Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a painful disease that exerts a serious toll on societies around the world that are afflicted by it. Although not life-threatening, the skin ulcers and scars it causes can lead to isolation and psychosocial pathologies due to social stigma, and its occurrence is often associated with regional conflicts.
On 7 December 2020, a Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Meeting was held bringing together basic researchers, clinical researchers, and drug discovery experts involved in research and development related to cutaneous leishmaniasis under the auspices of the Joint Usage/Research Center on Tropical Disease, Institute of Tropical Medicine.
On 5 March 2021, the Graduate School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health and the Institute of Tropical Medicine co-hosted a webinar with cutaneous leishmaniasis specialists to discuss the impact of the disease on vulnerable/displaced populations and mental health, and examine knowledge gaps to facilitate the research efforts for new treatments, diagnostics, and vaccines. The event received support from DNDi and Médecins Sans Frontières.
In the webinar, international experts shared the latest information regarding the impact of cutaneous leishmaniasis on maternal and child health, mental health, humanitarian aid in conflict situations, as well as research and development into badly needed new treatments and vaccines. We hope this information will act as a valuable source of information on recent developments in cutaneous leishmaniasis within the field of global health.
Moderators:
- Dr Clara van Gulik, Médecins Sans Frontières
- Fumiko Hirabayashi, DNDi Japan Board of Directors and School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University
Speakers:
- Dr Koert Ritmeijer, Médecins Sans Frontières
- Prof. Lisa Dikomitis, Keele University
- Dr Helen Price, Keele University
- Dr Issam Bennis, Fez Regional Directorate of Ministry of Health
- Dr Byron Arana, Head of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, DNDi
- Dr Yasuyuki Goto, The University of Tokyo
