Podoconiosis (or podo) is a neglected tropical disease that causes avoidable disability in around 4 million people across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It is a non-infectious type of tropical lymphoedema, triggered by prolonged barefoot exposure to volcanic red clay soil in highland regions.

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues when the lymphatic system isn't working properly. In the case of podoconiosis, it is often poorly understood, leading to stigma, isolation, and significant emotional distress. Those most affected are among the world's most disadvantaged — particularly subsistence farmers living below the poverty line. For them, podo can have a devastating impact, undermining health, livelihoods, and dignity.

Research has proven that podo is entirely preventable by simply wearing shoes. For those already affected, it's treatable with a basic but critical care routine: regular foot washing, affordable ointments or emollients, compression bandages, and skilled lower-leg massage to aid lymphatic drainage.

Yet despite this, the disease and the people living with it remain largely invisible to decision-makers and funders.

Read patient stories.