PROJECT TO FIGHT LEPROSY AND OTHER SKIN-RELATED NTDs (BURULI ULCER AND YAWS) IN THE EQUATEUR PROVINCE OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Location(s): Equateur
The project aims to contribute to the elimination of leprosy and other skin-related NTDs (Buruli ulcer and yaws) through innovative strategies in the Equateur province of the DRC. An intensification of leprosy and other neglected tropical skin disease screening in hyper-endemic health zones will be carried out through contact tracing in the homes of patients notified with leprosy in the last 5 years. This strategy, which will strengthen monitoring and evaluation at different levels of the health pyramid and create a map of leprosy and other NTD cases using digital tools, will be implemented through collaboration between health workers, responsible for assessing the condition of patients and contacts (to start early treatment or possibly provide preventive treatment), and community agents, including organizations of people affected by leprosy, responsible for awareness-raising activities and patient follow-up. These organizations will set up income-generating activities to strengthen their empowerment.
ILEP Members involved
Damien Foundation BelgiumPierre Umba