Online Desk: Bangladesh has been recognized as the first country in the world to successfully eliminate black fever also known as Kala-Azar.

Visceral leishmaniasis or black fever is fatal if left untreated in over 95 per cent of cases. It is mostly found in Brazil, east Africa and India, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque received a certificate on Tuesday from the WHO in its 76th South Asia Regional Conference being held in Delhi, India, according to a statement of the ministry.

The 4-day regional conference began on Monday.

WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh handed over the certificate to the health minister. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was also present during the session.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque termed the recognition as a historic achievement in the country’s health sector.

He mentioned that Bangladesh had earlier received recognition for its successful efforts in eliminating filaria and polio.

“This has been a nationally acclaimed achievement as Bangladesh has become the first country in the world to eradicate black fever. We are all proud of this achievement, including the health sector of the country,” said the minister.

The Health Minister highlighted the success of Bangladesh’s healthcare sector, focusing on progress made in primary healthcare.

Health Ministers and senior officials from 11 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, East Timor, and North Korea participated at the conference.

Health and Family Welfare Minister of India Dr Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the inaugural session of the conference.