A conference billed as the ‘first step to eliminating a disabling foot disease’ took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 23 September. The First International Podoconiosis Conference called on health leaders to unite in tackling this little known but devastating condition, which can be prevented and treated with simple interventions such as foot washing and wearing shoes.
Podoconiosis (podo) affects an estimated 1.6 million people in Ethiopia alone, at an annual cost of $200 million per year in lost productivity.
It is a form of elephantiasis found in the tropical, highland areas of Africa, Central America and Asia, where the volcanic soil causes extreme painful swelling of the feet and lower limbs. Podo is most prevalent in subsistence farming communities, who spend their time working barefoot in these irritant soils. Years of exposure can cause debilitating disfigurement, affecting a person’s ability to work, and can result in them being ostracised from their families and communities.
Gail Davey, Professor of Global Health Epidemiology at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), said: “We were delighted to host the first ever conference on this little known but debilitating condition. As Ethiopia bears the highest burden of podoconiosis globally and has so far made the most progress into understanding and tackling the condition, Addis Ababa made the ideal setting for such a conference.”
Dr Kebede Deribe, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at BSMS, who is mapping the global distribution of podo said: “We are now at the point of translating our many years of research into implementation. With the right interventions, we can eliminate podo within our lifetime, and this conference is a first step in achieving that.”
The conference brought together a range of keynote speakers, plenary sessions, presentations and panel discussions. Speakers included Dr Akpaka Kalu, WHO Representative in Ethiopia; Dr Daniel Argaw Dagne, from the WHO Department of Control of NTDs, Geneva; Nunu Wako, journalist, film-maker and health advocate; and a representative from the Ministry of Health. There were also patient representatives in attendance, who shared their own experiences of living with, and being treated for, podoconiosis.
One patient, 32-year-old Worke Ayisheshium Terefe, said: “I first got podo when I was in high school. I immediately felt isolated and wasn't allowed to sit near other children. Due to the stigma, I was also told not to attend church in my village, which ultimately led to depression. Fortunately, I was shown how to treat podo and trained to care for my legs and feet. I have since become a patient representative, which means I help others in my community to get help. By educating others, I believe we can eliminate podo.”
With a theme of ‘Research to Implementation: A Call for Global Action’, conference presentations explored podoconiosis from distribution and risk factors to social impact, prevention and treatment. The conference closed with the signing of a Declaration to affirm global commitment to eliminating podoconiosis within our lifetimes.