-ESPEN work to reduce the burden of 5 targeted NTDs which put at an estimated 600 million people are at risk. They are called “neglected” because they afflict the most destitute, vulnerable, and neglected populations.
Neglected Tropical Diseases cause severe pain, disabilities, deformities, malnutrition, stunted growth, cognitive impairment, social isolation, and humiliation. They also affect a person’s ability to attend school or work. Anemia caused by some NTDs has a direct impact on maternal mortality.
The good news is that the 5 highest burden NTDs are amenable to preventative chemotherapy (PC NTDs) - Lymphatic Filariasis (more commonly known as Elephantiasis), Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), Blinding Trachoma, and Soil - Transmitted Helminthiasis (Intestinal Worms). The question is why haven’t we been able to eliminate them yet. And what can be done to achieve the global goal of eliminating them. We have seen at first hand too many times the effect that these NTDs have on people in developing countries both young and old.
In Tanzania for example all 5 highest burden NTDs are common. We know all too well the despair and debilitation that comes with each one of these diseases. The stigma, humiliation, and social exclusion can be absolutely traumatic to an individual’s self esteem and mental health well being.
Economic hardship and cyclical poverty have become synonymous with NTDs. People in affected countries are unable to work and provide for themselves, or their families, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and being set up for failure not success. The direct negative impact on African economies as a result of these diseases is clear and evident.
We MUST come together and collectively eliminate these diseases. NTDs are not just an “African problem.” They are a global problem, and we must all share the burden of working towards control and elimination.
The good news is that there is a solution to the PCT NTD problem—low cost, highly effective drugs that can prevent and treat these diseases.
The power to succeed in NTD control and elimination lies not just in the hands of African countries and leaders but also in the communities and persons of good will. We are calling upon everyone to join us in the fight against NTDs. On behalf of the most disadvantaged people, it is imperative that we all rise to answer this call and provide the funding and needed resources to eliminate the threat of NTDs.
Each one of us can help empower the people of Africa to win this battle by 2020. It is our sincere hope that everyone will rise to the challenge and do their part. Together, we can make a difference. As the legendary Nelson Mandela once said: “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do,” and “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Let us all heed these words and unite behind the spirit of Ubuntu and our efforts to eliminate NTDs
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