How Gender Shapes the Hidden Story of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Colombia
Reported Cases (2025)
Per 100,000 at Risk
Military Cases
General Population
In the humid, tropical regions of Colombia, a tiny sand fly—no bigger than a third of a mosquito—carries a parasite that leaves behind more than just physical scars.
Each year, thousands of Colombians develop skin lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a disease that has long been considered a male problem, primarily affecting soldiers, farmers, and others who work in forested areas.
But beneath the surface of official health statistics lies a more complex reality, one where gender roles, healthcare access, and biological differences intertwine to create strikingly different experiences of this disease for men and women.
Primarily affects men in outdoor occupations like military, farming, and mining
Women face equal exposure but different barriers to diagnosis and treatment
| Population Group | Number of Cases | Percentage of Total | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military Personnel | 587 | 20.2% | Men aged 18-44 (average 24.2 years) |
| Farmers | 528 | 18.2% | Mixed gender, occupational exposure |
| Miners | 145 | 5.0% | Occupational exposure in endemic areas |
| General Population | 1,643 | 56.6% | Includes women and children, often underdiagnosed |
Source: Adapted from Outbreak News Today (2025) 1
Groundbreaking research from PECET employed multi-faceted approaches including field epidemiological studies and delayed hypersensitivity skin tests 2 .
Unlike previous research relying on reported cases, this investigation actively sought infections in communities, providing more accurate prevalence data 2 .
Researchers discovered equal proportions of men and women with both active leishmaniasis and positive skin tests indicating prior contact with the parasite from early childhood 2 .
Transmission occurring closer to homes than previously assumed
Gender-linked differences in access rather than differential exposure
National statistics reflecting healthcare access patterns rather than true infection distribution
Emerging evidence suggests biological factors contribute to differential experiences of leishmaniasis 5 .
Biological differences interact with social and environmental factors, creating a complex web of determinants that shape:
A systematic review of qualitative studies revealed that psychosocial consequences of the disease are profoundly shaped by gender norms and expectations 9 .
Women experience heavier social penalties from lesions and scarring
Include screening of women and children in endemic areas
Address unconscious biases in diagnosis and reporting
Recognize transmission near homes
Address both biological and social dimensions
By recognizing that leishmaniasis is not just a biological phenomenon but a biosocial one, control programs can better serve all Colombians affected by this disease—regardless of gender.