Debra Ellias – A new Outreach for Podoconiosis Care

This picture shows the typical moss changes on the toes of a newly arrived patient. The skin can get very sore between these cracks produced by this thickened hard skin which is unable to bend. After a few weeks of regular washing and application of moisturiser as well as wearing socks and shoes these skin changes resolve.

Community Self Help Partnership with IOCC and TOMS Shoes

In November 2011 Dr Fuller visited and worked with a partnership for Podoconosis care in Debra Markos, some 6 hour drive North of Addis.

Here she joined with the Community Partnership supported by TOMS Shoes and International Orthodox Christian Charities to work with a podoconiosis self-management initiative run on similar lines to Mossy Foot Treatment and Prevention Association(MFTPA) in Soddo.

Patients wait peacefully in the warm sun for their treatment.

A simple research project was started aiming to contribute to the understanding of what causes Podoconiosis and treatments might best be refined to benefit the patients most effectively.

The research collaboration is between the Dermatology department at Bahir Dar University and St Georges Hospital Lymphodema Unit in London.

Publication of the work will further raise awareness of podo amongst the global medical and scientific community.

Dr John Fergusson, Dr Claire Fuller and Dr Wendemagen and staff of M TOMS shoes project

IOCC Shoemakers in Debra Markos address the all important issue of making shoes to fit the new patients until their feet reduce to a size that can fit into a more conventional shoe such as a trainer