The growing deaths from non-communicable diseases attributable to sugar-sweetened beverages among young and middle-aged adults: Analysis and projection based on Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Global Disease Burden From Acute Glomerulonephritis 1990–2019

Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus related chronic kidney disease (T1DM-CKD) presents a global health challenge, with unclear trends and patterns among adolescents and young adults. This study analyzed the burden and risk factors of T1DM-CKD in individuals aged 15 to 39 from 1990 to 2021 and predicted future trends.Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021, we analyzed the prevalence, incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and average annual percentage change (AAPC) of T1DM-CKD among youth across gender, sociodemographic index (SDI) areas, and data from 21 regions and 204 countries and territories. Risk factors were assessed and future trends were projected.Results Between 1990 and 2021, the global prevalence of T1DM-CKD aged 15 to 39 increased by 107.5% to 3.32 million, with an age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of 111.44 per 100,000 (AAPC 1.33%). Incidence rose by 165.4% to 14,200, with an agestandardized incidence rate of 0.48 per 100,000 (AAPC 2.19%). However, age-standardized mortality rate (0.50 per 100,000, AAPC –0.87%) and age-standardized DALYs rate (30.61 per 100,000, AAPC –0.83%) decreased. ASPR increased across all SDI regions, especially in high-SDI countries. High fasting glucose remained the major risk factor influencing DALYs. By 2035, T1DM-CKD prevalence was projected to decrease to 2.86 million (ASPR 89.67 per 100,000).Conclusion The research revealed a global increase in T1DM-CKD among youth, with a shift towards younger onset and significant variations based on gender and location, emphasizing the importance of early prevention and management strategies for this demographic.

Global, regional, and national burdens of heart failure in adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years from 1990 to 2021: an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a significant component of the global disease burden, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to investigate the patterns and trends of IBD among adolescents from 1990 to 2021. Methods We retrieved data on the incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of IBD in adolescents (aged 15-39 years) from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, Temporal trends of incidence and DALYs were calculated using the average annual percent change (AAPC). The correlation between age-specific incidence rates and DALYs rates with the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) was performed using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results From 1990 to 2021, age-specific incidence rates significantly increased while age-specific DALYs rates declined [AAPC: 0.22vs-0.16]. All SDI regions saw a decline in age-specific incidence rates while age-specific DALYs rates in adolescent showed an increasing trend in low and middle SDI regions but a-decrease in high, high-middle and low-middle SDI regions. Incidence rates rose from 1990 to 2021 in 21-GBD regions except for high-income North America. In contrast, DALYs rates increased in regions such as Western Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Latin America, Tropical Latin America, Australasia, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and North Africa and the Middle East, while they declined in the remaining 21-GBD regions. Among the 204-countries, China exhibited the fastest-growing age-specific incidence rate among adolescents [AAPC: 2.60], followed by Libya (AAPC: 2.59) and Oman (AAPC: 1.56), while Italy showed the fastest decline [AAPC: -0.76] (Figure-1A). Mauritius experienced the fastest growth in age-specific DALYs rates among adolescents (AAPC: 1.93), followed by Libya (AAPC: 1.79) and Mexico (AAPC: 1.45), while Northern Mariana Islands saw the fastest decline (AAPC: -3.28) (Figure-1B). Moreover, the AAPC of age-specific incidence rates for adolescent IBD exhibited a slight decreasing trend with increasing SDI (Figure-1C), and the AAPC of DALYs rates significantly declined with increasing SDI (Figure-1D). Conclusion The regional disparities in the incidence and DALYs rates of adolescent IBD highlight the urgent need for innovative prevention and healthcare strategies to alleviate the global burden of IBD among adolescents. Early screening could be crucial in mitigating the impact of IBD on adolescents.

Early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) in younger populations (age ≤50 years) is likely to be a more aggressive phenotype characterized by poor differentiation. The emerging analysis of the global burden of EOPC is limited and outdated. To systematically investigate the burden and trend of EOPC based on global populations. In this systematic analysis based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, the authors present the number of cases, age-standardized rates (ASRs) per 100000 population, and risk factors for 204 countries and territories. The average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) for the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of EOPC were calculated using joinpoint regression analysis. According to the GBD 2019 estimates, there were 36852 new cases of EOPC and 32004 related deaths. East Asia had the highest number of cases, with 11401 incidences and 10149 deaths. The ASRs were 0.94 per 100000 individuals for incidence and 0.81 per 100000 for mortality. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence increased by 46.9%, mortality increased by 44.6%, and DALYs increased by 41.9% globally. In trend analysis, the global incidence (AAPC, 1.26), mortality (AAPC, 1.24), and DALYs (AAPC, 1.25) of EOPC showed an increasing pattern. The ASRs of incidence, mortality, and DALYs of EOPC in Africa, America, and Asia exhibited a continuous upward trend, while the trend in Europe was fluctuating. Asian males exhibited the fastest growth in incidence (AAPC, 2.15) and mortality (AAPC, 2.13), whereas males in the Americas experienced the slowest increase in new cases (AAPC, 0.72) and deaths (AAPC, 0.67). A certain proportion of EOPC DALYs were attributable to known risk factors: tobacco smoking (13.3%), high BMI, 5.6%, and high fasting plasma glucose 3.2%. Integrating the socio-demographic index (SDI), ASRs of incidence and mortality initially increased with rising SDI, reaching a peak in central Europe (1.5 per 100000 <ASRs <2.0 per 100000), and decreased with further increase in SDI in 2019. The findings offer valuable insights into the global distribution and magnitude of the EOPC burden. The burden is increasing at a rapid pace worldwide, particularly in Asia, and is notably high in central and eastern Europe. This highlights the need for additional preventive control efforts targeting high-risk populations.

Global, regional, and national burden of malaria, 1990–2021: Findings from the global burden of disease study 2021

BackgroundUrolithiasis is among the most common urologic diagnoses globally, with substantial burden and cost on healthcare systems worldwide. Increasing evidence links urolithiasis with an array of risk factors, including diet and lifestyle trends, noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity, and global warming. ObjectiveTo examine geographic, temporal, and sociodemographic patterns to better understand global disease burden of urolithiasis. Design, setting, and participantsWe extracted data on age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to urolithiasis for 21 regions, including 204 countries, for 1990–2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisData were analyzed at the global, regional, and country levels, as well as stratified by the Socio-Demographic Index. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) was calculated to measure temporal trends across groups. Results and limitationsGlobally, total cases, DALYs, and deaths attributed to urolithiasis increased over the study period, while the age-standardized rates of these measures decreased. The age-standardized incidence of urolithiasis decreased from 1696.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1358.1–2078.1) cases per 100 000 population in 1990 to 1394.0 (95% CI, 1126.4–1688.2) cases per 100 000 population in 2019, with an AAPC of −0.7 (95% CI [−0.8, −0.6]). Of the GBD regions, Eastern Europe demonstrated a consistently higher ASIR of urolithiasis than all other regions, while the Caribbean had the highest AAPC. This study is limited by the available national and regional data, as described in the original GBD study. ConclusionsWorldwide, total cases, DALYs, and deaths attributed to urolithiasis have increased since 1990, while age-standardized rates have decreased, with demonstrated regional and sociodemographic variation. Multifaceted strategies to address urolithiasis prevention and treatment are necessary. Patient summaryIn this study, we looked at trends in the global burden of stone disease using data from 204 countries from 1990 to 2019. We found that the overall burden has increased, but it varies by age, sociodemographic variables, and geographic region. We conclude that we need adaptable policies that suit the specific needs of the country to address this burden.

BackgroundLower respiratory infections (LRIs) cause substantial mortality and morbidity. The present study reported and analysed the burden of LRIs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region between 1990 and 2019, by age, sex, etiology, and socio-demographic index (SDI).MethodsThe data used in this study were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. The annual incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to LRIs were presented as counts and age-standardised rates per 100,000 population, along with their 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). The average annual percent changes (AAPC) in the age-standardised incidence, death and DALYs rates were calculated using Joinpoint software and correlations (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) between the AAPCs and SDIs were calculated using Stata software.ResultsIn 2019, there were 34.1 million (95% UI 31.7–36.8) incident cases of LRIs in MENA, with an age-standardised rate of 6510.2 (95% UI 6063.6–6997.8) per 100,000 population. The number of regional DALYs was 4.7 million (95% UI 3.9–5.4), with an age-standardised rate of 888.5 (95% UI 761.1–1019.9) per 100,000 population, which has decreased since 1990. Furthermore, Egypt [8150.8 (95% UI 7535.8–8783.5)] and Afghanistan [61.9 (95% UI 52.1–72.6)] had the highest age-standardised incidence and death rates, respectively. In 2019, the regional incidence and DALY rates were highest in the 1–4 age group, in both females and males. In terms of deaths, pneumococcus and H. influenza type B were the most and least common types of LRIs, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, the burden of LRIs generally decreased with increasing SDI. There were significant positive correlations between SDI and the AAPCs for the age-standardised incidence, death and DALY rates (p < 0.05). Over the 1990–2019 period, the regional incidence, deaths and DALYs attributable to LRIs decreased with AAPCs of − 1.19% (− 1.25 to − 1.13), − 2.47% (− 2.65 to − 2.28) and − 4.21% (− 4.43 to − 3.99), respectively.ConclusionsThe LRI-associated burden in the MENA region decreased between 1990 and 2019. SDI had a significant positive correlation with the AAPC and pneumococcus was the most common underlying cause of LRIs. Afghanistan, Yemen and Egypt had the largest burdens in 2019. Further studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and programs to control LRIs and their risk factors.

Disclosure: G. Flocco: None. M. Munir: None. H. Ahmad: None. M. Kakakhel: None. M. Ali: None. F. Ahmed: None. J. Ikram: None. A. Zahid: None. A. Cheema: None. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) poses a growing health challenge, especially among older adults. This study explores regional variations in DALYs, and mortality trends associated with CKD due to T1DM over the past three decades (1990-2021). We examined data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study over a period of three decades (1990-2021) to evaluate the trends in DALYs and mortality rates associated with CKD due to T1DM among adults aged 55 and older. The data were stratified by region and income level, utilizing the Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Changes in DALYs and deaths were assessed using the Annual Percentage Change (APC) and Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Over the study period, CKD due to T1DM accounted for a total of 1.82 million deaths and 52.13 million DALYs across all regions. In 1990, the highest burden of DALYs was observed in the Middle SDI region, followed by East Asia and Low-Middle SDI regions. Notably, these regions also recorded the highest number of deaths in the same year. By 2021, the Middle SDI region continued to have the highest numbers of DALYs and deaths, followed by the Low-Middle SDI region and East Asia. In 2021, the highest DALY rates per 100,000 were observed in Oceania, which replaced Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa as the region with the highest rates in 1990. Oceania was followed by Andean Latin America and Central Latin America. Similarly, the highest mortality rates in 2021 were recorded in the same regions. In 2021, the lowest DALY and mortality rates were observed in Australasia, Western Europe, Central Europe, and Central Asia, reflecting a comparatively lower burden of CKD due to T1DM in these regions. Based on the AAPC analysis, the highest DALYs were recorded in High-Income North America (AAPC: 3.23; 95% CI: 3.15-3.31; p &amp;lt; 0.000001), followed by Central Latin America (AAPC: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.82-2.32; p &amp;lt; 0.000001) and Central Asia (AAPC: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.90-2.24, p &amp;lt; 0.000001). Similarly, the highest mortality rates were observed in High-Income North America (AAPC: 3.79; 95% CI: 3.69-3.88; p &amp;lt; 0.000001), followed by Central Asia (AAPC: 2.81; 95% CI: 2.57-3.04; p &amp;lt; 0.000001) and Central Latin America (AAPC: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.82-2.21; p &amp;lt; 0.000001). Over the study period, CKD due to T1DM demonstrated a significant and growing burden, with notable regional variations in DALYs and mortality. Our analysis highlights the alarming rise in high-income and middle-income regions, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address this escalating global health challenge. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses an escalating public health challenge among adolescents and young adults worldwide. Despite the rising incidence, comprehensive data on the burden and trends of T2DM in this demographic remain scarce. This study aims to evaluate the burden of T2DM among individuals aged 10–24 years globally, regionally, and nationally from 1990 to 2021.MethodsUtilizing data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, we assessed incidence rates, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) for T2DM in the specified age group. Analyses accounted for variations by age, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression analysis identified years of significant trend shifts.ResultsThe global incidence of T2DM among adolescents and young adults rose from 56.02 per 100,000 (95% UI 43.03–72.32) in 1990 to 123.86 per 100,000 (95% UI 100.43–149.79) in 2021, reflecting an AAPC of 3.01 (95% CI 2.78–3.23). Notable increases were recorded in 1995, 2002, and 2009, with joinpoints indicating significant trend stabilization post-2010 for prevalence and DALYs. The largest relative incidence increase was observed in the 15–19 age group [AAPC 2.97 (95% CI 2.71–3.24)]. Although T2DM mortality was 2.4 times higher in the 15–19 age group compared to the 20–24 age group, the latter exhibited a significantly higher overall mortality rate. Regionally, Oceania recorded the highest incidence rates in 2021, while North Africa and the Middle East showed the greatest AAPCs. High-SDI countries experienced the most substantial increase in T2DM burden, with males comprising 54.8% of cases.ConclusionsFrom 1990 to 2021, the global burden of T2DM among adolescents and young adults has markedly increased, underscoring the necessity for targeted, region-specific interventions to address this issue. The observed demographic disparities in mortality rates necessitate the implementation of age-specific strategies. Furthermore, the emergent trends in T2DM indicators warrant urgent attention to mitigate the rising burden in this vulnerable population.Graphical abstract

BackgroundLaryngeal cancer (LC), as a common head and neck tumor, significantly impacts the quality of life. Utilizing data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we sought to delve deeply into the global LC burden experienced by individuals aged 55 and older from 1990 to 2021 at the global, regional, and national levels. This research encompassed three key indicators: incidence rate, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).MethodsBased on the GBD 2021 database, we selected data from 204 countries and regions covering the period from 1990 to 2021 for individuals aged 55 and above. We analyzed LC’s performance in terms of incidence, mortality, and DALYs, calculating the age-standardized rates and the mean average annual percent change (AAPC) at global, regional, and national levels. In our analysis of global trends, we carefully considered multiple variables including age, sex, and the socio-demographic index (SDI). Furthermore, we assessed potential risk factors for LC-associated DALYs and made prospective predictions for the possible scenario by 2035.ResultsGlobally, the age-standardized DALY rate of LC among adults aged 55 years and older has undergone significant changes. Specifically, this rate dropped sharply from 245.89 cases per 100,000 people in 1990 to 153.76 cases per 100,000 people in 2021, with an AAPC showing a decreasing trend of -2.916. Simultaneously, the age-standardized incidence rate and mortality rate also exhibited a similar downward trend. From a regional perspective, South Asia ranked highest in relevant indicators in 2021, reporting a death toll of 29,258.96, confirmed cases of 34,234.23, and DALYs related to LC reaching 709,622.00. In contrast, the figures in Oceania were the lowest, with only 26.23 deaths, 29.53 incident cases, and 609.09 DALYs. When divided according to the quintiles of the SDI, in 2021, the medium-high SDI led in incidence rates, while the low SDI ranked last. However, in terms of mortality and DALY rates, medium-low SDI topped the list, with high SDI being the lowest. In terms of gender differences, in 2021, the age-standardized DALY rate of LC in males was approximately 7.13 times that of females, with the former reaching 282.12 cases per 100,000 people and the latter only 39.59 cases per 100,000 people. Among all age groups, a notable decrease was observed in the age-specific incidence rate and DALY for adults aged 60–64 years, with AAPC values of -0.123 (95% CI: -0.130 to -0.116) and − 3.553 (95% CI: -3.620 to -3.486), respectively. Similarly, the mortality rate for adults aged 65–69 years also showed a significant decline, with an AAPC of -0.123 (95% CI: -0.127 to -0.118). Additionally, tobacco has been revealed as the most important risk factor affecting the mortality and DALY of LC in adults aged 55 years and older. Looking ahead, it is predicted that by 2035, the incidence rate, mortality rate, and DALY rate of LC among people over 55 years old will continue to decline.ConclusionsDespite the current data and future predictions indicating a decline in the global age-standardized incidence rate, the absolute number of estimates continues to increase. Therefore, we advocate that cancer prevention strategies should place greater emphasis on vigorously addressing modifiable risk factors, particularly for the male population, which requires special attention and scientific intervention.

Global, regional, and national burdens of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years from 1990 to 2019: a trend analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

AimThe issue of breast cancer in young women (BCYW) has gained increasing attention over the past few decades. However, a notable gap exists in the literature concerning the comparison of the disease burden of BCYW with that of other age groups. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the disparities in global, regional, and national burden between BCYW and their middle-aged and elderly counterparts.MethodsThe breast cancer data in this study were collected from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 (GBD 2021). The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR), and the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) were employed to assess the disease burden of BCYW. The Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model was used to forecast disease burden from 2022 to 2030.ResultsThe AAPC of ASIR of BCYW from 1990 to 2021 was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.77 to 1.05), exceeding the global average (0.49, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.58) as well as both middle-aged (0.60, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.73) and elderly groups (0.30, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.39). The AAPC for ASMR of BCYW experienced a marginal increase of 0.02 (95%CI: -0.07 to 0.11) from 1990 to 2021, surpassing the rates observed in both the middle-aged group (-0.40, 95%CI: -0.47 to -0.32) and the elderly group (-0.50, 95%CI: -0.62 to -0.38). The ASIR in BCYW significantly increased in regions with low (AAPC = 1.87), low-middle (AAPC = 2.32), middle (AAPC = 1.84), and high-middle SDI (AAPC = 0.98), while it remained unchanged in regions with high SDI (AAPC = -0.02). This trend was also observed among middle-aged and older groups. The ASMR in BCYW significantly increased in regions with low (AAPC = 1.01) and low-middle SDI (AAPC = 1.25), but remained unchanged in regions with middle SDI (AAPC = 0.02), while it decreased in regions with high-middle (AAPC = -1.10) and high SDI (AAPC = -1.60). Among the middle-aged and elderly populations, there was an increase in ASMR rates observed in regions with low, low-middle, and middle SDI groups (all AAPC > 0), whereas a decrease was noted in the regions with high-middle and high SDI (all AAPC < 0). The BAPC predicts a consistent annual increase in ASIR, ASMR, ASPR, and ASDR of BCYW globally and in China from 2022 to 2030. Notably, China has higher ASIR and ASPR rates compared to the global average, while its ASMR and ASDR rates are lower.ConclusionThe burden of BCYW was particularly significant in regions with low-SDI, low-middle SDI, and middle SDI. Despite the progress made, China still faces considerable challenges in effectively addressing this issue. The prevention and control of BCYW must remain a priority. Different countries and regions should develop personalized, targeted intervention strategies for this population and establish public health policies tailored to the specific needs of each region.

Epilepsy among older populations has emerged as a growing global health concern in recent decades. However, comprehensive analyses of epilepsy burden among older adults are limited. This study aimed to assess the global burden of idiopathic epilepsy in the population aged 60 and above from 1990 to 2021 and project trends through 2035. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021, we analyzed epilepsy-related metrics including incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across 204 countries and territories, stratified by age, sex, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Data analysis encompassed relative change calculations, as well as average annual percentage change (AAPC). Additionally, we performed a decomposition analysis to determine the contributions of population growth, aging, and epidemiological changes, and used Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) modeling to project future burden through 2035. From 1990 to 2021, the global burden of idiopathic epilepsy in older adults increased substantially, with rises in age-standardized incidence (26.64%), prevalence (20.01%), mortality (4.45%), and DALYs (0.32%). Males consistently showed higher burden across metrics. Regional analysis revealed significant disparities, with Western Europe reporting the highest age-standardized incidence rate and Andean Latin America the highest prevalence rate in 2021. Higher SDI regions demonstrated better outcomes in mortality and DALYs, though showing unique increases in age-standardized rates. Population growth emerged as the primary driver of increased burden across regions. Projections through 2035 indicate continuing increases in incidence (AAPC: 1.64%) and prevalence (AAPC: 1.34%) rates, while mortality (AAPC: -1.29%) and DALY (AAPC: -0.12%) rates are expected to decline. The global burden of idiopathic epilepsy in older adults has increased significantly, with notable disparities across regions and socioeconomic levels.While projected declines in mortality and DALY rates suggest improving healthcare outcomes, rising incidence and prevalence rates highlight the need for enhanced prevention strategies and specialized geriatric epilepsy care, particularly in resource-limited settings.

BackgroundLeishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus; it is transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies. Clinically, it manifests in three primary forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Among these, VL represents the most severe form, characterized by high morbidity and mortality, and poses a considerable public health burden, particularly in endemic regions. This study utilizes data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021 to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the global epidemiological trends and burden of VL from 1990 to 2021, aiming to generate evidence-based insights to inform prevention and control strategies.MethodsUsing GBD 2021 data, this study examined trends in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of VL across 204 countries and territories, stratified by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) levels. Average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated to describe trends in age-standardized rates and indicator counts from 1990 to 2021.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, the global age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR; AAPC = −0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.25, −0.24), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR; AAPC = −0.06, 95% CI −0.06, −0.05), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR; AAPC = −0.03, 95% CI −0.04, −0.02), and DALY rate (AAPC = −2.38, 95% CI −2.44, −2.33) for VL all showed a declining trend. The ASMR was highest among children under 5 years old and decreased progressively with age. VL remains a critical and under-recognized tropical disease in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.ConclusionsVL disproportionately affects males and presents the highest risk in children under 5 years. Enhanced global collaboration in infectious disease control, with a focus on regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, is essential to further reduce the burden of VL.Graphical abstract