The Kala azar disease, otherwise known as “Visceral Leishmaniasis”, is a disease that lowers human immunity, causes persistent fever, anemia, and liver and spleen enlargement. It also kills if it is left untreated.

The new center, which is the fist of its kind in East Africa, comprises laboratory, examination room, 27 beds, and other service wards.

At the inaugural ceremony, Center coordinator Dr. Sisay Yifru said would also provide physiotherapy and medical treatment to Schistosomiasis cases.

Dr. Sisay said Kala azar, which is one of the least recognized diseases worldwide, is fast spreading in the Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

Especially, he said, research study indicated that the disease is alarmingly spreading around Metema, Humera, and Addis Zemen areas of the Amhara State at present.

“About 5,000 people in the areas are suffering from Kala azar every year,” according to the coordinator.

The fund for the establishment of the center was secured from Switzerland-based organization, he said, adding the center would help to conduct research studies on the disease besides providing the necessary medical treatment to patients.

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