Mapping the spatial distribution and epidemiology of podoconiosis in Ethiopia: implications for disease control.

In the last ten years, there has been significant progress towards the prevention, control and elimination of podoconiosis as a health problem. There are however gaps in our understanding of the epidemiology and geography of podoconiosis that hinder the planning and scale-up of intervention activities. Therefore, this PhD project aimed to define the current geographical distribution and disease burden of podoconiosis in Ethiopia and investigate underlying risk factors.

This thesis adopted two main approaches to understanding distribution: first, historical data were compiled and analysed; second, a nationwide mapping survey was conducted. These data were contextualised through a systematic review of the literature on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Ethiopia. The data were also used to develop elimination targets and endemicity classifications in a Delphi exercise involving a range of international NTD experts.