Health officials in Syria reported an increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis cases across several governorates during the first months of 2026, with approximately 25,000 recorded cases, representing a 95% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
The incidence of leishmaniasis rose notably in the governorates of Idlib, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Hama, and Aleppo. Idlib recorded the largest increase in cases during the first months of 2026, with a 545% rise, followed by Raqqa at 395% and Deir ez-Zor at 248%.
The Syrian Ministry of Health attributed the rise in cases to the return of displaced residents to war-torn areas lacking water and sanitation services—conditions that foster the breeding of sandflies. Experts warned that the upcoming summer sandfly season could further exacerbate transmission.
Other contributing factors include weakened health infrastructure, limited access to affected areas, a shortage of trained health personnel, and difficulties in implementing effective vector control measures.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis explosion: An interview with Dr Peter Hotez
In response to the increase in leishmaniasis cases, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with humanitarian and local partners, implemented a comprehensive package of interventions, including case management and treatment; the deployment of mobile medical units; the strengthening of epidemiological surveillance systems; community awareness campaigns; house-to-house insecticide spraying; field monitoring; environmental sanitation activities, such as debris and waste removal; and the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets in high-risk areas to reduce disease transmission and protect vulnerable populations.