Nets donated to address rising rates of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Syria

MENTOR recently donated 2,728 long-lasting insecticidal nets to the Idleb Health Directorate, Syria to address the sharp increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis. Monthly reported cases have risen from around 2,500 to more than 5,000 in recent months.

Southern Idleb remains among the most affected areas, particularly Ma’aret Al-Numan and Khan Shaykhun, where 2,628 new cases were recorded in April alone.

Communities in these locations continue to face high exposure to sandflies due to seasonal increases in vector activity, overcrowded living conditions, and limited vector control, including the absence of Indoor Residual Spraying in several high-risk areas.

The nets will help strengthen prevention efforts against leishmaniasis and other vector-borne diseases by reducing exposure to sandflies and supporting communities in these settings. The distribution aims to reach around 900 households and over 5,000 people across the south of the region.

Adham Al Naser (pictured on right), Assistant Prevention Coordinator, said: “Through this support, MENTOR continues working alongside health authorities and communities to reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases and improve protection measures for families living in vulnerable and underserved areas.”