02345nas a2200193 4500000000100000008004100001260004400042100001600086700001200102700001400114700001600128700001700144700001400161245017900175856008200354490000700436520169400443022001402137 2021 d bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC1 aAtinbire SA1 aMarfo B1 aAlomatu B1 aAhorlu CS K1 aSaunderson P1 aWeiland S00aThe development of a capacity-strengthening program to promote self-care practices among people with lymphatic filariasis-related lymphedema in the Upper West Region of Ghana uhttps://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s40249-021-00846-z.pdf0 v103 aAbstract Background The Upper West region of Ghana is mostly made up of rural communities and is highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF), with a significant burden of disability due to lymphedema and hydrocele. The aim of this paper is to describe an enhanced, evidence-based cascading training program for integrated lymphedema management in this region, and to present some initial outcomes. Main text A baseline evaluation in the Upper West Region was carried out in 2019. A cascaded training program was designed and implemented, followed by a roll-out of self-care activities in all 72 sub-districts of the Upper West Region. A post implementation evaluation in 2020 showed that patients practiced self-care more frequently and with more correct techniques than before the training program; they were supported in this by health staff and family members. Conclusions Self-care for lymphedema is feasible and a program of short workshops in this cascaded training program led to significant improvements. Efforts to maintain momentum and sustain what has been achieved so far, will include regular training and supervision to improve coverage, the provision of adequate resources for limb care at home, and the maintenance of district registers of lymphedema cases, which must be updated regularly.  a2049-9957