The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on global and African leaders to mobilize resources in order to eliminate the scourge of Neglected tropical Diseases (NTD).
In a statement to commemorate World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) in Abuja, World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said it was a time to consider the severe effects NTDs have on the wellbeing and livelihoods of billions around the globe.
This years’ event has as its theme: Unite. Act. Eliminate
She said, “First, I, and my fellow leaders across Africa and the world, ask that we unite to tackle these devastating diseases that affect the most vulnerable of our communities.
“The presence of NTDs is a constant reminder of the inequalities in our world today. Second, I am asking you, as individuals and as communities, to act, to spread awareness, to advocate with those in power, and to help to mobilize the resources needed to do this. And third, I am asking you to ensure that we eliminate – that we end – these diseases once and for all. Let’s build a world where no-one lives with river blindness, no-one is shunned by society because they are living with the ancient disease of leprosy, and no-one is debilitated by anaemia because they are infected with soil-transmitted worms.
Dr. Moeti noted that with over 18 million people across the African continent needing treatment against NTDs, ending the disease was the surest way to get further funding to further fight other diseases.
“Nineteen countries in the region have eliminated at least one NTD. Togo achieved a world first by eliminating four of these diseases – river blindness, elephantiasis, sleeping sickness and Guinea worm disease. Yaws is on the verge of being eliminated.
“Ending these diseases is a ‘best buy’ for funding from partners, donors and regional governments.
“A key contributor to the successes we have seen so far has been successful public-private partnerships. Non-governmental development organizations and the Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network (NNN) have played a crucial role through their advocacy, by developing and upholding best practices, and by contributing to WHO guidelines on NTD response. The donation of medications for mass drug administration by pharmaceutical companies has also been key. Research, development and innovation are vital enablers of the success of NTD elimination programmes, providing the foundation on which effective interventions can be designed and delivered,” she said.
The WHO regional director noted that the fight against NTDs has been enhanced by increased awareness, which has led to better diagnosis and treatment for people living with the diseases, and prevention by controlling the vectors that carry NTDs – the teste flies, snails, worms and the animal reservoirs. Providing safe water supplies and sanitation is another essential action to prevent NTDs, which at the same time, improves people’s overall quality of life.
She further urged the continent’s leaders to overcome the challenges slowing down progress in eliminating these diseases pointing out that Africa bears 40% of the global burden of NTD cases.
“WHO in Africa has also recently unveiled a new blueprint to drive the region’s strategy towards ending disease across Africa, anchored in the principals of universal health coverage and strengthening health systems,” Moeti said.
She rallied the various governments to unite and act fast to eliminate NTDs from the continent.
“Although commendable progress that has been made, we need to act, to ensure that high-level political commitment is translated into transformative action in the NTD space. We need to unite, by building new partnerships to ensure enough and sustainable funding to continue the momentum of the progress already made against these diseases. And we need to provide countries with the resources they require to eliminate these ancient diseases. I remain totally committed to supporting countries in our region in the commendable efforts to eliminate NTDs, once and for all,” the regional director added.
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