One Health Approach Prospect for Integrated Control and Elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ethiopia: A Narrative Review Article

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is an obligate intercellular protozoon that affects animals and human. It has zoonosis and/or anthroponosis transmission. Human and veterinary medicine, environmental science and wildlife conservation specialists have many commonalities in case of visceral leishmaniasis. Still the above disciplines respond against leishmaniasis in a separate way. The aim of this review is to indicate inter- and intra- sectoral collaboration for planning future control strategies. METHODS: literatures written on visceral leishmaniasis and one health approach were systematically reviewed from the year 1969 to 2014 from Pub Med, Scopus, Medline and Google scholar sources. RESULT: Such a one health approach would enhance biomedical progress; improve medical and veterinary serves, entomological control and wildlife conservation for Visceral Leishmaniasis especially in endemic areas. CONCLUSION: Inter- and intra – sectoral collaboration in the leishmaniasis control is limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, incorporating one health approach or integrated inter- and intra – sectoral collaboration for visceral leishmaniasis control is an effective control strategy in endemic areas.