Decentralizing care for cutaneous leishmaniasis and other skin diseases to primary health facilities in Southern Ethiopia: What are the needs?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and other skin diseases impose a high disease burden in Ethiopia, yet access to care is poor due to limited and centralized diagnostics and treatment. Decentralizing care could improve this but may necessitate substantial changes to the healthcare system. This study aimed to assess the available resources and the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals for decentralizing the diagnosis and care of CL and common skin diseases to lower healthcare facilities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in South Ethiopia, from May to July 2023, involving 11 health centers, four primary hospitals, and one general hospital. Infrastructure was assessed on-site. Resources, knowledge, and skills of staff members regarding the treatmen

SUBMITTER: Tadesse D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12853771 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature