Improving the mental health and quality of life of patients with leprosy and Buruli ulcer \r
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The German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association and the University of Lomé, Togo, are working together to assess the mental health distress of people affected by leprosy or Buruli ulcer disease. They are analysing how a holistic, community-based care approach will impact the mental health of these people, particularly in respect of depression and anxiety disorders, and their quality of life.\r
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The activities are being supported by experts from the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH) and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, both in Germany.\r
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Background\r
Leprosy and Buruli ulcer disease are still widespread in several regions of Togo. The diseases are often associated with a high degree of stigmatisation and discrimination. In the long term, this has a negative impact on the mental health and quality of life of the people affected. However, there are far too few experts in mental health in Togo and the affected individuals do not receive support.\r
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Activities\r
•\tRecruitment and training of community members and health care staff on data collection and the implementation of the study \r
•\tSurvey of 200 study participants with leprosy and Buruli ulcer disease with regard to possible depression and anxiety disorders as well as their quality of life\r
•\tPreparation of informational material for mental support at community level and a curriculum for the psychosocial support of self-help groups\r
•\tEstablishment of six self-help groups with psychosocial support services\r
•\tEstablishment of a high-quality outpatient mental health service for the target group, including a referral system in the event of mental health crises and a telemedicine service \r
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Impact \r
The study will provide data on the mental health and quality of life of people affected by leprosy and Buruli ulcer disease in six regions of Togo. Activities aimed at improving their mental health through community-based support services should lead to a 30 per cent reduction in the share of these people suffering from depression and other conditions. \r