“Ending the Neglect” has a clear goal: to improve detection, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for people and communities affected by neglected skin diseases, such as leprosy, Buruli ulcer, and lymphatic filariasis—all of which are curable if detected in time.  The project, in collaboration with the NGO The Leprosy Mission (TLM),  began in March 2023 in Kongo Central province, Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The project focuses on diagnosing these diseases and stopping horizontal transmission through prophylactic treatments targeting close contacts of diagnosed patients. Reducing transmission is crucial in such remote areas, where low levels of awareness about these diseases and barriers to accessing diagnosis and treatment hinder early medical care. In many of these regions, communities have limited access to formal healthcare and are often reliant on traditional healers, which frequently complicates the situation for those affected.  Training and capacity-building for local healthcare professionals, alongside active case-finding mechanisms, have achieved significant progress in the early detection of leprosy cases. Additionally, Buruli ulcer has been detected in this area for the first time.

To ensure lasting and sustainable impact, community education is fundamental, and we have held educational sessions across 31 communities, 15 schools, and 208 small settlements in this region. Through these meetings, we aim to equip communities with the tools and knowledge needed to understand and recognise the symptoms of these diseases. Additionally, we have distributed 1,176 post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) kits to close contacts of diagnosed individuals—a resource that helps prevent transmission and, in the long term, reduces the incidence of these diseases. 

Through  Ending the Neglect, we are building a healthier, safer future for communities in Kongo Central, providing concrete and sustainable solutions to combat these stigmatising diseases, which leave highly visible scars. 

With the support of our partners and local communities, we remain committed to eradicating these diseases and improving the quality of life in the world’s most vulnerable areas. This change is evidenced by testimonies reflecting the impact on Congolese communities. 

Vital Phambu Ngoma, known as "Pango," has been a community representative for over 20 years and highlights the importance of leprosy training provided by TLM Congo and the Probitas Foundation. Vital states: "I have always received training on malaria, HIV, and other diseases, but never on leprosy, until TLM came to our community in 2023. Thanks to this training, we have understood that leprosy exists and is curable, which brings hope to our community." 

Phuati Lutete, a nurse in the Lukula area, reaffirms the importance of this support: "Today, a community representative in Lukula can identify and refer cases of leprosy, Buruli ulcer, or yaws thanks to the training provided. This is essential, as we find many cases among children under 15. I am grateful to TLM and Probitas for helping us maintain the necessary medical supplies to continue uninterrupted treatment for these patients." 

Another inspiring story is that of Khonde Ngoma Euphrasie, aged 34, who was diagnosed with leprosy in August 2023 after several years without understanding her symptoms. She recalled how her family had lived with her father-in-law, who also had undiagnosed symptoms of the disease. "I never knew what leprosy was until it affected both me and my son," Euphrasie shared. After several unsuccessful attempts at treatment, the intervention of TLM Congo and the Probitas Foundation enabled her to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "Today, we are cured, thanks to TLM Congo and Probitas”.