Tens of thousands of cases of Buruli ulcer have been reported in the past decade, mostly in West Africa
April 22nd, 2009
BENIN: Dbiboué Aballo, "Many think it is sorcery"
COTONOU, - Tens of thousands of cases of Buruli ulcer have been reported in the past decade, mostly in West Africa. Since the infections – which can result in severe deformity and amputation – occur primarily in remote, rural areas with little modern health care, delayed treatment and underreporting are problems, according to the World Health Organization. This testimony is the second in a series on Buruli patients.
Photo: WHO/K. Asiedu 
Buruli ulcer infection spreads (file photo)
Dbiboué Aballo, 45, a driver from Mono, 100km west of Benin’s economic capital Cotonou
“Balls formed on my feet then burst into open wounds. The skin on my legs looked as if hot water had been poured on it. I went to the hospital in Sahoué and they told me they could not treat me, and sent me to Lalo [100km west of Cotonou]. If I stayed at home, they would have had to amputate [my feet].
“Fortunately I arrived [at the Buruli treatment centre] in time and treatment is going well. My father is taking care of my children and making sure they get to school.
“I would exhort people not to go to a traditional healer when they see [an abnormal lump or wound] on their body. They should go directly to the hospital. Many think it [the infection] is sorcery and are mistaken on where to seek treatment.”
gc/pt/np source.www.irinnews.org