More than 20 years ago during my first training in lymphoedema management, I learned about lymphatic filariasis (LF), and I knew straight away where I wanted to work. 15 years in the clinic and 8 years in research later - during which time I realised that the key to everything is prevention - I started on a PhD in Myanmar, and 5 years ago set my sights on bringing prevention strategies to people affected by lymphoedema in developing countries. Two women affected by filariasis

The study I am involved with through #CNTD on enhanced #self_care for people affected by moderate to severe #LymphaticFilariasis and #Podoconiosis related #lymphoedema has started in Ethiopia. We recruited our participants in November and then did a four-week follow-up in early December. The study methods are the same as in Bangladesh (see the post Lymphoedema in Rural Bangladesh), but the two countries and the patients are worlds apart. Information sessions for potential par

My main role at the Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases #CNTD - so far - has been to design and implement a study to see if we can improve on self-management for people affected by moderate to severe #LymphaticFilariasis and #Podoconiosis related #lymphoedema . And after almost a year of planning we started data-collection in Nilphamari District in north west Bangladesh at the beginning of October. Learning self-care exercises. Anyone can make a difference to their lymp