This past week (April 21-23) the LSTM’s Filariasis Programmes Support Unit (FPSU) carried out, together with the Mozambique Ministry of Health, training sessions to health care staff of the care of lymphatic filariasis (LF) patients.
It is likely that there are many thousands of people suffering from filariasis induced lymphoedema and hydrocele in this endemic area of the country. A major goal of the UKAid/DFID supported program in Liverpool is to support the Ministry of Health in Mozambique to eliminate this debilitating neglected tropical disease and provide care for those already suffering from this infection and its consequences.
Dr. Pilar Hernandez of FPSU, and Mr. Silvestre João, the Provincial NTD Coordinator, instructed groups of health-care staff in different locations within Cabo Delgado Province in aspects of LF patient care and the strategy of the overall lymphatic filariasis elimination program.
This is part of a cascade training system across the Province where the information as to how to care for the people suffering from this disease is passed through the medical care system to the essential care-givers at the main interface between the healthcare system and the population, the village health workers and volunteers.