Target product profile for a diagnostic test to confirm visceral leishmaniasis

Overview

In 2007, the Sixtieth World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA60.13 on control of leishmaniasis, urging Member States, among other actions:

• to strengthen prevention, active detection and treatment of cases of both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in order to decrease the disease burden; and
• to strengthen the capacity of peripheral health centres to deliver primary and secondary care, so that they provide appropriate affordable diagnosis and treatment and act as sentinel surveillance sites.

and requested the WHO Director-General:

• to promote research pertaining to leishmaniasis control, including in the areas of safe, effective and affordable vaccines, diagnostic tools and medicines with less toxicity, and dissemination of the findings of that research.