What makes the current situation more worrisome is that the only effective treatment for the disease, the glucantime injection, is in short supply in the international market. In view of the fact that Pakistan is one of the nine countries most affected by the disease, the WHO has strongly recommended, therefore, that we develop the ability to manufacture the injection ourselves, a need that must be met, if necessary, with international assistance.
Preventive measures are always, of course, the best way to deal with any disease. The glucantime injection shortage means that such measures have now assumed even more importance. All efforts to protect against cutaneous leishmaniasis must focus on preventing sand fly bites. For this purpose, when in high-risk areas, wear clothes that cover as much of the body as possible, use an insect repellent containing Diethyltoluamide (DEET) on any exposed skin and on the ends of your pants and sleeves, regularly spray indoor sleeping areas with insecticide, avoid the outdoors between dusk and dawn as this is when sand flies are most active, and use tightly woven bed nets tucked under your mattress.
Authorities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, must conduct awareness campaigns via the media emphasizing these preventive measures in order to effectively deal with the disease.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2020.
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