KHYBER: Health authorities arranged awareness sessions in different localities of Landi Kotal after a sudden rise in the number of leishmaniasis patients during the last few weeks.

Doctors in district headquarters hospital in Landi Kotal said that 360 persons, mostly children, fell victims to leishmaniasis, which was caused by the bite of sand fly, found in abundance in the houses with poor hygienic conditions.

They said that most cases of leishmaniasis were reported from Peerokhel, Meerdadkhel, Khugakhel, Zakhakhel and parts of Loe Shalman. They said that patients admitted to the hospital were provided with medical treatment while parents were strictly advised to observe cleanliness at their homes to eradicate the sand fly. A team of doctors visited the hospital and held a number of awareness sessions in the affected areas. They also distributed pamphlets among the locals about preventive measures against leishmaniasis. They urged people to follow preventive measures.

It was also decided that a team of health workers would be sent to the remote localities of Loe Shalman to provide treatment facilities to the affected people and also hold awareness sessions there on priority basis.

Meanwhile, the Khyber district administration constituted a number of teams, comprising health workers and staff members of tehsil municipal authorities in Jamrud, Bara and Landi Kotal to keep a strict vigil on the spread of dengue.

The decision was made at a meeting held at Khyber House with Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir in the chair. Officials of district administration and focal person for dengue control Dr Khalid Dawar and entomologist Dr Haroon Afridi were also present on the occasion.

The deputy commissioner asked the participants of the meeting to increase surveillance of the three tehsils and hold regular awareness sessions to educate locals about the eradication of dengue virus.

He also stressed the need for regular visits to schools, mosques, bazaars and other places of social gatherings along with strict monitoring of the private houses for timely destruction and eradication of dengue larva.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2023