The Ministry of Health in Senga Hill District has held an introductory stakeholder meeting for the Filarial Lymphedema and Hydrocele sensitisation Programme.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, Team Leader Mwila Lupasha disclosed that the Ministry of Health is working to spearhead the fight against neglected tropical diseases in the country.

Dr Lupasha explained that hydrocele and lymphedema are among the diseases that are highly stigmatised in communities.

“These diseases are deemed embarrassing, especially hydrocele, which is the swelling of the scrotum, and lymphedema, which causes swelling of the legs, making them look like elephant legs,” he said.

“We are trying to spearhead neglected tropical diseases that are in Zambia because most of the time the health sector only talks about diseases that are commonly known such as malaria and tuberculosis, while these other diseases are often forgotten,” he added.

Dr Lupasha added that the ministry was sensitising communities so that affected people understand that the diseases can be treated at district hospitals and rural health facilities levels.