Progress against a neglected tropical disease in east Africa is under threat

By Monique Wasunna, Researcher, Kenya Medical Research Institute

Eleven years ago, in the rugged hills of West Pokot County in Kenya, Mary Alamak, a mother of four, fell ill with the parasitic disease kala-azar while she was pregnant. Her weight fell from 80 to 45 kgs in a matter of weeks. She feared for the life of her baby and her own. At the Kacheliba District Hospital, she could get diagnosed, and treated with AmBisome injections. She was cured and regained weight – and her baby was saved.

I have met many patients like Mary in my 30-year experience in the field.

Across Kenya, Sudan, and Ethiopia, weak and feverish patients are being…

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