Buruli ulcer disease (WER 7915)

Overview

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a devastating skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, a pathogen belonging to the same family as the organisms that cause tuberculosis and leprosy. Unlike these conditions, however, BU is a poorly understood disease that has increased dramatically since the 1980s. The causative agent has unique features, and its exact mode of transmission remains unknown. Although it has a low mortality rate, BU frequently causes disabilities, and the costs of treatment and rehabilitation are prohibitive in the most severely affected areas.

Every March, WHO organizes an Advisory Group Meeting in Geneva, which brings together representatives from the ministries of health of affected countries, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers currently involved in BU activities. Interest and momentum are growing. More than 40 NGOs, research institutes and foundations are now participating in the Global Buruli Ulcer Initiative. This meeting is an important part of global advocacy efforts, providing a unique opportunity to review the achievements and problems of the previous year and to make recommendations to guide the work of all partners. It also provides a forum to share and disseminate new information and to coordinate the efforts of all partners (endemic countries, research community, NGOs and WHO).

The 7th Advisory Group Meeting on Buruli Ulcer was held on 8–11 March 2004 at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This report highlights some of the key presentations and conclusions of the meeting.