The Ifakara Health Institute is joining forces with the Ministry of Health for a 3-day exercise to perform surgery on 150 citizens suffering from filarial hydrocele in the Bagamoyo and Mkuranga districts from November 17-19, 2023.   

This exercise that starts today at the Bagamoyo District Hospital is part of the Ministry’s campaign to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the country, in collaboration with The END Fund and EQUINOL. 

What is filarial hydrocele

Filarial hydrocele is a scrotal swelling caused by a parasitic infection prevalent in tropical regions globally. This condition imposes both physical and mental distress on affected males, potentially affecting fertility, mobility, and their capacity to earn a livelihood.

Learn more about hydrocele here

National campaign 

The campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, unfolds in a series of strategic steps. Firstly, there is a focus on initiatives to actively mobilize communities, encouraging them to proactively seek healthcare for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and ensuring patients receive the necessary assistance. 

Secondly, community-level service providers are trained to enhance their capacity in addressing NTDs during the surgical campaign, addressing immediate healthcare needs. And thirdly, a crucial component of the campaign involves providing post-surgical care and monitoring to ensure the holistic well-being of the individuals affected.

To learn more about how the government aims to sustainably combat NTDs click here

Ifakara participation

Ifakara scientist, Dr. Michael Mihayo leads a team of research scientists from the Institute who will investigate samples from patient surgeries. They aim to find better and long-lasting solutions for tackling NTDs. 

This collaboration between Ifakara and the government shows a shared commitment to developing enduring solutions for public health challenges.