Climate Change Adaptation and Public Health Risk Reduction: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in M’sila, Algeria

This CARP project investigates the relationship between climate change and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the highly endemic areas of M’sila Province, Algeria. It aims to prevent disease outbreaks, establish early warning systems, and facilitate climate change adaptation strategies. The research will analyze the vulnerability of the local population, study disease transmission cycles, assess socio-economic and public health impacts, and identify seasonal patterns and environmental factors influencing disease outbreaks.

Study Site:

M’sila Province, located in the highlands of Algeria.

Main Research Questions:

1. What is the epidemiological profile of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Algeria, particularly in emerging foci in the High Plateaus provinces?

2. How does the disease transmission cycle operate in endemic areas, and what factors influence transmission intensity and dynamics?

3. What are the socio-economic and public health impacts of cutaneous leishmaniasis, and how can these impacts be mitigated?

4. What are the seasonal patterns and environmental factors contributing to disease outbreaks, and how can this knowledge inform preventive measures?

Research Team:

- Zoubir Harrat (Principal Investigator) - Professor and Director of Research, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene

- Djillali Benouar - Professor and Director of Research, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene

- Rafik Garni - Senior Researcher, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene

- Kamal Eddine Benallal - Senior Researcher, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene

- Kamel Cherif - Professor and Senior Researcher, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene

- Said Benyamina - Professor and Senior Researcher, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene

- Ikram Benhassine - Junior Researcher, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene

- Two Master students - Preparing their dissertations