Zero Leprosy for Senegal

The Senegalese-German partnership arrangement aims to introduce the guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of leprosy recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). There is a partnership between DAHW Deutsche Lepra und Tuberkulosehilfe e.V. and Université de Thiès.

Background:
Leprosy continues to be highly endemic in certain parts of Senegal. Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease associated with disability and stigmatisation. However, leprosy is treatable and preventable if the WHO approach is followed, which is based on contact tracing. Unfortunately, diagnostic expertise with regard to leprosy is waning among physicians in Senegal and many cases go undetected while the disease continues to spread.

Activities:
- Training of trainers on the new WHO guidelines for leprosy elimination for staff of the dermatology
department of the Université de Thiès.
- Theoretical and practical training on the new WHO guidelines for health sector staff and people
affected by leprosy as the local leprosy contacts
- Country-wide workshops on the development of a road map for leprosy control

Impact:
The measures that have been introduced aim to strengthen leprosy expertise in Senegal’s health care system. The awareness-raising campaign contributes to increasing public acceptance of diagnostic and preventive measures.