Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is a severe, systemic disease caused by the Leishmania donovani complex, transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. It primarily affects poor and neglected populations in East Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial for VL control. Current treatments include miltefosine, paromomycin, and liposomal amphotericin B, which are gradually replacing older drugs like pentavalent antimonials. However, these new drugs are still being evaluated in some regions. New diagnostic tools and treatment strategies must be widely available to patients to have an impact. VL is characterized by fever, weight loss, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. It has two main forms: zoonotic, transmitted from animals to humans, and anthroponotic, transmitted from human to human. PKDL, a complication of VL, is a skin rash that can occur after treatment and is highly infectious. VL is endemic in several countries, with the majority of cases occurring in six countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, and Sudan. VL is a major public health problem, with over 500,000 new cases and more than 50,000 deaths annually. The disease is often underreported, and its burden is significant in low- and middle-income countries. VL affects poor communities, especially in remote rural areas. The disease is associated with high direct and indirect costs, leading to increased poverty. The control of VL requires a combination of reservoir and vector control, insecticide-impregnated materials, and active case detection and treatment. The use of insecticide-treated bednets and other materials can help prevent VL and other vector-borne diseases. Diagnosis of VL is challenging due to the lack of specificity in clinical presentation. Confirmatory tests are needed, and they should be highly sensitive and specific. Current diagnostic tests include parasitic detection, non-leishmanial tests, and antibody-detection tests. The rK39 immunochromatographic test is a rapid and effective diagnostic tool for VL. Treatment of VL requires specific anti-leishmanial drugs, and the choice of drug depends on the region and the patient's condition. Miltefosine is an effective oral drug, while conventional amphotericin B is used in some areas. However, these drugs have significant side effects and require careful management. Vaccines against VL are still in development, and research is needed to improve diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. The elimination of VL in the Indian subcontinent is a major goal, with strategies including early diagnosis, integrated vector management, and social mobilization. The development of new drugs and diagnostic tools is essential for the successful control and elimination of VL. The availability of these tools to all patients is crucial for effective control of the disease.Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is a severe, systemic disease caused by the Leishmania donovani complex, transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. It primarily affects poor and neglected populations in East Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial for VL control. Current treatments include miltefosine, paromomycin, and liposomal amphotericin B, which are gradually replacing older drugs like pentavalent antimonials. However, these new drugs are still being evaluated in some regions. New diagnostic tools and treatment strategies must be widely available to patients to have an impact. VL is characterized by fever, weight loss, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. It has two main forms: zoonotic, transmitted from animals to humans, and anthroponotic, transmitted from human to human. PKDL, a complication of VL, is a skin rash that can occur after treatment and is highly infectious. VL is endemic in several countries, with the majority of cases occurring in six countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, and Sudan. VL is a major public health problem, with over 500,000 new cases and more than 50,000 deaths annually. The disease is often underreported, and its burden is significant in low- and middle-income countries. VL affects poor communities, especially in remote rural areas. The disease is associated with high direct and indirect costs, leading to increased poverty. The control of VL requires a combination of reservoir and vector control, insecticide-impregnated materials, and active case detection and treatment. The use of insecticide-treated bednets and other materials can help prevent VL and other vector-borne diseases. Diagnosis of VL is challenging due to the lack of specificity in clinical presentation. Confirmatory tests are needed, and they should be highly sensitive and specific. Current diagnostic tests include parasitic detection, non-leishmanial tests, and antibody-detection tests. The rK39 immunochromatographic test is a rapid and effective diagnostic tool for VL. Treatment of VL requires specific anti-leishmanial drugs, and the choice of drug depends on the region and the patient's condition. Miltefosine is an effective oral drug, while conventional amphotericin B is used in some areas. However, these drugs have significant side effects and require careful management. Vaccines against VL are still in development, and research is needed to improve diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. The elimination of VL in the Indian subcontinent is a major goal, with strategies including early diagnosis, integrated vector management, and social mobilization. The development of new drugs and diagnostic tools is essential for the successful control and elimination of VL. The availability of these tools to all patients is crucial for effective control of the disease.