Title: Improving Buruli ulcer and leprosy control in Africa

Abstract:

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) are a diverse group of communicable diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. They affect more than a billion people and cost developing economies trillions of dollars every year. The socio-economic consequences are enormous. Of the 20 NTDs, 12 are endemic in Africa. The co-endemicity of certain diseases; the similarity of the clinical signs as well as the scarcity of financial, human and temporal resources called for an integrated management of these diseases, including Buruli ulcer and leprosy. The World Health Organisation road map 2021-2030 aims to accelerate progress towards the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of the 20 NTDs. Leprosy elimination and Buruli ulcer control are among the priorities. The target of elimination of leprosy as a Public Health Problem have been achieved since 2000 at the african regional level except the Comoros. Current Buruli ulcer treatment requires 8-weeks of daily rifampicin and clarithromycin, wound care and, sometimes, tissue grafting and surgery. Several clinical trials are currently ongoing and other experimental interventions have been proposed aiming to improve Buruli ulcer treatment by shortening its duration.

Moreover, pilot integration experiences have been implemented in different countries, particularly in Benin and Ivory Coast, with success, suggesting that this strategy is effective and efficient in consolidating the achievements of the fight against these diseases.

Organizadores

Santiago Ramón García, Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza; Fundación Agencia Aragonesa para la Investigación y el Desarrollo (ARAID), Zaragoza.

Emma Sáez López, Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza.

Consorcio BLMs4BU (https://blms4bu.org/)

FRIDAY, 1st December 2023, 10:00 h
Salón de actos del CIBA