Integrated health systems for the control of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Suriname

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic, neglected tropical disease (NTD) with a high burden of disease. Infection with CL requires treatment to be cured, but also to control further spread of the disease among the population in endemic areas. In remote areas of Suriname, health-seeking behaviour is not optimal due to many obstacles. In these areas, CL-infected individuals may be prone to using traditional medicines, self-treatment options, or seek health services by traditional healers. In order to improve access to treatment, and management of CL in these local settings, it may be beneficial for CL-infected individuals to receive integrated health-care through traditional and conventional health systems. In this project, we will assess what is required to optimalise integration of conventional and traditional medicine and health-care to improve access to treatment, and management of CL as well as to prevent further disease transmission. This project also assesses the acceptability of this integration by the CL patients, traditional healers, conventional health workers, policy-makers and other stakeholders through, among others, Participatory Action Research.

People involved

dr. Natalie Vinkeles Melchers-Martinez
Health and Society, Wageningen University & Research

prof. dr. ir. Annemarie Wagemakers
Health and Society, Wageningen University & Research

Victoria Morpurgo-Dest
Health and Society, Wageningen University & Research

Sahienshadebie Ramdas
Academisch Medisch Centrum Universiteit van Amsterdam | AMC · Department of Dermatology