Innovative Diagnosis for PKDL/Leprosy Project Update

Prof Mitali Chatterjee, Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), India

In 2022, VALIDATE launched the "Innovative Diagnosis for PKDL/Leprosy" project, spearheaded by Prof Chatterjee. Focused on combating post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in South-East Asia, the team aims to create a field-friendly diagnostic tool using a validated isothermal amplification-based assay. Given the clinical overlap between PKDL and leprosy, the project also includes a combined diagnostic test. The objective is to deliver a cost-effective, point-of-care tool for monitoring and treating these neglected tropical diseases, aligning with the Kala Azar Elimination Programme and WHO Global Leprosy Strategy. In this talk, Mitali will provide an update on the project.