‘Integrated control of skin NTDs in Ethiopia: Concepts and potential synergies in the realm of resource limitation’
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) threaten more than 1.7 billion people living in the poorest and most marginalized communities worldwide. Within the cluster of NTDs, many of the diseases involve the skin, either as the primary presentation or as a related clinical feature. The skin NTDs often present with disfigurement, limb deformity, elephantiasis/hydrocele, physical disability, stigmatization, discrimination, and psycho-social suffering. Moreover, these skin changes can result in stigmatization, discrimination, and psycho-social distress.
To address those challenges WHO promotes integrated and community-based approaches to control skin NTDs. Early identification of skin NTDs is hindered by the lack of knowledge about these conditions. To this end developing simplified training tools, capacitating primary health workers and decentralising the diagnosis and management of the most common skin NTDs is important. Decentralising skin NTDs from specialised centers to the primary health system structure and to community-based management is a task-shifting that can improve timely access to care and cost inconvenience of visiting busy health facilities. And from a health system perspective, it will help specialised hospitals to dedicate their precious resources to addressing other conditions that require higher levels of clinical expertise.
In light of World NTD Day, ITM alumnus Wendemagegn Enbiale Yeshaneh will share his research findings on the integrated control of skin NTDs in Ethiopia. He will explore concepts and potential synergies in the realm of resource limitation. While focusing on the dermatological manifestation of NTDs in Ethiopia (from a more clinical perspective), Wende will also share his thoughts on the challenges related to treatment and prevention measures.
The Q&A-session will be moderated by Prof. Dr. Johan Van Griensven, head of the NTD-unit at the ITM Clinical Sciences Department.
Speaker: Wendemagegn Enbiale Yeshaneh, Professor of Dermatovenerology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Moderator: Johan Van Griensven, head NTD-unit, ITM Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp
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