Video: Podoconiosis – from an unknown disease to a priority with treatment centres established in Rwanda

Republic of Rwanda Republic of Rwanda

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Description

Podoconiosis is a non-infectious geochemical leg swelling (lymphoedema) caused by long-term exposure of bare feet to irritant soils. Podoconiosis affects poor, remote, subsistence farming communities and, by affecting livelihoods, it traps these communities in poverty. Women and girls are both more likely to contract podoconiosis and more likely to suffer from its social and economic consequences.

World Health Organization

In a research survey across parts of the country, the Republic of Rwanda found 6,000 people had podoconiosis which showed that the disease was prevalent in the country.

This video shows how:

  • podoconiosis impacts those with the disease
  • Rwanda is responding to the disease through training healthcare practitioners and sharing prevention messaging

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