In Benin, there is a high concentration of Buruli ulcer (BU) cases in marshy areas and in the valleys of the main rivers in the coastal basin. BU is a disease caused by a bacterium belonging to the same family as the one that causes leprosy.
Together with R-FFL, FFL supports a project to raise awareness, prevent, screen and treat NTDs with skin manifestations such as BU in the Atlantic department of Benin.
Before each screening session, organized on a quarterly basis, field workers (health workers, community representatives, village chiefs) mobilize the village population and register people with skin pathologies. Preparatory awareness-raising and identification work is carried out in advance, also involving head nurses, who then conduct medical examinations in the field.
Over the years, it has been noted that early screening has a dual effect: thanks to prevention and awareness-raising, people are able to recognize the symptoms of NTDs, promoting rapid treatment that limits complications associated with these diseases and thus encourages home-based care for patients.
In 2024, 48 screenings sessions were organized in the municipalities of Abomey-Calavi, Allada, Toffo and Zè. A total of 3 424 residents were examined, 741 more than in 2023. The majority of lesions identified were macules, papules and ulcers. Among the cases detected, 750 cases of scabies and four cases of Buruli ulcer were identified.
Awareness-raising sessions have also been stepped up: in the municipalities of Allada, Zè, Toffo and So-Ava, 3 480 people have been reached, with a particular focus on risk factors, early clinical signs and means of prevention.
With the aim of bringing healthcare closer to the population, 18 decentralized health centres, supervised by the Buruli Ulcer Screening and Treatment Centre in Allada, were strengthened. Regular supervision and training were carried out throughout the year. In 2024, 175 cases were examined, including 14 cases of BU, 10 cases of chronic ulcerations, 33 cases of scabies, and 118 other dermatoses.
Serious cases are still treated at the Buruli Ulcer Screening and Treatment Centre where the FFL has continued its support: 175 patients were treated by a surgeon and 96 by an endocrinologist. In order to ease the financial burden on patients during the long hospital stays required for certain MTNs, 140 patients received two meals a day free of charge.
As in previous years, training courses were organized to strengthen local skills: 18 nurses and 30 community relays were trained in the 15 endemic districts. Finally, two joint meeting were organized with the Anesvad Foundation and the National Programme for the Control of Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer in order to strengthen the coordination of efforts and maximize impact.