Gilead Sciences extends WHO partnership to fight visceral leishmaniasis

Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) announced a renewed five-year collaboration with the World Health Organization to combat visceral leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease that causes an estimated 50,000 to 90,000 new cases annually.

The pharmaceutical company will donate more than 400,000 vials of AmBisome and provide $9.2 million in financial support through 2030. The expanded agreement focuses on high-burden countries in East Africa and other endemic regions including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda and Yemen, with additional support for Chad and Djibouti.

Visceral leishmaniasis, transmitted through infected sandfly bites, attacks internal organs and proves fatal in more than 95% of untreated cases. The disease ranks as the second deadliest parasitic illness after malaria and disproportionately affects populations in impoverished regions.

The partnership has previously achieved significant results in Southeast Asia, where new cases dropped by more than 95% since elimination efforts began in 2005. Bangladesh reached a milestone in 2023 when WHO validated the country's elimination of visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem.

"Ending visceral leishmaniasis is within reach because of sustained commitment and investment," said Daniel O'Day, Gilead's chairman and chief executive officer.

The collaboration aims to improve diagnostic services and treatment access for vulnerable communities. Countries receiving support represent approximately 74% of the global visceral leishmaniasis burden, according to the company's statement.

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