News Details

NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES

2009-03-25

In recent years, Neglected Tropical Diseases have increased considerably in importance and now attract greater attention because they touch millions of people, especially in unprivileged communities. They cause intense physical pains, serious esthetic damages and severe handicaps. Among the human diseases with Mycobacteria, the infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, commonly called Buruli Ulcer, represents in Benin the second most prevalent mycobacterial disease after Tuberculosis. This disease is responsible for devastating human suffering because it generates vast cutaneous ulcerations that can even reach the bones. It’s mainly found in poor, rural populations, and most often affects children. The worst effects of the disease are severe disfiguration and/or amputation of one or several members of the body. To control this plague, an International Conference was organized in 1998 in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. Ten years later, WAFAC-AFRICA, with the support of the Beninese Government and World Health Organization, has initiated the organization of this HIGH LEVEL MEETING ON BURULI ULCER in Cotonou from March 30th to April 3rd, 2009.

[ Read more ]