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Published: 30 January 2022

Joy Phumaphi, ALMA Executive Secretary

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infections that are endemic among low-income populations in developing regions of the world, especially in Africa. These diseases are classified as neglected because they have not been adequately addressed by public health systems and pharmaceutical companies responsible for the development of drugs and medical equipment. This is fast changing as Africans are pushing for action to rid the continent of these forgotten diseases that have debilitating impact on the health and socio-economic development of many communities on the continent.  NTD elimination will contribute towards “The Africa we want” (Agenda 2063), the blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic transformation. It is critical that we the stakeholders, accelerate efforts to ensure universal access to fit-for-purpose diagnostic solutions and to treatment for all people affected by NTDs. The time to interrupt transmission is now! With the tools available to us, we can dramatically reduce the disease burden and demonstrate that diagnostics are a game changer.

10 years ago, partner countries, donor countries, philanthropists, private-sector companies, non-governmental organizations, multinationals, academia, and research organizations led by the World Health Organization (WHO), came together to form a collaborative framework for the eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) under the banner of the London Declaration. Together, partners committed to eliminate or control 10 NTDs by 2020.

Since then, significant progress towards the management of these group of diseases has been made. The 10 NTDs ravage the most impoverished communities; particularly in Africa which carries 40% of the global NTD burden. Globally, collaboration and purpose driven planning has seen Mass Drug Administration (MDAs) programmes in endemic communities intensified. As a result, 600 million fewer people around the world require interventions against several NTDs according to WHO.

Most encouraging has been to witness an increase integration of NTDs programs into national primary health care services by African Union Member States and the impact this has had on bringing some diseases within the reach of elimination

Across Africa, never has national commitment to the NTDs fight been as high as it is today. Over the last few years, we have seen countries integrate NTDs into national health strategy frameworks with commitments to reduce these diseases. The increase in budget allocation to NTDs programmes and promotion of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drives is similarly impressive. The Republic of Congo for instance in 2020 committed US$170,000 to support 4 NTD programs while Rwanda committed $ 500,000 to improve MDA related activities.

The ALMA scorecard for accountability and action and country NTD scorecard tools, have significantly contributed to the milestones we are seeing today by providing countries and their respective Ministries of Health with accurate data for decision-making based on existing gaps and barriers, leading to targeted actions. To replicate this success across Africa, ALMA continues to create opportunities for African nations to learn from each other through the ALMA Scorecard Hub which documents best practices from various countries in the use of national action-oriented scorecards for the control and management of NTDs.

I must however recognize the disruptive impact that the COVID 19 pandemic has had on effective delivery of primary health care services, including integrated NTD programs. Now more than ever, we must not take our eyes off the ball.

On this occasion of the World NTDs Day, I join partners across the world in commending countries and partners on the progress towards defeating NTDs, which disproportionally affect marginalized women, men and children; inhibiting the ability of adults to engage in income earning activities, and of children to learn.  For many this translates into shattered dreams and being trapped in poverty.

Despite the considerable progress, the fight against NTDs is far from won until the world has effectively controlled these diseases or better still, eliminated them. I urge governments across Africa and the world, donor communities, the private sector and civil society organizations to renew their commitment to a world without NTDs.

Achieving health equity is key to attaining the SDGs. By ensuring that all populations across our countries have access to comprehensive, quality, and timely health care services; we can effectively tackle NTDs.

Elimination requires concerted action and 100% commitment from African Heads of State, Ministers, their governments and multisectoral actors across the globe. Countries and partners will need to commit to more funding for NTD programmes, more research, increased collaboration, and prioritization of NTDs in global, continental, and national health agendas. Progress made thus far has shown us that we can end NTDs in our lifetime. Renewed 100% commitment can undoubtedly get us there.

We can defeat NTDs in our lifetime if we all work together.