Neglected Tropical Diseases in Lebanon

Area of Science:

• Tropical medicine
• Public health epidemiology
• Disease surveillance

Background:

• Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect 65 million in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• Lebanon faces NTD risks from endemic diseases, refugees, foreign labor, and its diaspora.
• The Syrian crisis significantly increased refugee populations in Lebanon, heightening disease transmission risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and distribution of NTDs in Lebanon.
• To identify factors contributing to the spread of NTDs in the country.
• To assess the impact of refugee and migrant populations on NTD epidemiology.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study analyzing Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (LMPH) data (2002-2020).
• Review of medical literature for NTDs in Lebanon and relevant endemic regions.
• Analysis of NTD prevalence in relation to age, gender, and geographical distribution.

Main Results:

• Mandatory reportable NTDs in Lebanon include leishmaniasis, leprosy, echinococcosis, schistosomiasis, and rabies.
• Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most prevalent NTD; Syrian refugees impacted leishmaniasis and rabies rates.
• Case reports of fasciolosis, ascaridiosis, and Dengue were also noted.

Conclusions:

• Limited information exists on NTDs in Lebanon, necessitating further research.
• Influx of refugees, foreign labor, and Lebanese diaspora increase the risk of new NTD introductions.
• Comprehensive data is crucial for assessing the NTD burden and developing mitigation strategies.