Plan of action to strengthen the surveillance and control of leishmaniasis in the Americas 2023-2030
Unknown authors
Abstract
In order to update, systematize and monitor the leishmaniasis actions at the operational level, this new version of the Plan of Action for the period of 2023-2030 has been developed, which contains actions for the surveillance, assistance and control of leishmaniases in the Region. The main elements discussed include evidence, cost, cost-effectiveness of available interventions, access to and analysis of epidemiological and process data, as well as the organization of health services in the countries of the Americas. In addition, the goals and indicators of the Plan were developed based on technical discussions, consensus, orientations and suggestions made by experts, researchers and professionals responsible for actions to fight the disease in endemic countries. The proposed targets for leishmaniases control in the Region are ambitious and will require countries and partners interested in providing support to work hard and achieve them. The actions proposed in this Plan were developed based on the diagnosis of the disease situation in the Region, where leishmaniasis was initially divided into two groups according to its clinical form: cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis. Both differ in the species of Leishmania, vectors, reservoirs, and clinical presentation, as well as in the socioeconomic and environmental characteristics that determine the risks and different transmission cycles, leading to different surveillance and control actions. These actions are focused on early diagnosis, adequate treatment and follow-up of affected people, surveillance, prevention, and control of human cases, vector, and reservoirs, when required, along with education and communication efforts.