Poor sanitary conditions lead to increase in skin disease in
SyriaListen / There has been an increase in cases of
leishmaniasis in Syria, according to Dr. Glen Thomas of the
World Health Organization, (WHO). Leishmaniasis is a disease
transmitted by the bite of the sand fly and characterized by
skin sores. Dr. Thomas says the disease is spreading because of
poor waste and hygiene management caused by the continuing
conflict in the country. The form of the disease which affects
the skin is not life-threatening and not a priority disease,
says the doctor, but it is a concern. The symptoms are sores and
scars on the body and they come into effect a couple of weeks
after the sand flies have transmitted the disease. And we are
now helping and trying to get deliveries of treatments to the
affected areas. But obviously because of the situation, it is
very difficult. Dr. Thomas says the Aleppo area is where the
increase in leishmaniasis has been seen. Gerry Adams, United
Nations