Rural campaign to diagnose and treat mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Bolivia

Bull World Health Organ. 1995;73(3):339-45.

Abstract

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is endemic in the tropical Amazonian lowlands of Bolivia, an area that regularly receives influxes of migratory populations. In these new agricultural development areas, a campaign to diagnose and treat the disease was carried out between 1989 and 1992, in order to provide direct access to MCL treatment in the endemic areas at a standard equivalent to that offered in the urban centres in Bolivia. The campaign led to the creation of decentralized local centres for diagnosis and treatment of the disease. A campaign to inform the population about leishmaniasis was also undertaken and courses were run to educate medical and paramedical personnel. As a result of the campaign, 3285 cases of leishmaniasis were diagnosed, including 2152 cutaneous and 326 mucosal forms. Also, a total of 1888 cases were treated, 1677 of which cutaneous and 211, mucosal.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bolivia
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous / therapy*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Rural Health