Director in charge of the Global Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, has emphasized the need for nations grappling with NTDs to address the diseases as a developmental issue.
Dr. Fall contends that NTDs are directly linked to development problems, primarily affecting vulnerable populations living in impoverished conditions with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
NTDs encompass a diverse group of conditions caused by various pathogens, leading to severe health, social, and economic consequences. These diseases predominantly afflict impoverished communities in tropical areas, impacting over one billion people, with 1.6 billion requiring interventions, both preventive and curative. Some examples of NTDs include Buruli ulcer, dengue, Guinea-worm disease, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, rabies, schistosomiasis, and yaws.
In an interview facilitated by Speak Up Africa, Dr. Socé Fall expressed concern that NTDs have historically been overlooked in terms of diagnosis and treatment due to their disproportionate impact on developing countries. He highlighted the global community’s lack of significant investment in eliminating NTDs, attributing it to their limited effect on developed nations’ healthcare systems.
Dr Socé Fall drew parallels with global responses to diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola, emphasizing that diseases primarily affecting poorer populations in developing countries receive less attention until they pose a threat to more affluent nations. He underscored the need for increased funding and investment in NTD interventions and called on world leaders to prioritize these diseases to eliminate them effectively.
The WHO expert urged countries grappling with NTDs to take charge of their own diagnosis and treatment efforts by demonstrating leadership and political will. He emphasized that addressing NTDs is essential for achieving meaningful milestones in socio-economic development.
Dr. Socé Fall outlined key actions required to combat NTDs, including improving healthcare infrastructure, securing more funding for medication development, and creating resilient healthcare systems. He emphasized the importance of advocacy, political commitment, and community engagement in raising awareness about NTDs and implementing effective interventions.
Commending countries for their efforts in controlling NTDs, Dr. Socé Fall highlighted ongoing progress and expressed optimism that, by 2030, at least 100 countries will eliminate one NTD. He acknowledged the critical role of partnerships and called for continued investment in NTDs to achieve global health coverage and ensure that no community is left behind.
The “No to NTD Movement,” launched to combat NTDs in Africa, plays a crucial role in increasing awareness, prioritization, and national commitment to accelerating the control and elimination of NTDs on the continent. The movement engages with governments, the private sector, youth movements, and civil society, fostering efficient domestic resources and strengthening the capacities of national NTD programs and civil society organizations for sustainable strategies.