Podo is both treatable and preventable.

Footwork promotes a simple, low-cost, portable, high-impact treatment package that makes a real difference to people's lives. The package includes hygiene and foot care: washing feet in clean water, drying, applying emollient, bandaging swollen areas, elevating limbs, and regular movement to improve lymphatic circulation, and wearing socks and shoes. 

This package reduces disability by decreasing leg and foot swelling, improving skin condition and barrier function, and lowering the frequency of acute episodes such as fever, pain and inflammation. 

In many parts of the world, people affected by podo face serious barriers to care. Misconceptions among health professionals, limited training in diagnosis and treatment, and shortages of basic supplies like emollients and bandages hinder access. Even where services exist, those in rural areas often struggle with distance to clinics and competing responsibilities such as caregiving or work.

Despite these challenges, effective solutions exist. In Ethiopia, for example, podo is now embedded in the national Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) master plan. Integrating podo into national health strategies and the programmes of NGOs is central to improving the lives of individuals and communities in a sustainable way.

As part of this work, we will: 

•    Provide technical assistance to governments, NGOs and international agencies
•    Develop and support the use of guidelines, tools and resources 
•    Document, analyse and share evidence and experience on epidemiology and interventions.