Last week, Togo introduced two comprehensive guides focused on the management of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These documents, which received validation on February 28 in Kpalimé, are designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of skin-related diseases, especially in rural communities.
This initiative is part of the project titled “Improving the Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous NTDs in Togo Using Information and Communication Technologies,” spearheaded by the Togolese Society of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infections (SOTODERM) in collaboration with the German Association for the Fight against Leprosy and Tuberculosis (DAHW) and the Togolese Ministry of Health. The program is also supported by funding from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The newly developed guides will act as essential resources for trainers and healthcare professionals, offering detailed descriptions of skin conditions, screening algorithms, and treatment protocols tailored to local contexts. Dr. Gnossikè Piham, the coordinator of the National NTD Program, noted that these tools will significantly enhance access to healthcare in underserved areas.
Additionally, Professor Picthé Palokinam, President of SOTODERM, expressed appreciation for the partners’ commitment and emphasized the critical role of these documents in establishing an effective response to NTDs, which continue to pose a public health challenge in West Africa. It is also noteworthy that SOTODERM is advancing in the telemedicine field with a teledermatology project launched recently, aimed at supporting regions with a high incidence of skin diseases by improving access to remote medical diagnostics and monitoring.
