic and invisible: Visceral Leishmaniasis a One Health imperative in the Somali’s fragile health landscape

Journal article

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) remains one of the most neglected public-health challenges in the Horn of Africa. This editorial highlights the ecological, social, and political determinants driving VL persistence across the Somali Peninsula, including Somalia, the Somali Region of Ethiopia, and northeastern Kenya. It synthesises evidence on vector ecology, diagnostic and treatment gaps, and the humanitarian dimensions of disease vulnerability, arguing for a One Health, primary-care-anchored approach to prevention and control. The paper calls for renewed national commitment, regional coordination, and donor alignment to integrate VL into health-system-strengthening and universal health coverage agendas in fragile settings.

Authors: Elmi, HSA; Abdulahi, M; Hussein, AA; Ahmed, M; Jama-Alol, K

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 1
• Article number: e0013905
• Publication date: 2026-01-08
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0013905
• EISSN: 1935-2735
• ISSN: 1935-2727
• Language: English