Mycetoma

Treating eumycetoma (fungal mycetoma) is a challenge. The antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole are currently the only therapies available, but they are expensive, not very effective, and have serious side effects. People with eumycetoma must often undergo multiple amputations, which sometimes result in death. Safe, effective antifungal treatments for eumycetoma that are appropriate for use in rural settings are urgently needed. DNDi is running the world’s first and only randomized comparative clinical trial for mycetoma, working with its partners on a safe, effective, and affordable treatment. Following advocacy from DNDi and its partners, WHO added mycetoma to the list of NTDs in 2016 – an important step in raising awareness of the disease and encouraging investment in research for diagnostics and treatments that can be easily used in rural areas.