255 Leishmania cases reported in Lower South Waziristan

PESHAWAR: Health officials have reported a rise in Leishmania infections in parts of Lower South Waziristan, with 255 cases recorded so far in 2026 in the district, according to the district health officer.

The increase has been noted in the Azam Warsak and Shahin Panga areas of Barmal Tehsil, where residents and health authorities have expressed concern over the spread of the disease. Local residents said the infection was spreading quickly in rural localities and that many of those affected were children.

Residents said the growing number of cases had created anxiety among families, particularly parents worried that the disease could spread further if preventive steps were not taken without delay.

Local elders and tribal leaders said the situation was being aggravated by limited health facilities and difficulties in obtaining treatment on time. They said many affected families were facing problems in reaching hospitals, which was causing delays in diagnosis and care.

They urged the government and relevant authorities to respond immediately and improve healthcare services in the affected areas.

Health department response

District Health Officer Dr Adnan confirmed that 255 Leishmania cases had been reported during 2026. He said the health department was monitoring the situation closely and was providing treatment facilities in the affected localities.

Dr Adnan said injections used in the treatment of Leishmania, including Glucantime, were available at the DHO office and at the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana. He said measures were being taken to ensure that patients received treatment in time.

He also underlined the need for awareness campaigns in the affected areas so that residents could adopt preventive measures and help limit the spread of the disease.

Residents seek urgent intervention

Residents have called on the provincial government to take immediate and effective steps to control the increasing number of infections. They warned that if action was delayed, the disease could spread further and become more difficult to contain.

They also demanded the deployment of mobile medical teams in the affected areas, spray campaigns to eliminate sandflies, and broader improvements in medical facilities.

According to local residents, immediate intervention is necessary to protect public health and reduce further suffering in the area.

The reported rise in cases has drawn attention to healthcare access in remote parts of Lower South Waziristan, where residents say timely diagnosis and treatment remain difficult for many families.