| Valencia (Fides Service) -Fontilles anti-Leprosy Association based in the archdiocese of Madrid has decided to address the growing problem of Buruli Ulcer disease in Africa. A medical team has been sent to to Ghana to verify the situation, promote early diagnosis and contribute to the design of control programs and for Buruli Ulcer.
Buruli Ulcer disease, also called the leprosy of the 21st century, is a relatively new disease (discovered in 1948) which causes serious damage particularly in children and ulcers which devour muscle and bone leading to amputation and even death. The disease is a major health problem in central west African countries where last year 1,157 cases were registered.
In Ghana Fontilles medical team visited Saint Martin de Agroyesum Hospital in the region of Astanti, one of the most endemic for Buruli Ulcer disease. Half the patients admitted to this Hospital one of the few in the country and which serves 160 villages, are affected by this disease.
The aim of the Fontilles team is to promote early diagnosis because excision of the initial nodule prevents deformation caused by ulcers on limbs.
Fontilles was founded in 1902 by a Jesuit priest, father Carlos Ferrís and a lawyer Mr Ballester to care for people excluded from society because of leprosy.
(AP) (3/10/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:22; Parole:238)
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