The partnership between the German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association (DAHW) and the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Tsévié in Togo aims to eliminate Buruli ulcer infections in the Maritime Region of Togo. The management of patients is to be improved through capacity building.
Background:
The Togolese region of Maritime is highly-endemic for the Buruli ulcer infection. This causes immense suffering and disabilities, especially among children and the rural population, who are often treated at a late stage. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment are currently the only available strategy for preventing chronic morbidity and disability. Clinical diagnosis is currently only performed by qualified doctors and general health workers, but they lack the necessary expertise for carrying out clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests.
Activities:
-\tCapacity building for 70 health care providers to carry out clinical screening for Buruli ulcer in
accordance with WHO standards
-\tCapacity building for 70 health care providers to collect and send samples to the laboratory for
confirmation
-\tOrganising sampling and transport
Impact:
Early diagnosis can help to prevent disabilities in affected patients. The long-term goal is to completely eliminate the infection and free Togo from the burden of the Buruli ulcer disease.