Course dates: Available now
Location: Online
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) - also known as kala-azar - is endemic in parts of South Asia, East Africa, Southern Europe and South America. It is fatal if untreated, but the tools do exist to control and even eliminate VL transmission in some of these areas.
This online course will you give you an understanding of the biology and epidemiology of VL, then explain practical control and elimination tools that you can use to combat it.
You’ll look at real-world examples of current VL control and elimination programmes, and find out how to implement and evaluate a programme in your own setting.
Topics Included:
Week 1 - Introduction to VL
- Introduction to the biology, vectors and epidemiology of VL
- Importance of controlling VL
Week 2 - Clinical management of VL: Diagnosis and treatment
- Clinical symptoms and different VL diagnostic tools
- Treatment regimens and anti-leishmanial drugs
Week 3 - Focusing on the vector of VL
- Sand fly biology and behaviour
- Vector-parasite interaction
- Vector control tools
- Emerging challenges in vector control
Week 4 - Tools that complement clinical management and vector control for control and elimination programmes against VL
- Surveillance
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Outbreaks and outbreak management
- Health system strengthening
- Community education
- Elimination & sustainability of control
For how to apply, or to find out more about this course, visit the Future Learn website.
