Podoconiosis is a debilitating, non-infectious leg swelling condition caused by long-term barefoot exposure to irritant volcanic soils in the tropics. It affects over 4 million people across 27 countries, primarily subsistence farmers. Despite the disability, pain and profound social stigma it causes, podoconiosis receives almost no global health funding. In most endemic countries, care is unavailable, meaning patients suffer in isolation and the condition progresses, becoming irreversible.

Footwork has identified Burundi as being endemic for podoconiosis. We will train healthcare workers and patients to care for the swollen leg, provides simple hygiene kits and upcycled footwear, and support the government to mainstream podoconiosis care programmes into state health services. These actions will restore people to health, reduce stigma and stimulate agricultural productivity and prosperity.