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Contribution short abstract:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, has received limited attention from the global health initiatives though it is affecting disadvantaged populations. This research in Tigray empowered health professionals through training to promote seeking early biomedical treatment and influenced regional health policy.

Contribution long abstract:

Cutaneous leishmanias (CL) is recognized as one of the world’s neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), characterized by disfiguring, disabling and chronic diseases nature. CL is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bites of infected female sandflies. Despite its significant impact on the well-being of those infected, leishmaniasis has received limited attention from global health initiatives.

This ethnographic study explored health professionals’ knowledge and practices on CL in three districts of Tigray with high prevalence: Degua Tembien, Sebuha Saesie, and Emba Alaje. It aimed at empowering people with CL and reducing stigma through a community engagement and involvement approach under the ECLIPSE program. Data were collected through observation, interviews with individuals affected by CL, interviews and focus group discussions with health professionals.

The findings reveal that the government had rarely paid attention to CL, resulting in health professionals lacking knowledge about the cause, transmission and biomedical treatment for CL. CL was not integrated into the health policy document along with the common diseases. Most health professionals had the same knowledge as their communities and had recommended local treatment for infected individuals who came to the health facility seeking help.

This intervention enabled health professionals to obtain adequate training on the theoretical knowledge, and practical skills of treating CL. It influenced health policy decision; maintaining a relationship from the smallest health unit up to the hospital, facilitating referral system for people with CL. Testimonies from individuals who got cured with biomedical treatment increased the seeking biomedical treatment.