Doctors Without Borders bolsters fight for ending Kala Azar

New research about treating Post Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL), done by international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Mymensingh uncovered an improved treatment regimen.

This together with research done in India, prompted the government to change its protocols for treating PKDL and adopt the new regimen in the national guidelines.

"This research has exciting implications for thousands of people in Bangladesh who are either suffering or at risk from Kala Azar," said Jens Pagotto, MSF's Bangladesh country director.

Before focusing on PKDL, the MSF project in Mymensingh already worked since 2010 with the government to improve treatment of primary Kala Azar. That prior collaboration also led to a change in treatment protocol.

"With both Kala Azar and PKDL treatment dramatically improved, Bangladesh is in a great position to continue its fight to eliminate the disease from the country," Pagotto added.