It is always good to hear of initiatives which address the burden of disease caused by the disfiguring condition Buruli ulcer. Also encouraging is when researchers seek to address not only the causative agent but the stigma and other social consequences of such a disease.

Michigan State University, USA says one of its researchers who studies the causes and transmission Buruli ulcer is now turning his attention to its social aspects and how stigma issues blights the lives of thousands of people in West Africa.

Entomology professor Richard Merritt will use a portion of a $143,000 grant to develop education and family support programmes aimed at teaching families how to identify and seek medical intervention for the ulcer in its early stages.

Buruli ulcer is more common in children than adults – about 70 percent of those with the disease are younger than 15 years old. It destroys the social and emotional lives of school-age children because they are isolated from family and friends. Most are not allowed to attend school due to their condition.

Professor Merritt says, ‘I have already invested my own research energy into creating a topical wound care product that can effectively treat and heal the ulcer once it’s established. My hope is that my treatment will become obsolete, and that no child will have to suffer the physical and social hardship associated with contracting Buruli ulcer.’

More details on the Michigan State University website here.