Table 3 Research questions to address knowledge gaps in VL transmission to optimise control strategies and ensure sustained elimination

• What are the spatial and temporal patterns of VL transmission, and how spatially heterogeneous are they?

• Are VL cases a good indicator for infection prevalence?

• How big is the pool of asymptomatics and how much do they contribute to transmission?

• What is the optimal response strategy to new cases, e.g. in what radius around new cases should vector control be performed and for how long?

• What is the right surveillance strategy to ensure sustained elimination? What markers should be used and which age groups should be tested?