Did you hear about World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day? It’s today!
Despite global awareness, diseases like sleeping sickness, rabies, leprosy, and guinea worm still affect over a billion people, especially in poor communities.
Alex: That’s the frustrating part they’re preventable and treatable, yet they keep getting overlooked due to lack of funding and political will.
Kenya is a prime example. The country is endemic to 19 of the 20 NTDs recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Even though there have been big strides in fighting them, funding is still a huge challenge.
True. But on the bright side, Kenya has made impressive progress in eliminating trachoma. Have you seen the numbers? 90% of the areas that used to be affected have reached their elimination targets.
That’s incredible! In 48 out of 53 evaluation areas, the rate of infection among children has dropped below 5%. But some regions still struggle with persistent cases.
Exactly. The Ministry of Health, along with partners like Sightsavers, has been using digital tools to track and distribute mass drug administration (MDA).
And those efforts are literally changing lives! Like Napeyok, a 64-year-old woman from Turkana West, who was about to lose her sight due to trachoma. Thanks to community outreach, she underwent surgery and can see again.
Wow, that’s amazing! Stories like hers show why we can’t afford to slow down in the fight against NTDs.
The WHO has set a goal to reduce NTD cases by 90% by 2030. But with one billion people still suffering, we need to step up the action.
That’s where funding becomes critical. Other countries in Africa are also battling these diseases. The END Fund stepped in to support kala-azar treatment in East Africa after UK funding was cut. South Sudan is working to treat female genital schistosomiasis, and GAVI is helping with free rabies vaccinations.
And look at the success against sleeping sickness! Cases have dropped by 97% in the last 25 years thanks to better treatment and advocacy.
But challenges remain. Conflict and displacement increase the risk of disease outbreaks, and some NTDs, like noma, are still not well understood.
Plus, the stigma surrounding diseases like female genital schistosomiasis makes it hard for affected women to seek treatment.
Exactly why WHO is calling for sustainable investments in healthcare. Ending NTDs isn’t just a health issue it’s about breaking the cycle of poverty.
Couldn’t agree more. We’re five years away from 2030 Kenya and the world must keep up the momentum to ensure no one is left behind.
Let’s hope today’s awareness campaign leads to real action.
