Assessment of the implementation of action plan against cutaneous leishmaniasis in Morocco: case of Essaouira focus

Résumé

Background & objective. Leishmaniases are a group of infectious diseases transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies, and their distribution depends on the presence of vectors, parasites, reservoirs and susceptible hosts in the same environment. Essaouira province is one of the active focus of Leishmania tropica cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Morocco, where these diseases present a major health problem. Moroccan Ministry of Health has launched a national Program for Surveillance and Control of Leishmaniasis (Programme national de lutte contre les leishmanioses PNLL), in order to diagnosing and treating human cases and controlling the transmission of the disease.

Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Essaouira province in order to describe the state of the implementation of 2013-2016 action plan of PNLL in this CL focus.

Results. The results highlight the lack and the instability of human resources in the study area which negatively affect the installation and the implementation of control actions. According to the program components, local staff is well involved in screening, diagnosing and treating human cases; while vector control actions are limited.

Conclusion. Our recommendations place greater emphasis on the specific training, information of the staff and the strengthening of vector control activities.