The availability of demographic data is an important factor when considering the allocation of limited resources to meet an urgent or critical need in a society. The lack of such data can lead to a waste of resources in an area where there is a low prevalence of the condition being addressed. An understanding of how the condition is already being addressed in different areas is also important, for where the response is already good, then resources may be better directed elsewhere.

We therefore need tools to measure both the prevalence of the condition and the quality of the response to that condition in the community.

One such tool was used in the Autumn of 2023 in two areas in Uganda. Being community focussed and taking into account cultural sensitivity the approach was through the elders of the communities to obtain their support and then through the heads of the households. Only with their consent could we approach individuals within the community. Given the burden of the condition upon the community the response was for the most part positive and the team was given access to the best part of the communities.

The Demographic data and screening questionnaire collected data enabling the team to asses the extent of the problem, the communities’ response and provide indicators for the way forward in the allocation of resources to assist the communities and the sufferers in the treatment of the condition.