Founding Director of Mycetoma Research Centre

Mycetoma is a common health problem, endemic in many tropical and subtropical ‎regions characterised by devastating deformities, disability, high morbidity and serious ‎negative socio-economic impacts on patients, families, communities and health authorities. Yet, it enjoys meager attention across the globe and that culminated in massive knowledge gaps in various aspects of mycetoma.

The Mycetoma Research Center (MRC) was established in 1992 under the umbrella of the University of Khartoum. It was set up at Soba University Hospital to provide an integrated high quality medical care for Mycetoma patients, conduct research and education and teaching in the various aspects of Mycetoma. The center is recognized globally as a world leader and an authoritative advisor in Mycetoma management and research.

The MRC is dedicated to the continuing discovery and development of scientific knowledge and clinical skills applied to the care of Mycetoma patients and to eradicate Mycetoma, as a life-mutilating disease, through the advancement of medical care, research, education and disease prevention.

The Justifications of the Mycetoma Research Centre include;

• Mycetoma is a common problem, it is endemic in many tropical and subtropical areas and it is reported throughout the globe and Sudan seems to be the mycetoma homeland.
• It affects young patients of low socio-economic classes. It has a high morbidity and can be fatal.
• Both surgical and medical treatments are not satisfactory.
• It enjoys meager attention by health and social sectors across the world, as it is a non-glorious disease. MRC had managed to include mycetoma at the WHO/Neglected Tropical Diseases List or the first after a long and difficult journey.

Mycetoma Research Centre executes this mission through the:

• Treatment of mycetoma patients (6660 patients are regularly seen).
• Establishment of the Mycetoma Control Programme with The Federal Ministry of Health, Sudan.
• Field visits to mycetoma endemic areas in Sudan for early detection and treatment.
• Established mobile surgical units for surgery at the affected villages
• Training of medical and paramedical staff. (Surgical registrars, medical students, community workers and paramedical staff were trained).
• Provides the peripherals with trained medical staff.
• Conduction of research on mycetoma. (Three PhD, 6 master degree students).
• Produces regular publications. (textbook and  more than 90 published articles).
• Cooperates with and participates in the scientific activities of appropriate bodies worldwide. (Organized the Third International congress in mycetoma in the Sudan – 2002, The Mycetoma International Week – 2009, contributions,  the Fifth International congress in mycetoma in 2011 and contributed to many international and regions meetings and conferences).
• Establishment the mycetoma website at: www.mycetoma.edu.sd for continuing professional development and education.
• Establishment of Evidence Based Mycetoma Management Guidelines.
• Health education for the public through Sudan, Blue Nile and Khartoum State TV.
• Produced many video films, DVD and leaflets on mycetoma for public health education.
• Heath education in rural areas in Central and Western Sudan
• Heath Education in different Community clubs
• Encourage fine art and artists activities
• Rising funds to help poor patients

• Contribution to include the mycetoma at the WHO/Neglected Tropical Diseases Department, 2013
• Establishment of the International Mycetoma Consortium, 2013