LEPROSY IN UGANDA

THE CHALLENGE

West Nile’s hidden child leprosy epidemic thrives on late diagnoses and stigma. Each undetected case spawns 3-4 infections—ruining lives and perpetuating cycles of disability. Why it matters: Early intervention prevents deformities and halts transmission.
 
Cross-border communities battle diagnostic deserts. Static clinics miss mobile populations, while stigma keeps sufferers in shadows. Why it matters: Delayed detection means irreversible harm and unchecked spread across porous frontiers.
 
Leprosy survivors remain voiceless. UNALEP, their nascent association, lacks muscle to demand rights or inclusion. Why it matters: Marginalised groups cannot change systems without collective power.

Kabukye Trust’s task: deploy mobile diagnostics, map transmission hotspots, and forge a patient movement that policymakers cannot ignore.

Our Plans

A stronger UNALEP: We will support Uganda’s new leprosy association (UNALEP) through Kabukye Trust’s Bold AIMS network. Empower members through education, peer support, leadership training, and advocacy to reduce stigma and improve livelihoods.

Key outputs
  • Educate on leprosy, rights, and self-care.
  • Build peer support groups and leadership skills.
  • Support UNALEP benefit from Kabukye Trust’s Bold AIMS movement building strategies.
  • Strengthen UNALEP’s organisation for long-term impact.
Activities: Workshops, peer networks, leadership training, joint network initiatives, and organizational development.
Outcomes: A stronger UNALEP, empowered members, reduced stigma, and active participation in national advocacy.

Reduce Childhood Leprosy in West Nile, Uganda: We will tackle the high rate of leprosy in children in West Nile by improving detection, prevention, and community awareness.

Key Goals:
  • Investigate why leprosy spreads among children.
  • Train health workers to detect cases early.
  • Improve diagnosis and treatment for children.
  • Provide preventive care (like SDR prophylaxis) for at-risk children.
  • Reduce stigma through community education.
  • Support affected children and families with counseling and social inclusion.
Activities:  Research on transmission risks (household, environmental), Community and school-based screening; healthcare worker training on child leprosy; awareness campaigns (radio, local leaders); and psychosocial support and child-friendly care.
Outcomes:
  • Better understanding of childhood leprosy causes. Faster diagnosis and treatment. Fewer new cases through prevention. Less stigma, more support for affected families.

Mobile Leprosy Diagnostics for West Nile: We will improve early leprosy detection in remote border areas using mobile, AI-powered slit skin smear (SSS) testing.

Key Innovations:
  • Mobile Labs: Solar-equipped vans with microscopes for on-site testing.
  • AI-Assisted Diagnosis: Smartphone tools to detect leprosy bacteria faster.
  • Community Engagement: Skin camps with live microscopy to reduce stigma.
  • Digital Tracking: Real-time dashboards for monitoring cases and treatment.
  • Youth Employment: Training locals as SSS assistants for sustainability.
Expected Results:
  • 3,000+ screened yearly, with 80% more early diagnoses.
  • 100+ health workers trained in SSS testing.
  • Cross-border referral systems with South Sudan & DRC.

Understanding Cross-Border Leprosy – Transmission, Stigma & Care: Investigate cross-border spread (Uganda, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo), and healthcare integration to improve detection and reduce stigma.

Key Research Areas:
  • Childhood Transmission: Why do kids in certain regions get leprosy more? (Household/community risks?)
  • Cross-Border Cases: How does leprosy spread from neighboring countries? Can detection improve?
  • Healthcare Integration: Does merging leprosy services with general healthcare help patients?
  • Stigma Reduction: What drives stigma, and which interventions work best?
Methods:
  • Surveys, health data analysis, cost studies.
  • Interviews with patients, health workers, and communities.
  • Community-led stigma reduction trials.
Expected Outcomes:
  • Clearer insights into childhood and cross-border leprosy.
  • Better strategies for early detection and care.
  • Tested stigma-reduction tools for policymakers.