Prevalence surveys for podoconiosis and other neglected skin diseases: time for an integrated approach

Understanding of the geographical distribution of diseases is needed to inform health service design and delivery. It is also a necessary step in targeting priority areas and serves as a baseline to measure the impact of future interventions. In The Lancet Global Health, Kebede Deribe and colleagues1 present a large-scale nationwide prevalence survey for podoconiosis in all 30 districts across Rwanda. Podoconiosis is a neglected tropical disease and data on its prevalence and geographical distribution worldwide is scarce.2 Podoconiosis is a type of elephantiasis (lymphoedema) found in farming communities in the tropics and is triggered by an abnormal reaction to irritant mineral particles in volcanic soils amongst people who cannot afford shoes. The disease can be avoided by appropriate use of footwear and is treated through simple lymphoedema management measures, such as proper foot hygiene, bandaging, and exercises.3 As such, detection of affected and at-risk populations is vital to ensure prevention and treatment measures are available for everyone in need.