Implementing a Locally Made Low-Cost Intervention for Wound and Lymphedema Care in Western Kenya

Dermatol Clin. 2021 Jan;39(1):91-100. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2020.08.009. Epub 2020 Oct 31.

Abstract

In Western Kenya, the burden of chronic wounds and lymphedema has a significant impact on functionality and quality of life. Major barriers to provision of care include availability, affordability, and accessibility of bandages. At the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, dermatologists and pharmacists collaborated to develop a 2-component compression bandage modeled after the Unna boot, using locally available materials, that is distributed through a revolving fund pharmacy network. In partnership with nursing, use of these bandages at a national referral hospital and a few county facilities has increased, but increasing utilization to an expanded catchment area is needed.

Keywords: Africa; Bullous drug reaction; Kenya; Low- and middle-income countries; Lymphedema; Resource-limited setting; Revolving fund pharmacy; Wound care.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bandages / economics
  • Bandages / supply & distribution
  • Compression Bandages / economics
  • Compression Bandages / supply & distribution*
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Eruptions / therapy
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Kenya
  • Leg Injuries / therapy
  • Leg Ulcer / therapy
  • Lymphedema / etiology
  • Lymphedema / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / complications
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / chemically induced
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / therapy
  • Varicose Ulcer / therapy
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*
  • Zinc Oxide / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Zinc Oxide