KARACHI: Every year between 2000 to 5000 Pakistanis die of rabies infection caused by the bite of a rabid animal, usually dogs whereas, globally about 700,000 people are infected with Leishmaniasis, a skin disease, leading to 20,000 to 30,000 deaths per year. Pakistan’s top research institution, Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) of ICCBS – University of Karachi hosted the leading science conference in association with Iranian renowned Mustafa (PBUH) Science and Technology Foundation (MSTF). “They are called neglected because they persist exclusively in the poorest, and the most marginalized communities of the world,” he explained. Talking about Leishmaniasis, he said that this skin disease caused by different species of intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. “Most rabies deaths are not reported, while most cases are taken to shrines or faith-healers,” she regretted and added that there were no policies on stray dog control in the country.

Source: Pakistan Today February 28, 2019 12:31 UTC