Boulgou: The National Program for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (PNMTN) is intensifying its efforts to eradicate leprosy by launching a major offensive against the disease on Tuesday in the commune of Zonse.

According to Burkina Information Agency, in 2023, 208 new cases were detected compared to 165 in 2024, highlighting a crucial issue to avoid permanent disabilities. Faced with this situation, the PNMTN launched an active screening campaign in the commune, led by Dr. Topan Rokiatou, acting head of the unit for the fight against leprosy, Buruli ulcer and leishmaniasis.

This action, funded by the Raoul Follereau Foundation, is part of a new advanced screening strategy, particularly targeting at-risk populations and relatives of former patients. The PNMTN invites people to get tested in case of abnormal skin spots (lighter or reddish), numbness or nerve pain, stressing that diagnosis and polychemotherapy (PCT) are provided immediately and free of charge for all confirmed cases.