Lima, Perú (OPS/OMS) 30 January 2025 - Cases of at least ten neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have been identified in Peru, mainly affecting populations with limited access to drinking water, sanitation, and health services. These diseases not only impact physical health but are also associated with social stigma, exacerbating their burden in the most vulnerable communities.
The problem of NTDs is shared with other countries in the Region of the Americas where PAHO/WHO collaborates in prevention and control actions through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to vector control and the mitigation of other risk factors. The objective is to reduce the negative impact on health, social welfare, and economic development.
As part of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025, with the theme of "Involving communities: A hands-on approach to neglected diseases", we highlight the progress achieved in Peru thanks to joint work between the Peruvian government, PAHO, health professionals, and communities. A joint interdisciplinary approach to diseases such as leishmaniasis, trachoma, rabies, and leprosy sheds light on the situation of people affected by these diseases and the timely care they need.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease that occurs mainly in poor rural areas and that impacts the quality of life of those affected by the wounds and scars it causes. In recent years, PAHO has intensified technical collaboration with the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the regional health directorates to tackle this disease.
In 2024, the capacities of 77 health professionals in Cajamarca, Madre de Dios, Cusco, and Piura were strengthened to update and adopt treatments for cases of uncomplicated cutaneous leishmaniasis at the local level. In addition, thermotherapy machines donated by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), as well as digital calipers, have allowed more precise measurement of lesions.
Likewise, and thanks to a donation from PAHO, 40 light traps were distributed in seven priority regions (Cusco, Ancash, Madre de Dios, Cajamarca, La Libertad, Lima, and Piura) as part of a training plan on the theory and practice of surveillance and control of the mosquito that transmits leishmaniasis (Lutzomyia spp). Sixty health workers participated in the correct installation and handling of these traps. See more.
Trachoma
Ocular trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. In the Americas it is endemic in rural and remote areas of Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru. Within the framework of the project for improving the health of communities, women, and children through the elimination of trachoma in the Americas, funded by the Government of Canada, progress is being made in strengthening capacities for the prevention, detection, and timely treatment of the disease in targeted areas of the Loreto region in Peru.
As part of the activities, technical cooperation is initially focused on the implementation of the SAFE strategy by health personnel working in the city of Iquitos and in affected communities in Putumayo and Ramón Castilla. The objective is to disseminate recommendations for a comprehensive approach to the health determinants associated with this disease. See more.
At the same time, health facilitators were trained in knowledge dialogues for the construction of intercultural health related to the prevention and control of trachoma in Iquitos, Ramón Castilla, and Requena. These actions were carried out jointly by PAHO, the National Center for Social and Intercultural Health Research (CENSI) and GERESA Loreto. See more.
Rabies
To tackle this deadly zoonotic disease, which is transmitted through the bite of infected animals, PAHO has placed special emphasis on Peru and Bolivia, where the disease persists due to social, cultural, and economic factors. As part of a Country Cooperation for Health Development (CCHD) agreement, joint work will be carried out in 2024 and 2025 with authorities, managers, and technicians of the rabies programs in both countries. In Peru, activities will focus on the regions of Arequipa, Cusco, and Puno.
Prioritized activities focus on strengthening rabies prevention and control, and ensuring timely and adequate care for exposed persons, with the ultimate goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies. This will be achieved through mass vaccination campaigns in the canine population, evaluation of epidemiological surveillance capacities, and training on rabies prophylaxis.
Peru has also made significant progress in strengthening laboratory capacities to rule out rabies, thus improving epidemiological surveillance of the disease both within the country and in other countries of the Region.
Leprosy
Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is one of mankind's oldest afflictions, carrying a stigma since ancient times. Sufferers continue to face discrimination today, even in their own family settings. A lack of information about and understanding of the disease among health personnel and the population delays diagnosis, leading to sequelae and disability in those who suffer from it.
In the Region of the Americas alone, 21 398 cases of leprosy were reported in 2022, with Brazil accounting for 92% of cases. This infectious disease mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Symptoms appear nine months after infection and in some cases after 20 years, hindering early detection and proper management.
Within the framework of technical cooperation, key needs were identified for the care of people affected by leprosy in Peru. MINSA worked together with the Ministry of Health to strengthen the capacity of health personnel in Cajamarca, Amazonas, San Martin, and La Libertad to improve assessment and early diagnosis processes for patients, former patients, and household members. The aim was to detect cases in a timely manner and provide early care to those suffering from the disease, while also identifying and providing care to people with sequelae or some degree of disability.
However, important challenges remain, such as the need to improve clinical diagnosis and strengthen epidemiological surveillance of leprosy in Peru. It is essential that additional efforts be made to ensure more effective detection, promote access to treatment, and reduce the social and physical impact of this stigmatizing disease.
Access to medicines
PNeglected diseases tend to appear with relatively few cases in specific areas, so that affected individuals face great difficulties in accessing appropriate medicines, which are not always available. PAHO/WHO, through MINSA, helps the Peruvian government ensure the provision of medicines for these diseases in the country.
Each year, hard work is done to ensure that treatments are provided free of charge for diseases such as fascioliasis, taeniasis/cysticercosis, geohelminthiasis, leprosy, and Chagas disease through coordinated deliveries based on reports and forecasts produced by the country.
Although these drugs are inexpensive, access to them is complicated due to limited international production. The medicines are supplied by producers who have had agreements with WHO for decades. Thanks to these efforts, donated treatments are distributed free of charge to those who need them.
In the case of leprosy, for example, Peru reported 26 new adult cases in 2023 and projected treatment needs for six pediatric cases. Based on these estimates, the total requirement for 2024 amounted to 659 blister packs of multibacillary drugs for adults and 28 blister packs for children, consisting of clofazimine, dapsone, and rifampicin.
These actions reflect PAHO/WHO's commitment to ensuring access to essential treatments for neglected diseases, helping to improve the quality of life of patients and supporting the health system's efforts to eliminate barriers in the management of these conditions.
