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

## TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the urgent need to address Visceral Leishmaniasis in Somalia and surrounding regions through a One Health approach due to its persistent public health threat.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a One Health, primary-care-anchored strategy for combating Visceral Leishmaniasis in fragile health systems.

## Key findings

- VL persists in the Somali Peninsula due to ecological, social, and political factors.
- There are significant gaps in vector ecology understanding and diagnostic/treatment access.
- A coordinated, integrated approach is needed to address VL in fragile health systems.

## Abstract

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.