Podoconiosis today: challenges and opportunities.
Podoconiosis is a disease of significant clinical and public health importance in several endemic countries. Over the last 15 years there has been remarkable progress in research, advocacy and implementation of podoconiosis inteventions.1 In 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized podoconiosis as one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) under the category of ‘other tropical conditions’. Subsequently Ethiopia, Rwanda and Cameroon recognized podoconiosis as a priority NTD and included it in their long-term health plans. Mapping of podoconiosis has been completed in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Rwanda and evidence supporting the effectiveness of hygiene-based morbidity management has been established. As a consequence, morbidity management services have been integrated within the national health system in some countries such as Ethiopia.