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Developing consensus of evidence to target case finding surveys for podoconiosis: a potentially forgotten disease in India

Version 2 2023-06-07, 08:54
Version 1 2023-06-07, 07:38
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 08:54 authored by Hope Simpson, K N Panicker, Leyanna Susan George, Jorge Cano, Melanie NewportMelanie Newport, Gail DaveyGail Davey, Kebede Kassaye
Background Podoconiosis is a non-infectious geochemical lymphoedema of the lower legs associated with a significant burden of morbidity. There are historical reports of podoconiosis in India, but its current endemicity status is uncertain. In this investigation, we aimed to prioritise the selection of districts for pilot mapping of podoconiosis in India. Methods Through a consultative workshop bringing together expert opinion on podoconiosis with public health and NTDs in India, we developed a framework for the prioritisation of pilot areas. The four criteria for prioritisation were: predicted environmental suitability for podoconiosis, higher relative poverty, occurrence of lymphoedema cases detected by the state health authorities, and absence of morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services provided by the National Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis. Results Environmental suitability for podoconiosis in India was predicted to be widespread, particularly in the mountainous east and hilly south west of the country. Most of the districts with higher levels of poverty were in the central east and central west. Of 286 districts delineated by state representatives, lymphoedema was known to the health system in 189 districts and not recorded in 80. Information on MMDP services was unavailable for many districts, but 169 were known not to provide such services. We identified 35 districts across the country as high priority for mapping based on these criteria. Conclusions Our results indicate widespread presence of conditions associated with podoconiosis in India, including areas with known lymphoedema cases and without MMDP services. This work is intended to support a rational approach to surveying for an unrecognised, geographically focal, chronic disease in India, with a view to scaling up to inform a national strategy if required.

Funding

The Global Atlas of Podoconiosis; G1974; WELLCOME TRUST; 201900/Z/16/Z

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

ISSN

0035-9203

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Page range

1-8

Department affiliated with

  • Global Health and Infection Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-07-28

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-11-16

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-07-27

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