On 4th June 2025, a joint pre-validation team comprising representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the VDCP paid a visit to Eastern Regional Referral Hospital (ERRH) and Mongar District
The visit aimed to assess progress toward eliminating visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) as a public health problem, aligning with the WHO NTD Roadmap 2030 targets. The team also visited a reported Kala-Azar patient in Kalapang community to evaluate case management and surveillance efforts.
At our hospital the team reviewed diagnostic protocols, treatment records, and surveillance data emphasizing adherence to national guidelines for early detection and complete case management.
Discussions highlighted the hospital’s role in regional referral services and capacity to handle complicated cases, including post-Kala-Azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL).
The field Visit focused on vector control measures including insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), critical for interrupting sandfly transmission .
WHO elimination threshold is <1 case/10,000 population at the implementing unit.
The program in collaboration with WHO will develop national kala Azar elimination strategy in near future. The team will also visit Bumthang district enroute to Thimphu.
