In the highland villages of many African countries, far from the spotlight of global health campaigns, thousands of people live with swollen, disfigured legs that make walking painful and daily life difficult. The condition is called Podoconiosis, sometimes known as “non-filarial elephantiasis”.
Podoconiosis is a non-infectious form of elephantiasis caused by long-term exposure of bare feet to irritant minerals in volcanic red clay soils. It leads to progressive swelling and deformity of the lower legs, primarily affecting rural farmers in highland regions of Africa. It is most common in high-altitude areas of the continent. Ethiopia is the epicenter, with an estimated 1.5 million cases, but the disease also exists in Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda and parts of Tanzania and Kenya. The condition is often misdiagnosed as lymphatic filariasis, another cause of elephantiasis, which complicates efforts to monitor and treat it effectively.
Podoconiosis in Africa: a neglected Public Health challenge
Podoconiosis is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease, yet it receives little funding or global attention. It primarily affects subsistence farmers who work barefoot in volcanic highland soils. The result is severe disability, social isolation and economic hardship.
Podoconiosis is not infectious and it is preventable, but it has been overlooked and remains largely ignored, trapping rural families in a cycle of disability and stigma. In many regions, its hidden by shame. Sufferers may be excluded from social gatherings, denied marriage prospects, or forced out of schools. The stigma can be as devastating as the physical pain.
Prevalence and most affected regions
While data is incomplete, surveys suggest Podoconiosis affects millions across Africa. Ethiopia alone reports endemic cases in more than 80 districts. In Cameroon, studies show up to 10% of some rural populations are affected. The disease is concentrated in farming communities where protective footwear is rare and healthcare access is limited.
Why Podoconiosis persists in vulnerable communities?
Because it is tied to poverty, lack of awareness and weak health infrastructure. Many families cannot afford shoes, the simplest preventive measure. Clinics often lack staff trained to recognize the disease. Without clear information, myths abound —some communities believe swollen legs are caused by curses, further isolating sufferers.
Treatment, which includes regular washing, use of antiseptics, compression and footwear can reduce swelling and improve mobility. But without systemic investment, such interventions remain out of reach for many. Our aim in Anesvad Foundation is to help on its eradication. Will you help us on the duty?
What needs to be done to prevent and control Podoconiosis
Experts warn that without greater awareness and coordinated action, the disease will continue to silently devastate communities. But prevention is both simple and cost-effective: regular shoe use, foot higiene and community education. National governments, NGOs, and international donors need to integrate podoconiosis into broader public health strategies, ensuring early diagnosis and reducing stigma. Expanding access to affordable footwear and training health workers to manage the condition are crucial next steps. In the fight for equity in global health, giving voice to the voiceless starts with addressing challenges like this one.
