Buruli Ulcer (BU) is a disease endemic in parts of Ghana. Early detection, reporting, and treatment of the disease are needed to prevent deformities and even death of victims. With treatment recommendations by the World Health Organisation, there is hope for victims.

What We Do:

• Training School Health Educational Programme (SHEP) coordinators, Community Based and Volunteers (CBSVs) and Community Health Workers on Early Case Detection, Reporting and Documentation
• Training on Buruli Ulcer Case Management for Health Workers
• Promoting Early Case Detection and referrals through Community Education and Sensitization
• Screening and Surveillance
• Mapping of Buruli Ulcer Cases within districts
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Donating medical equipment and supplies to health facilities
• Conducting a surgical outreach programme

Past Activities:

In 2006 we successfully implemented a one year project on early detection and treatment of Buruli Ulcer in Suhum Kraboa Coaltar. The project was carried out in Phases ; Phase one consisted of training workshops for School Health Education Program (SHEP) Coordinators, Community Bases Surveillance Volunteers (CBSVs) , Hospital and Community Health Workers. Emphasis was placed on signs and symptoms of Buruli Ulcer, laboratory diagnosis, and confirmation and basic management of the disease including antibiotic treatment, patient care, data collection and documentation processes.

Phase two of the project comprised a donation of medical supplies to the Suhum Government Hospital, a surgical outreach program aimed to reduce surgery waiting times for Buruli Ulcer patients and monitoring and evaluation of the project.

We have expanded the scope of this project to include additional endemic districts in the country.

From 2008 to 2009 we successfully implemented a two year project titled “Promoting Early Case detection & reporting and Strengthening Health Delivery for the Management of Buruli Ulcer Disease” in the Amansie Central and Asunafo South Districts. Collaborators for the program consisted of The National Buruli Ulcer Control Program, GHS, the District Health Authority (GHS), the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Local Governments in each District (the District Assemblies).

Accomplishments:

1. A total of 480 people consisting of Community and Hospital Health Workers, SHEP Coordinators, CBSVs and opinion leaders were trained in different aspects of Buruli Ulcer control, management and treatment.
2. Community Education and screening for cases was carried out in a total of 15 communities in both districts. In Amansie Central alone, 1,080 people were screened and 4,500 people were reached via Community Education.
3. Community Volunteers were supported with Wellington boots to assist them in their work.
4. Medical equipment in the form of hospital beds and mattresses as well as medical & theater items such as cotton wool, hospital boots, bed sheets, gauze, bandages etc. were donated to the St. Peters Hospital at Jacobu, Amansie Central, and also to the Goaso Government Hospital, Asunafo South.

For additional information on Buruli Ulcer Disease please visit the following website:
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/buruli/en/