Heart and Sole Africa

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Heart and Sole Africa

Heart and Sole Africa (formerly Imidido Project) began in 2009 in Musanze, Rwanda to address the need WHAT IS PODOCONIOSIS?

Podoconiosis, meaning "dusty feet" is a non-infectious tropical disease. Also know as non-filarial elephantiasis, podoconiosis is a chronic condition that causes an asymmetrical swelling of the feet and lower legs. This swelling may lead to severe disability of the patient. Symptoms may include severe fatigue, a heavy swollen limb, discoloration of the skin, disfiguring nodule growth on the toes and feet. Podoconiosis affects 4 million people worldwide, and it is endemic in areas of tropical Africa, Central and South America and northwest India. In the Northern Province of Rwanda, the contraction of podoconiosis is caused by chronic exosure to high concentrations of silica found in the volcanic soil originating from the Virunga mountains. Many with podoconiosis in this region are subsistence farmers, and they work in their fields barefoot, therefore experiencing frequent exposure to the siica in the soil. There is currently no up-to-date data about Podoconiosis in Rwanda, but a study entitled "Endemic Elephantiasis of the Lower Legs in Rwanda and Burundi" conducted by Tropical and Geological Medicine in 1975, reported a prevalence of 7.10 per 1000 of lower leg elephantiasis in areas in Rwanda where alkali clay soils coexist with high altitude, high seasonal rainfall and low income. Footwork, the International Podoconiosis Initiative, is currently embarking on a research project that will map podoconiosis patients throughout Rwanda. Heart and Sole Africa will assist with this research. ABOUT RWANDA

Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills" and "The Heart of Africa", Rwanda is a small, mountainous country in East Africa bordering Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and The Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is home to more than 11 million people, making it the most densely populated country in Africa. Rwanda is primarily an economy of subsistence farmers but continues to take steps to shift forward to a knowledge based economy. Although international dialogue often recounts the 1994 Genocide, Rwanda has embarked on a steady trajectory of growth, reconciliation, peace, and promise throughout the past decade. Heart and Sole Africa's main office is located in Musanze. This area was previously known as Ruhengeri, and it lies in the middle of the famous of Virunga Mountain Range. The mountains, Karisimbi, Visoke, Mgahinga, Muhavura, and Nyirahongo are visible on the horizon daily as the Heart and Sole Africa team works diligently to help those in need. Satellite clinics exist in Kinoni and Nyange. Podoconiosis is a disease that manifests in this region because of its unique topography. Silica deposits filter up into the soil in these volcanic regions. In this predominantly agrarian economy, this has a profound impact. In a country where the doctor to patient ratio exceeds one to 16,046, there lacks specialized healthcare providers. Heart and Sole Africa operates all throughout remote regions in the Northern Province, even extending across the border into Uganda.

16/11/2025

We are so grateful for our partnership with medi for help. Christopher Miles has worked diligently to share his knowledge and expertise to help implement a sustainable podoconiosis compression program in Rwanda.

10/11/2025

This road project is a welcome improvement. It will give the Heart and Sole Africa team better access to reach remote communities to provide education, training, and treatment for individuals affected by podoconiosis. We are very grateful. 🙏🏻❤️

09/11/2025

HASA Founder Dr. Tonya Huston, PT, DPT, continues her mission to raise awareness about individuals affected by podoconiosis in Rwanda.

Pictured left, Dr. Huston is preparing a display for our recent fundraiser held this past Thursday. Today, she and HASA Board Member and Fundraising Chair Kay Evans are honored to be hosted by Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, where they are sharing HASA’s work and impact in Rwanda.

At Heart and Sole Africa (HASA), we are committed to education, prevention, and treatment of podoconiosis—a neglected tropical disease that remains a major cause of disability in rural communities in Rwanda.

We welcome opportunities to speak with organizations, faith communities, and groups interested in learning more about our mission.
For invitations or inquiries, please contact us through Messenger or at cindy@heartandsoleafrica.org.

06/11/2025

HASA made the marquee at The Odeon Theater in Mason, TX!

Please join us tonight, 11/6 6:00 to 8:00 pm for our annual update and fundraiser.

This international nonprofit organization, continues to grow and impact thousands of Rwandans diagnosed with podoconiosis (elephantiasis).

Come shop our store with items from Africa, have a snack, enjoy live music, watch our most recent documentary, and win a door prize!

When: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Where: The Odeon Theater, 122 Moody St., Mason TX

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM African Store and heavy hors-d'oeuvres
6:45 PM - 7:00 PM music with the incredible Justin McFarland
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Documentary followed by Q&A

We hope you will join us! If you cannot attend in person, you can still be a part of this important work.

Visit our website to sign up for your monthly donation or make a donation of any amount.
www.heartandsoleafrica.org

Or send a check to:
Heart and Sole Africa
PO Box 1033, Mason, TX 76856

Thank you to all past, present and future donors! You are helping some of the most vulnerable people in the world, and eradicating a neglected tropical disease!

Dr. Tonya Huston PT DPT CLT
Founder/Executive Director

05/11/2025

Tomorrow! Thursday, November 6th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Please join us!

🌍 Join Us to Make a Difference! ❤️👣

Heart and Sole Africa (HASA) is hosting a fundraiser Thursday, November 6, 2025, Thursday at the Odeon Theater, Mason Texas, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

We are raising money and awareness for podoconiosis—a preventable, non-infectious disease that causes painful swelling of the feet and legs.

Podoconiosis affects thousands of people in Rwanda, particularly those who work barefoot in volcanic soil. Through your support, HASA provides education, prevention, and treatment programs that restore dignity, mobility, and hope.

💪 How You Can Help:
• Donate to support life-changing care and prevention
• Share this post to spread awareness
• Join our fundraiser event to stand in solidarity with those living with podoconiosis

Every step counts—together, we can help eliminate this disease from Rwanda!

🔗 https://heartandsoleafrica.org/donate/

01/11/2025

https://youtu.be/E6j8e9pDhoM?si=CrcpkcMKaC-IPUfP

This short documentary produced by the 5S Foundation team in Rwanda aims to dispel some of the common misassumptions that lead to people living with podoconi...

31/10/2025

Case Summary:

In early 2018, Dusabimana developed a painful ankle, and swollen right leg. She sought care at the nearest health facility, where she was prescribed painkillers. Although the pain subsided, the swelling persisted. She was referred to HASA for further management of the swelling. However, when she arrived for assessment and treatment, our supply of compression socks was depleted, and she returned home with none. Her condition progressively worsened, so she consulted a traditional healer who made small cuts in her foot and leg but noted no improvement. The ongoing condition led to emotional distress, including depression, self-stigma, and loss of hope.

Risk Factors: The patient reported frequent exposure to irritant soil.
Family History: No known family history of podoconiosis.
Medical and Surgical History: No prior medical or surgical history.

Early this year, she meet a patient who had recently been successfully treated at HASA, and she decided to return for care. On 16 March 2025, she was received at HASA in Musanze where she received comprehensive care. She was given clear information about her condition, the management plan, and her responsibilities in the treatment process. She committed to following all the guidance provided by HASA staff.

By 16 June 2025, Dusabimana reported remarkable improvement in her condition, and expressed her gratitude by donating one box of soap valued at 8,000 RWF.

We are grateful for Dusabimana's kind donation. We are thankful that we were able to provide care to Dusabimana the 2nd time around. Did you miss that above? The first time she came to HASA - we had run out of supplies and could not help her.

Please help us continue this vital work. Any amount is appreciated. A monthly donation will help us plan and prepare our budget for the upcoming year. Donation link is in the comments. ❤️👣

27/10/2025

As Rwanda and the world begin the last week of the month dedicated to raising awareness on breast cancer, one message must outlive the pink ribbons and social media hashtags: early...

🌍 Join Us to Make a Difference! ❤️👣Heart and Sole Africa (HASA) is hosting a fundraiser Thursday, November 6, 2025, Thur...

24/10/2025

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Ruhengeri

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(512) 757-4178

Website

http://www.heartandsoleafrica.org/

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