DAHW East Africa

11/11/2025

06/11/2025

SKIN HEALTH OUTREACH IN EASTERN & CENTRAL EQUATORIA OF SOUTH SUDAN

From Sept 16–18, 2025, four impactful skin health camps were conducted across Torit and Juba Counties in South Sudan through a joint effort by the German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association (GLRA) South Sudan and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Program (NTLBP) under the Ministry of Health (MoH).

The skin disease mass screening campaign aimed to identify leprosy cases by screening neighbors and close contacts of known patients, particularly in counties/districts with high endemicity of the following:
TORIT COUNTY, EASTERN EQUATORIA
• Camps held in Hiyala and Imajirari villages—areas with high leprosy referrals to Torit State Hospital.
• 282 people screened (129 females, 153 males)
o173 under age 15
o 109 aged 15+
• Hiyala: 230 screened, 3 MB leprosy cases found (2 males with grade 2, 1 female with grade 1)
• Imajirari: 52 screened, 1 leprosy case detected
JUBA COUNTY, CENTRAL EQUATORIA
• Camps held in Gorom Refugee Camp (Rajaf Payam) and Protection of Civilians (POC) site
• Targeted due to high skin disease rates linked to poor WASH conditions
• 401 people screened (236 females, 165 males)
o162 under age 15
o 239 aged 15+
• No leprosy cases detected

A total of 683 individuals were screened for leprosy and other skin conditions. Four leprosy cases were identified and enrolled for treatment, while the remaining 679 people received care for various skin diseases based on their diagnosis. Among them, 282 cases of common skin diseases, including Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), were treated helping to reduce transmission within households and communities. Early screening for leprosy and NTDs plays a vital role in preventing disabilities and complications.

Importantly, vulnerable children and elderly patients received free treatment, easing the financial burden on families and improving access to care.

10/09/2025

GLRA-ETHIOPIA HONORED FOR HEALTH AND HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED AREAS

GLRA-Ethiopia has been awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Amhara Regional Health Bureau (RHB) in appreciation of its significant contributions to health and humanitarian support in conflict-affected areas during the last fiscal year of Ethiopia. This honor reflects GLRA-Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and providing critical assistance to vulnerable communities impacted by regional instability.

The recognition was formally presented during the Amhara Regional Health Bureau’s annual meeting, held in Bahir Dar from September 6–7, 2025. The event brought together key stakeholders, government representatives, and development partners to review progress, share experiences, and reinforce collaborative efforts in rebuilding and improving the region’s health system.

27/08/2025

SKIN CAMPS IN WAU AND TONJ SOUTH COUNTIES: ADVANCING LEPROSY DETECTION AND SKIN HEALTH

GLRA South Sudan, in collaboration with the Leprosy National Program, successfully conducted multiple-day skin camps in high-endemic areas of Western Bahr El Ghazal and Tonj South Counties. The initiative aimed to screen social contacts and detect leprosy early, while also addressing other skin conditions in vulnerable communities.

WAU COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS:
•Wau Central Prison: Due to a high number of skin disease reports, a one-day camp was held targeting adult inmates. A total of 195 individuals aged 15+ were screened. No leprosy cases detected.
•Agok Village: Known historically as a leprosy settlement since the 1950s, Agok hosted a one-day camp screening 269 residents (105 females, 164 males) across all age groups. No leprosy cases detected.

TONJ SOUTH COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS:
•Kolchak Boma: Over two days, 134 people (70 females, 64 males) were screened. One new leprosy case was identified and enrolled for treatment. Two suspected cases are under close monitoring, and other skin conditions were treated by medical officers.
•Babchok Boma: A total of 111 individuals (37 females, 74 males) were screened. One leprosy case was detected and enrolled for treatment.

OVERALL IMPACT:
•514 people screened
•2 confirmed leprosy cases enrolled for treatment
•512 individuals treated for other skin conditions
Early detection not only interrupts leprosy transmission within households and communities, it also prevents long-term complications and disabilities. Treating skin diseases in children and vulnerable populations helps reduce the financial burden on families and improves overall health outcomes.

We thank all healthcare workers, volunteers, and community members who made these camps a success!

22/08/2025

STRENGTHENING UGANDA’S FRONTLINE: GLRA POWERS THE PUSH TO END LEPROSY!

Every step toward a leprosy-free Uganda begins with a strong, informed frontline. From August 18 to 22, 2025, GLRA Uganda, in collaboration with the National TB and Leprosy Program (NTLP), conducted a transformative Basic Leprosy Training at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Fifteen newly appointed District TB/Leprosy Supervisors (DTLSs) were equipped with essential skills to strengthen surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment efforts across the country. This initiative is crucial because our strategy is evolving. While we continue to focus on high-burden districts, we are also proactively empowering low-burden districts that have reported sporadic cases. This wasn’t just a workshop-it was a strategic leap forward in the fight against leprosy.

GLRA Uganda is proud to lead this bold initiative toward Zero Leprosy. The goal is to ensure no case is missed, no matter where it occurs.

In Uganda, the newly trained DTLSs are now equipped to undertake:
*Actively find cases in their communities
*Diagnose and examine with precision
*Administer proper treatment and patient care
*Trace contacts to stop transmission
*Use leprosy data smartly for better planning and informed decision-making

By building capacity across all districts-high and low burdens, GLRA Uganda is creating a vigilant, nationwide network ready to detect, treat, and eliminate leprosy for good. This is sustainability in action. This is progress. This is hope.

Huge thanks to NTLP for the powerful partnership, to our expert facilitators, and to the passionate DTLSs who are now frontline champions in their communities.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT! THE MISSION IS CLEAR! ZERO LEPROSY IS WITHIN REACH!
CALL TO ACTION:
What does a leprosy-free Uganda mean to you?
*Drop your thoughts in the comments!
* Share this post to help raise awareness and support the fight against leprosy.

11/08/2025

EMPOWERING AGOK: GLRA SOUTH SUDAN LAUNCHES LIFE-CHANGING PROJECT FOR LEPROSY-AFFECTED COMMUNITY

On August 8th, 2025, GLRA South Sudan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, officially launched a transformative project aimed at improving the lives of people affected by leprosy and disabilities in Agok Leprosy Village. The initiative, titled “Improve Livelihoods, Reduce Poverty, and Enhance the Well-being of People Affected by Leprosy and Disabilities in Agok Leprosy Village through Increasing Access to Income-Generating Activities and Enhanced WASH Services,” was introduced through a vibrant inception workshop held in Agok.

INCLUSIVE PARTICIPATION AND STRONG SUPPORT

The workshop brought together a diverse group of 26 stakeholders, including:
•Government officials from the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture
•Representatives from the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC)
•Leaders from organizations supporting people with disabilities
•Community elders and beneficiary representatives
Of the attendees, 6 were women and 20 were men, reflecting a growing commitment to inclusive development.

WORKSHOP GOALS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

The primary aim of the inception workshop was to:
•Introduce stakeholders to the project’s goals and objectives
•Foster understanding of the planned interventions
•Encourage active community participation and ownership
GLRA South Sudan emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency, ensuring that all voices were heard and valued.

A SHARED VISION FOR CHANGE

Government representatives, local leaders, and community members expressed strong support for the project’s implementation. Many shared heartfelt messages of gratitude for GLRA’s generous donation and unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.
This project is set to transform the lives of 311 households in Agok Leprosy Village by:
• Expanding access to income-generating opportunities
• Improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services
• Promoting dignity, inclusion, and self-reliance among people affected by leprosy and disabilities

A BRIGHTER FUTURE AHEAD

The launch of this project marks a significant step toward reducing poverty and enhancing well-being in Agok. With the collective efforts of GLRA South Sudan, government bodies, and the local community, the vision of a more inclusive and empowered society is well within reach.

Stay tuned for updates as this impactful journey unfolds and join us in celebrating resilience, hope, and transformation in Agok Leprosy Village.

07/08/2025

EMPOWERING HEALTH HEROES IN NUBA MOUNTAINS

From June 9–16, 2025, the German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association (GLRA) South Sudan Office, in partnership with WHO South Sudan, conducted a transformative Basic Leprosy Management training for 11 dedicated healthcare workers (3 women and 4 men) from Health department of the Nuba Mountain such as Kacha Hospital, Gidel and Gegaba Hospitals, and the Secretariat of Health.

In the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, where medical assistance is hardly possible to reach, leprosy remains a serious threat to countless lives. The training held in Juba is a powerful reminder that knowledge can transform lives and that’s exactly what DAHW needs now more than ever.

The training aimed to:
•Strengthen early detection and diagnosis of leprosy
•Improve treatment and follow-up using WHO-recommended regimens
•Equip health workers to conduct contact screening and skin camps in endemic areas.

Before the training, leprosy knowledge among participants stood at just 25%. After a week of intensive learning and hands-on practice, that number soared to 75% a testament to the power of education and collaboration.

With 100% attendance, the course met all its goals boosting skills in physical exams, ulcer management, disability prevention, and accurate treatment delivery.

Participants expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a game-changer for leprosy control in the region.
Together, we're building a stronger, healthier future for the Nuba Mountains.

06/08/2025

CURRENT CHALLENGES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST LEPROSY
(Source: WHO)
-Delay in detection
-Dwindling leprosy expertise
-Meaningful engagement of relevant stakeholders
-Deeply embedded stigma and discrimination
-Significant research gaps
-Limited access or referral to essential care services
-Routine surveillance systems not in place
-Weak health information systems
-Migrations
-Expansion of AMR and adverse events monitoring
-Zoonotic transmission in some areas