Rebuilding leprosy expertise in West Nile.

Uganda reported 342 new leprosy cases in 2023. The real number is almost certainly higher. Many patients live far from clinics. Many wait too long — because the health system no longer has the expertise to recognise the disease.

In partnership with Buluba Hospital and The Leprosy Mission Great Britain, we have begun a clinical-training programme for frontline health workers in Arua, Terego, and Koboko.

The goal is simple. Before a patient develops permanent disability, a clinician should be able to name what they are seeing.

"Antibiotics cure leprosy," said Dr Betty Kamira, a board member. "Disability is what happens when nobody sees it in time."