Regional Technical Advisory Group (RTAG) for the Kala-azar elimination programme

Abstract

Kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis is one of the important neglected tropical diseases that have significant public health importance in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal. About 147 million people in 119 districts are at risk of kala-azar in these four endemic countries. Elimination of kala-azar in countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region is feasible. The Fifth Meeting of the Regional Technical Advisory Group (‎RTAG)‎ jointly organized by WHO/SEARO and WRO Bhutan was held in Paro, Bhutan, from 17 to 19 September 2013 to review the progress and achievements of the kala-azar elimination programme, to assess the implementation of national plans of action, to discuss developments in technology for incorporation into the elimination programme and to make recommendations to the Regional Director.