Fw: (LML) Skin-related neglected tropical diseases

                    Leprosy Mailing List –  January 26,  2026

 

Ref.:  (LML) Skin-related neglected tropical diseases

From: Ben Naafs, Munnekeburen, the Netherlands

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Dear colleagues,

 

Some time ago the World Health Organization (WHO)  released  an enhanced version of its Skin NTDs App, a valuable tool designed to assist front-line health workers in diagnosing and managing skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs). The updated App is available free of charge on both Android and iOS devices.

At least ten of the diseases included in World Health Organization's (WHO) list of neglected tropical diseases can present with manifestations on the skin. These so-called skin NTDs include Buruli ulcer, cutaneous and post-kala azar dermal leishmaniasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, mycetoma, yaws, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses, and scabies and other ectoparasites. Due to their common manifestations, skin NTDs can be targeted with similar case detection and disease management approaches. Additionally, skin-related NTDs are often associated with lifelong disabilities, stigma and mental health problems. These commonalities, and the frequent co-endemicity of these diseases in many regions, present opportunities for the integration of interventions (InfoNTD)

Implementing the integrated control and management of skin neglected tropical diseases

In the context of skin NTDs, integration is defined as the implementation of two or more activities simultaneously in the same communities in order to optimize the use of limited resources (WHO):

•   = - Skin NTDs are often co-endemic in many countries, districts, and communities. They may have same common manifestations and approaches to detection. Examination of the skin therefore serves as an opportunity to identify multiple conditions in a single intervention and also to improve case detection. For example, post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis can be detected during leprosy case detection campaigns, or vice versa.

            - - Skin NTDs are often underreported or are not included in routine surveillance systems. An integrated approach offers opportunities for active screening in communities and in schools.

•    - -Combined activities to control skin NTDs improves understanding of their total related burden and of the need for greater advocacy and optimal and efficient use of human, material and financial resources.

 

Ben

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LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << edit...@gmail.com

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