Symposium: New treatments for leishmaniasis discussed

PESHAWAR: A one-day symposium on cutaneous leishmaniasis brought together leading health experts for an in-depth discussion on combating this painful and disfiguring skin disease, which has been on the rise in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent years.

Titled “Leishmaniasis: Challenges and Opportunities in Treatment, Diagnosis and Management”, the event was organized by the Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine at Khyber Medical University (KMU) to highlight urgent strategies for prevention, treatment, and public awareness.

The Alexander Fleming Hall of KMU welcomed students, public health practitioners, and media professionals during the symposium.

Experts who shared their views included Dr. Khalid Rehman (Public Health Department, KMU), Dr. Aakifullah Khan (Director, IRNUM - Photodynamic Therapy), Dr. Adnan Amin (Professor, Gomal University, D.I. Khan), Dr. Qaisar Jamal (Professor, Zoology Department, University of Peshawar), Dr. Yaser Mehmood (Director, IPDM, KMU), Dr. Gulab Fatima, Taj Ali Khan (Immunology, KMU), Ms. Bibi Zainab (Clinical Psychologist, Special Education), and Dr. Salauddin (Entomologist, Vector Control Programme, KP).

Participants agreed to launch cutting-edge, research-based clinical trials at the IRNUM hospital for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis using Photodynamic Therapy. This emerging treatment utilizes a photosensitizing agent and light to selectively destroy diseased cells while sparing healthy tissue.

In addition to Photodynamic Therapy, a clinical trial will be conducted on Leish-Nat Z, an indigenous herbal formulation developed by Dr. Adnan Amin (Gomal University) and Dr. Momin Khan (Associate Professor of Microbiology, KMU). Dr. Aakifullah Khan informed participants about promising results in treating several patients at IRNUM using Photodynamic Therapy.

Dr. Momin presented trial data on Leish-Nat Z, a compound developed after five years of research, comprising herbal ingredients such as Allium Sativum, Pistacia Vera Oil, Cinnamomum Verum, Syzygium Aromaticum (Clove), Nigella Sativa, and Azadirachta Indica (Neem Tree).

Dr. Qaisar Jamal emphasized the need to focus on prevention and vector control by using insecticide sprays and innovative techniques like toxic sugar bait, which have shown success internationally. He noted that over 90 sand fly species are known vectors of Leishmania parasites. He further explained that sand fly larvae, which feed on feces, can be targeted during their growth stage through insecticide-treated bait.

Salauddin Marwat of the Vector Control Programme shared that the majority of CL cases in Pakistan are reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. So far in 2025, 8,475 cases have been reported in the province, compared to 59,053 cases in 2023.

He said that UNICEF had recently provided 75,000 doses of Glucantine injections, which have been distributed across various healthcare facilities in the province.

“The Vector Control Department has submitted a summary for the purchase of machinery for treating CL using Cryotherapy (application of extreme cold) or Thermotherapy (heat-based treatment),” Salauddin added. However, the summary has yet to be approved, causing delays in equipment procurement.

Ms. Bibi Zainab, a clinical psychologist, highlighted the psychological impact of disfigurement caused by the disease, especially when it affects exposed parts of the body. “In addition to dermatological treatment, the government should also prioritize the emotional well-being of patients by arranging psychological counseling,” she urged.