Gaps Analysis in Knowledge & Practices to Control Leishmaniasis

Disease burden of this neglected tropical disease (NTD) is rising and new foci are being evolving. Unavailability of vaccine to protect vulnerable communities, partially effective, scarce and costly treatment signifying alternates. There is no health education program, neither any effective vector control program to address this disease in the study area. The households; from where, the disease originating must have adequate knowledge on different aspects of the disease. Community training and education on Coetaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) prevention could have a critical role in controlling CL in endemic areas Cross sectional survey conducted to investigate the gaps in knowledge and practices about nature of disease, vector, reservoir and mode of transmission. Majority (>40%) of respondents have favorable socio-cultural environment for propagation of sand fly and transmission of coetaneous Leishmaniasis. Most of respondents (>70%) have inadequate awareness about disease. Considerable numbers of respondents (83%) had no knowledge about the vector, reservoir and preventive measures about the disease. Proper indigenous knowledge and practices at household could reduce disease burden.