Improving Lives in Rural India

CASA Task Force Members conduct a community demonstration on proper washing techniques for LF home based care.

IMA World Health/Ann Varghese

An estimated one billion people worldwide are affected by one or more neglected tropical disease (NTD). These diseases disproportionally affect poor and rural populations who lack access to clean water, sanitation, and essential medicines. They can cause chronic suffering, disability, compromised mental and physical development, and social stigma. The economic burden of these diseases from lost productivity and increased healthcare costs is enormous on developing economies.

In India, IMA World Health works directly with The Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), a national faith-based organization in India, to implement a morbidity management program for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) patients. LF poses a major health issue in India, almost 45% of people at risk for LF globally, live in India. CASA uses a community-based approach that engages with all community members regardless of religion, caste, or gender. Political and cultural beliefs are set aside to ensure all community members can participate and benefit from the program. CASA volunteers (known as Task Force Members) teach patients, their families, and the community that through simple exercise and daily washing of affected limbs, the painful swelling can be reduced and managed. Most patients have been living with the condition for many years and have visited countless traditional healers and doctors for medicine and even surgery. They are amazed at the difference regular and consistent home based care can make. Many have reported significant reduced swelling and being able to go back to work.

One of the benefits of lymphedema management is sustainability. After the initial low cost expenditure for identification of patients, training and supplies, costs to maintain the program are minimal. Once a patient is taught self care, supplies like soap are generally inexpensive. A major component of the program is training. For the self care component, patients, their families, and health workers are trained. This piece builds the capacity of local individuals and health facilities to care for those suffering from the complications of LF.

In 2011, IMA and CASA teamed up with the Global Network For Neglected Tropical Disease (GNNTD) and Tonic.com to continue the program. The program will target 25,000 LF patients in Orissa State to provide support and training for home based care. The program will also support the government led Mass Drug Administration (MDA) through educational and awareness campaigns. MDA provides free medication to the general population annually as a measure to prevent and eliminate LF. By combining morbidity management and support for MDA, the program is working to prevent and eliminate LF as a public health concern in India.

If you would like to support this high impact program you can use our secure donation page or call 1-877-241-7952.