WHO Support to Leishmaniasis control in Pakistan

Islamabad :WHO advocates an integrated approach to control Cutaneous Leishmaniasis which is a tropical disease of the skin and provides support to enhance the country’s capacity to diagnose, prevent, control and for its treatment. The less attention and awareness about it is causing other issues such as anxiety, depression, stigmatization to people who suffer from it.

WHO Country representative Pakistan, Dr Palitha Mahipala visited Peshawar to inaugurate a two days workshop on Management of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Special Secretary Health, Dr Farooq Jamil and Director General Health Services Dr Muhammad Niaz participated in the inauguration. Dr Mahipala mentioned in his speech that Leishmaniasis is a Global Public Health problem and EMRO is reporting more than 70% of the global burden and Pakistan is one of the countries reporting the highest burden. The WR also pointed out that provision of diagnostic and treatment services to the affected is right of every person. Lastly, Dr Mahipala handed over 10,000 vials of Glucantime injections and Cryotherapy equipment to the Director General Health Services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.