Ebrahim, a lively 5-year-old boy from the Salah Aldeen neighbourhood in Aleppo governorate, Syria, had always been full of energy and smiles. But when a painful bump appeared on his nose due to a leishmaniasis infection, everything changed. His red, swollen nose began to draw unwanted attention and teasing from other children. Embarrassed and ashamed, Ebrahim avoided playing with his friends and often missed nursery school.

Ebrahim’s father, Mohammad, a photographer, initially didn’t realize the severity of the issue. “I work late nights and sleep during the day, so I didn’t understand how much this was affecting Ebrahim until my wife told me that he had stopped going out to play because he was ashamed of his nose,” Mohammad admitted.

Determined to help his son, Mohammad took Ebrahim to the Salah Aldeen health centre, which housed a leishmaniasis treatment clinic supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). There, Ebrahim began a 4-month free treatment programme in March 2024. As the bump on his nose faded, his confidence returned. Soon, he was smiling again, back in kindergarten and playing with his friends.