Buruli ulcer and yaws are bacterial infectious diseases. If detected early, these two neglected tropical diseases can be successfully treated with antibiotics and permanent disabilities can be prevented. They are closely linked to poverty, inadequate healthcare, and lack of access to clean water and hygiene.
Buruli ulcer
Buruli ulcer usually starts with a painless swelling or nodule, which, if left untreated, can develop into large skin ulcers and may lead to amputation of the affected limbs. FAIRMED launched the first Buruli project in Cameroon in 2001, taking on a pioneering role.
Yaws
Yaws is transmitted through direct skin contact and primarily affects children under 15 years of age. The disease starts with skin ulcers and can cause permanent damage to the skin, bones, and joints if not treated. The first signs of yaws are single, raspberry-like papules on the skin, two to five centimeters in size, that spread if left untreated.
How FAIRMED helps
In project areas where Buruli ulcer or yaws are present, health workers trained by FAIRMED regularly visit remote villages. They examine people on-site, detect diseases early, and raise awareness among the population about the first signs of these illnesses. This ensures that those affected can receive timely treatment before serious complications arise. If further medical treatment is necessary, FAIRMED covers the transportation costs to the nearest health center as well as the costs of treatment. In addition, FAIRMED works to ensure that people living with a disability due to their illness receive the necessary support and rehabilitation.
At the same time, FAIRMED strengthens local health systems: Hospitals are equipped with the necessary materials for treating the affected individuals and medical personnel is comprehensively trained, so that diagnoses and treatments can be conducted on site. Traditional healers are also involved and made aware of referring patients suspected of having serious illnesses to the public health system early. For yaws, FAIRMED also supports mass treatment campaigns to contain the disease and prevent its further spread.
Mass treatment campaigns
On behalf of several African governments, FAIRMED has conducted mass treatment campaigns in the past to combat yaws. The goal was to stop the spread of the disease among the indigenous Baka and Aka, who are particularly affected by yaws. Overall, the campaigns reached around 1.4 million people in 17 districts in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.
FAIRMED played a key role: Thanks to our many years of experience, the medicines reached even the most remote villages. At the same time, we raised awareness about the disease and its treatment among the population, trained health personnel, and established a monitoring system to detect and track new cases early. Only in this way can yaws be contained in the long term and eventually eradicated.
Marinette gets revenge
Several years ago, Marinette, then 13 years old, was admitted to the district hospital in Bankim with a severely deformed arm. The diagnosis: Buruli in an advanced stage. Thanks to months of treatment—including surgeries, skin grafts, daily physical therapy, and extensive wound care—Marinette’s arm was saved. Today, she runs her own business and hopes to save enough money soon to provide her two sons with a good education.
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A glimpse into FAIRMED's projects
Nepal
Project «Sindhu»
Central African Republic
Project «Seni na Siriri»
Cameroon
