Hands-On Nodulectomy Training Carried out in Zefine Health Center, Boreda Woreda , April 30-May 1, 2025

As part of the project entitled as 'Improving Access to skin NTD care (Podoconiosis, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and other skin NTDs) in Ethiopia ( Impact SkinNTDs)', a hands on training on nodulectomy was provided for primary health care providers in Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia Region on April 30 and May 1, 2025. This initiative is part of the broader effort to decentralize and scale up podoconiosis care services in Ethiopia, seeking to improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Podoconiosis patients often experience social exclusion and mobility issues, as nodules prevent them from wearing shoes and may cause recurrent acute attacks, leading to increased morbidity.

The training aimed to enhance skills for managing podoconiosis-related nodules, thereby improving patient outcomes and supporting the decentralization and scaling up of this intervention.

A total of seven individuals directly benefited from the intervention, among whom was one female participant. Recognizing the importance of community involvement for long-term success, the program also engaged eight representatives from different administrative levels. These included officials from both woredas—Boreda and Zala—and from the zones of Gamo and Gofa. Their participation was aimed at fostering local ownership of the intervention and ensuring its sustainability beyond the initial implementation phase. Along the training medical supplies and consumables valued at over 300,000 ETB were donated to the targeted Five health centers through their respective woreda health offices.

 The training successfully enhanced the capacity of local health workers to manage podoconiosis nodules through surgical intervention. The donated supplies will bolster ongoing efforts to provide sustainable and accessible care. Continued collaboration among health authorities, local partners, and expert clinicians is vital to achieve the targeted outreach and impact.