UNDERSTANDING LEISHMANIASIS

Many parts of Africa Asia America and the Mediterranean region are home to leishmaniasis one of the most neglected tropical diseases in the world. Over time it has come to be known as the disease of the poor Torres-Guerrero et al. 2017. It is estimated that over 350 million people worldwide are at risk of developing the illness; approximately 12 million people are currently infected with 0.9 to 1.6 million new cases reported each year Pan African Health Organization. Even though it is a neglected tropical disease leishmaniasis has the highest morbidity and mortality rate among parasitic infections only exceeded by filariasis and malaria. Factors such as poverty stigma and the physical deformities associated with the disease have made it difficult to address the associated complexities which further complicate the disease burden as it is more difficult to diagnose control or treat Bern et al. 2008. Its neglect has also contributed to its lack of funding for study throughout the years. Therefore it has become important to emphasize the diseases seriousness as a significant health concern emphasizing how critical it is to give it top priority when it comes to funding research and medical interventions.