Reducing Stigma and Disabilities
- Côte d'Ivoire, Benin Country
- 340.982,72 € Investment
- 2021-24 Length
The Challenge
Due to the stigma attached to NTDs, those with a disease that is detected at a late stage suffer from permanent disabilities that have an impact on their social and economic life.
Still today, there is both a lack of research that addresses the needs of people with disabilities, and a lack of effective policies to raise awareness in society in general about people with disabilities and their rights.
In the case of many disabilities, there is no comparable information on their incidence rates, geographical spread and consequences in different countries around the world. In the case of NTD-related disabilities, this gap is considerable.
The solution
With a view to improving the lives of people with disabilities caused by NTDs, we have launched a research project in collaboration with the Centre Interfacultaire de Formation et de Recherche en Environnement pour le Développement durable (CIFRED) of the University of Abomey Calavi in Benin.
To this end, we are pursuing the following activities by:
- Improving existing training manuals on skin NTDs. We are producing new kits and training health staff in specialised centres to create a model that can be replicated in other endemic countries.
- Working with specialised skin NTD centres in Côte d’Ivoire and Benin to reinforce their capacities and facilities, specifically physiotherapy wards, hospitalisation, dressings deparments and operating theatres.
- Working to refocus public policy on disability and wound management caused by NTDs.
In addition, we are improving strategies to prevent and manage NTDs, and guiding health policies to be in line WHO standards and targets.
Impact
Via this research project we seek to guarantee the Right to Health of people with disabilities, with a special focus on those with NTDs in Côte d’Ivoire and Benin.
Our main impact is to ensure that every centre can offer comprehensive interventions to reduce the disabilities of people with NTDs, and to ensure that every single NTD case is treated according to the established protocols.
Related projects
See other projects where we fight Neglected Tropical Diseases
A clinical trial to reduce the treatment time for the Buruli ulcer by half
After decades combatting the Buruli ulcer, which affects thousands of people in over 33 countries, we are still unaware of its exact mode of transmission. We know it is related to environments with stagnant and unsafe water.
Strengthening the African network of laboratories for Buruli ulcer research
There are currently no unified protocols for detecting Buruli ulcer. Although the WHO sets guidelines for the control of NTDs, many laboratories in Africa do not have standardised protocols for sample collection and subsequent screening and diagnosis of these diseases.
Simultaneous diagnosis of five skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs)
Through this initiative, we are contributing to strengthening public health systems, from small aid stations in the remotest villages to health centres in reference-point towns.
A New Early Detection System for Buruli Ulcer
This will increase early detection, reducing the number of severe cases of the disease, and in turn will lower expenses for patients and their families as there will be fewer severe cases requiring intensive care.
Better Mental Health for People with NTDs in Nigeria as a Result of Integrated Care
This initiative will support the Nigerian government and other civil society organisations to develop and pilot-test a comprehensive intervention to integrate mental health and NTDs.
An Initiative to Find Innovative Interventions for the Comprehensive Treatment of NTDs
These lessons learnt in Liberia can also be applied to other settings in the region, thereby contributing to a regional exchange of scientific knowledge. Finally, the findings could also be adopted into public health policies in Liberia.
Support for Leprosy Research Teams Via the Leprosy Research Initiative (LRI)
These lessons learnt in Liberia can also be applied to other settings in the region, thereby contributing to a regional exchange of scientific knowledge. Finally, the findings could also be adopted into public health policies in Liberia.
Creating Scientific Research Opportunities on NTDs for Young Professionals from Countries Where these Diseases Are Endemic
Encouraging young researchers in countries where skin NTDs are endemic will contribute to the development of a new generation of scientists who will be better able to understand and manage the challenges of these diseases.
A New Clinical Study to Improve the Treatment of Leprosy and Prevent its Harmful Side Effects
Via this study, we will enhance capacity-building, strengthen active integrated case detection, as well as enable early detection and accurate diagnoses.
