African Health Experts Accelerate Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Lomé, togo - African health officials reaffirmed their dedication to accelerating the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (
- During a meeting of NTD program managers in Togo from April 15-17, experts initiated collaborative strategies aimed at employing more innovative approaches to eradicate these diseases across the...
- The African region faces a meaningful challenge, grappling with 20 of the 21 recognized ntds.
African Nations Unite to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases
Table of Contents
- African Nations Unite to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases
- African Nations Unite to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases: Your Questions Answered
- What are Neglected Tropical Diseases ( ntds)?
- Wich African Nations are working together to combat NTDs?
- What is the global impact of NTDs?
- What specific diseases are considered NTDs?
- What initiatives are being implemented to address NTDs in Africa?
- What is the role of the WHO in this effort?
- What strategies are being used to eliminate NTDs?
- What progress has been made?
- Has any African country had success in eliminating NTDs?
Lomé, togo – African health officials reaffirmed their dedication to accelerating the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which affect over a billion people globally, with 40% residing in Africa, officials said Friday.
During a meeting of NTD program managers in Togo from April 15-17, experts initiated collaborative strategies aimed at employing more innovative approaches to eradicate these diseases across the continent.
The Burden of NTDs in Africa
The African region faces a meaningful challenge, grappling with 20 of the 21 recognized ntds. These include conditions such as river blindness,lymphatic filariasis,leprosy,and various skin ailments that disproportionately impact the poorest and most marginalized communities.These diseases can result in severe disabilities, social stigma, and even death.
Despite progress, all 47 countries within the World Health Organization (WHO) African region remain endemic for at least one NTD, with 37 countries together battling at least five, according to the WHO.
A Call to Action
“We must redouble our efforts while ensuring that no one is left out,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO interim regional director for Africa. “We are halfway through the 2021-2030 roadmap for the fight against neglected tropical diseases. It is indeed not only a moment of reflection: it is a call for action.”
Strategies for Elimination
The three-day meeting, conducted in a hybrid format, convened over 45 national programs and various stakeholders, including global health partners and civil society organizations. Participants committed to:
- Strengthening national leadership and increasing domestic funding for NTD programs.
- Accelerating the adoption of innovative diagnostic tools, digital technologies, and treatment methods.
- Enhancing national and community surveillance systems to monitor outbreaks and track progress.
- Developing concrete national action plans to address persistent challenges in accessing prevention and treatment services, particularly in underserved populations.
Togo’s Success Story
Dr. Kokou Wotobe, representing the Togolese Minister for Health and Public Hygiene, highlighted Togo’s leading role in eliminating four NTDs: Guinea worm disease, lymphatic filariasis, African human trypanosomiasis, and trachoma. Togo is the first country in the region to achieve this milestone.
“These successes are the result of a strong political commitment, a close collaboration with partners and exemplary community participation.They demonstrate that with concerted efforts and innovative strategies, we can eliminate neglected tropical diseases,”
Dr.Kokou Wotobe, Representative of the Togolese Minister for Health and Public Hygiene
Dr.Amadou Bailo Diallo, WHO representative in Togo, emphasized the importance of multisectoral and community-based approaches. He noted that declining funding and climate change pose new threats to global health programs, including NTD efforts, requiring innovative strategies and targeted support for vulnerable communities.
Dr. Dorothy Achu, head of the tropical diseases and vector diseases team at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, stressed the need to prioritize diseases affecting the poorest and most marginalized populations. “We must ensure that diseases that affect the poorest and marginalized populations in a disproportionate way to receive the necessary attention and resources, especially the diseases that can be eliminated. Thanks to a tireless action, we can put an end to the burden of neglected tropical diseases which weighs on communities in Africa.”
WHO’s Commitment
the WHO is collaborating with member states to adapt public health strategies, strengthen surveillance, and ensure rapid responses to evolving NTD challenges. The program officials’ meeting serves as a platform to unite stakeholders, disseminate guidelines, consolidate governance, and provide technical and operational support.
The 2025 meeting reinforces the WHO Regional Office for Africa’s commitment to eliminating NTDs and improving the health and well-being of communities.It aligns national and regional efforts with the global roadmap for NTD elimination and the Enduring Development Goals. African countries are uniting to combat these preventable and treatable diseases.
contact Information
For more information or interview requests, contact:
Tabi Marriane Enow
Technical Officer (Communications)
WHO Regional Office for Africa
Email: mtabi@who.int
COLLINS BOAKYE-AGYMANG
Communications and marketing officer
Tel: + 242 06 520 65 65 (WhatsApp)
Email: boakyeagyemangc@who.int
African Nations Unite to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases: Your Questions Answered
Are you curious about the battle against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa? This Q&A-style article provides a comprehensive overview of the issue, drawing directly from the latest information.
What are Neglected Tropical Diseases ( ntds)?
NTDs are a group of parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections that primarily affect the world’s poorest populations. They cause significant illness, disability, and death, hindering social and economic progress.
Wich African Nations are working together to combat NTDs?
According to a recent report, African health officials are uniting to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). This commitment was reaffirmed during a recent meeting of NTD program managers in Togo.
What is the global impact of NTDs?
NTDs affect over a billion people worldwide. Alarmingly, 40% of those affected, reside in Africa.
What specific diseases are considered NTDs?
The African region faces a meaningful challenge, grappling with 20 of the 21 recognized NTDs. These include:
River blindness
Lymphatic filariasis
Various skin ailments
These diseases often impact the poorest and most marginalized communities, leading to severe disabilities, social stigma, and even death.
What initiatives are being implemented to address NTDs in Africa?
During a meeting in Togo, experts initiated collaborative strategies that aim to employ more innovative approaches to eradicate these diseases across the continent. Participants are committed to:
Strengthening national leadership and increasing domestic funding for NTD programs.
Accelerating the adoption of innovative diagnostic tools, digital technologies, and treatment methods.
Enhancing national and community surveillance systems to monitor outbreaks and track progress.
Developing concrete national action plans to address persistent challenges in accessing prevention and treatment services, particularly in underserved populations.
What is the role of the WHO in this effort?
the World Health Institution (WHO) is collaborating with member states to adapt public health strategies, strengthen surveillance, and ensure rapid responses to evolving NTD challenges.The program officials’ meeting serves as a platform to unite stakeholders, disseminate guidelines, consolidate governance, and provide technical and operational support.
What strategies are being used to eliminate NTDs?
The meeting highlighted several key strategies:
Focus on Innovation: Utilizing novel diagnostic tools, digital technologies, and treatment methods.
Community-Based Approaches: Emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support.
Strengthened Surveillance: Enhancing monitoring systems to track outbreaks and progress.
targeted Support: Providing specific assistance to vulnerable populations.
What progress has been made?
Despite challenges, progress is being made.All 47 countries within the WHO African region are still endemic for at least one NTD, with 37 countries battling at least five.
Has any African country had success in eliminating NTDs?
Yes! Togo has emerged as a leader.
Togo’s Success Story: A Closer Look
Togo is the first country in the region to eliminate four NTDs: