How We Work

The World Health Organization (WHO) has mapped countries to show where neglected tropical diseases are endemic, including 26 provincial health zones in the DRC.

UFAR follows the WHO’s established mass drug administration (MDA) protocols. We train community volunteers to provide proven effective treatment in their villages. We currently treat WHO’s priority diseases: river blindness (Oncho), lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis (SCH), soil-transmitted intestinal worms (STH), and trachoma (TRA).

Over time, with consistent achievement of recommended levels of treatment coverage, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can be eliminated from endemic areas. For example, river blindness can be eliminated by treating a whole village every year for about 12 years.

UFAR’s role is to ensure consistent and effective implementation of established treatment protocols until Oncho, LF, and TC are eliminated and SCH and STH are controlled

Covered NTDs

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

A tropical, parasitic disease that affects the lymph nodes & vessels.

LF is spread by infected mosquitoes. Their bites deposit a parasite that travels to the lymphatic system.

Most cases are symptomless. Rarely, long-term damage to the lymphatic system causes swelling in the legs, arms & genitalia. It also increases the risk of frequent bacterial infection that harden and thicken the skin (elephantiasis).

A drug taken annually can kill the parasites

Onchocerciasis
(also known as river blindness)

A tropical, parasitic disease that affects the skin and eyes.

Oncho is spread by repeated bites from infected black flies. It's most common in those who live in remote African villages. People who travel and volunteer in these areas also are at risk.

Symptoms often don't appear for up to one to two years after infection. Skin nodules and itching may develop. Eye infections can lead to vision changes and blindness.

Medication can kill the parasites.

Schistosomiasis (Schisto)

A disease caused by infection with freshwater parasitic worms.

The parasite becomes contaminated from an infected animal or human urine or feces. The parasites penetrate human skin to enter the bloodstream and migrate to the liver, intestines and other organs. Symptoms include rash, itchy skin, fever, chills, cough, headache, abdominal pain, joint pain and muscle aches.

A medication taken for one to two days can clear the infection.

Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH)

STH is a group of infections including hookworm, roundworm and whipworm.

These infections are spread through oral or skin contact with contaminated human feces. They are common in warm, moist climates with poor sanitation. Most people don't have any symptoms. In rare and severe cases, symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal prolapse. Malnutrition can develop.

Children with these infections may also have mental and physical growth impairments.

Trachoma (TC)

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide and is preventable.

It starts out as an infection in the eye like conjuctivitis and is easily treatable. Left untreated, it can cause scarring of the eye lids that scrapes the eye with every blink and eventually lead to blindness. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation are keys to prevention. It's very contagious. Trachoma almost always affects both eyes.

Symptoms begin with mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids and may progress to blurred vision and eye pain.