Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a life-threatening parasitic disease, which mainly occurs on the Indian subcontinent, in East Africa and in South America. VL is especially severe and associated with high mortality in individuals infected with HIV. So far, clinical research has mainly tried to improve treatment response. In Ethiopia, our researchers are now testing a novel approach, namely, attempting to tackle the infection before it progresses. Based on clinical and laboratory information, they will develop clinical tools that can predict who is at high risk of developing VL disease. Ultimately, this could lead to a ‘screen and treat’ strategy, whereby HIV individuals living in VL-endemic regions would be regularly screened, and treated if at high VL risk.