Gilead Launches Five-Year WHO Collaboration with $9.2M Aid and 400,000 AmBisome Vials
GILD•Gilead Sciences renewed its five-year WHO collaboration committing over 400,000 vials of AmBisome and $9.2 million in support through 2030 to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis in countries representing about 74% of the global burden. The expanded agreement targets diagnostics and treatment access in high-incidence East African nations.
1. Renewed Five-Year WHO Collaboration
Gilead Sciences announced a five-year extension of its partnership with WHO to accelerate efforts to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis. The agreement will provide strategic support, access to diagnostics, and outreach programs in endemic regions.
2. Significant Donations and Funding Commitment
As part of the collaboration, Gilead will donate over 400,000 vials of AmBisome liposomal amphotericin B and allocate $9.2 million in financial support through 2030 to fund treatment and diagnostic services.
3. Focus on High-Burden East African Nations
The expanded initiative will target countries representing approximately 74% of the global VL burden, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Chad, to improve access to care in the hardest-hit communities.
4. Track Record of Reducing Global VL Burden
Gilead’s partnership since 2005 has driven a more than 95% reduction in new VL cases in Southeast Asia, with Bangladesh validated as having eliminated VL as a public health problem in 2023, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
