Research • Community care • Prevention
Research and Community Action Against Neglected Tropical Diseases
IFOTRODE connects practical research with community care for tungiasis, scabies, podoconiosis, trachoma, helminthiasis and leishmaniasis in underserved communities in Uganda.
Results from the Napak treatment intervention, 2021–2022
Residents examined
Residents treated at least once
Tungiasis prevalence
Source: IFOTRODE tungiasis project report, 2021–2022. Project details and sources · Published evaluation. Historical project findings.
Our Approach
Community Care
We support community detection and care for tungiasis, scabies, podoconiosis, trachoma, helminthiasis and leishmaniasis, working through Village Health Teams and frontline health workers.
Research and Innovation
We investigate disease distribution, risk factors and practical approaches to prevention and care. We apply and evaluate these approaches ourselves, confirming their effectiveness before sharing them with others to inform programmes and health services.
Prevention and Recovery
We use locally available resources and encourage communities to do the same to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices. We provide affected people with locally sourced supplies, including soap, basins and slippers, to support hygiene, self-care and prevention. These practical measures form part of our support for recovery, mobility and participation in everyday life.
Featured project · Completed, 2021–2024
Tungiasis Elimination in Napak
Our community-based tungiasis elimination project ran from 2021 to 2024. The main treatment intervention took place in 2021–2022, combining care for people and affected domestic animals with health promotion and delivery through trained community workers. Work in 2023–2024 focused mainly on follow-up and monitoring.
The project reduced tungiasis prevalence from 62.8% to 5.7% during 2021–2022. These results demonstrate the potential of community-based One Health care to reduce the burden of tungiasis.
Podoconiosis Research
Completed research
Mapping Podoconiosis in Uganda
Nationwide mapping of the geographical distribution and risk of podoconiosis across Uganda to inform prevention and care.
In Progress
Podoconiosis Pathogenesis
Research in Napak investigating podoconiosis pathogenesis and progression to inform earlier diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Research and Publications
Explore publications contributed by IFOTRODE members on neglected tropical diseases, One Health, veterinary medicine and public health. The collection brings together project evidence and the wider experience of our members and international collaborators.
Featured publication · PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases · 2025
Reduction of tungiasis prevalence, intensity, and morbidity during a two-year long community-based tungiasis control project in a hyperendemic region in Karamoja, Uganda
Hannah McNeilly, Francis Mutebi, Felix Reichert, Marlene Thielecke, Mike L. Banalyaki, George M. Mukone, Rebecca Arono and Hermann Feldmeier.
This paper reports findings from a two-year community-based tungiasis control project in Napak, linking repeated diagnosis and treatment with health promotion.
Read the publication ↗
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0013149
Working together
Partnerships That Connect Evidence With Action
The Napak tungiasis elimination project combined IFOTRODE’s research and implementation expertise with trained resident tungiasis health workers, Village Health Teams and local leaders. With financial support from Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung, the project brought treatment of people and affected animals together with health promotion.
Our collaboration experience includes Makerere University, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, the LASER group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, German Doctors, several local governments and community partners.
Explore Organizations We Have Worked With
Explore the tungiasis elimination partnership · Discuss a partnership
Let’s Work Together
We welcome research partners, donors and organisations interested in expanding access to care for neglected tropical diseases. Work with IFOTRODE on collaborative research, community health programmes, frontline health-worker training and sustainable access to treatment. Contact us to discuss a partnership or support for our work.