Health Check Mycetoma’s only research centre destroyed
Apr 30, 2025
Dorcas Wangira, BBC's Africa health correspondent, discusses the alarming destruction of Sudan's Mycetoma Research Centre amid conflict, impacting care for a neglected disease. The podcast also highlights innovative telehealth solutions for remote communities in the Americas. Furthermore, researchers reveal promising results for a non-hormonal male contraceptive implant and the potential for adults to overcome severe peanut allergies through microdosing. Finally, insights into the health effects of traditional versus processed diets in urban Africa add depth to the conversation.
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Mycetoma's Serious Impact
- Mycetoma is a chronic skin infection that can invade soft tissue and bone, often requiring amputation to cure.
- The disease heavily impacts daily life and carries social stigma, including associations with witchcraft in some villages.
Centre Founder’s Emotional Shock
- Professor Ahmed Fahal was shocked and saddened to see the Mycetoma Research Centre destroyed after 40 years of work.
- The destruction included loss of invaluable biological, tissue, and DNA samples collected over decades.
Global Importance of Research Centre
- Sudan’s Mycetoma Research Centre is the only one globally focused on this neglected disease research.
- Its destruction severely hinders progress in diagnosis, treatment, and global control efforts.