Leishmaniasis in the Colombian post-conflict era: a descriptive study from 2004 to 2019

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: José Alejandro Iza Rodríguez, Shirley Natali Iza Rodríguez, Mario Javier Olivera
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2021
• Subjects: Leishmaniasis; Peace; Conflict; Epidemiology; Colombia; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic; Downfall
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0612-2020; https://doaj.org/article/384dde0af0724d5faa361da8e5b160e2

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is strongly associated with armed conflict. We describe the epidemiology of leishmaniasis before and after the peace agreement in Colombia. METHODS: Data for 2004-2019 period were collected from the National Public Health Surveillance System. The annual incidence per geographical department before and after the peace agreement was calculated and correlated with armed conflict severity. RESULTS: The annual incidence of leishmaniasis registered a downfall with an annual percentage change of 17.7% after the peace treaty. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in hostilities has a positive impact on the leishmaniasis incidence, which may be the case for other public health issues.