About Uniting to combat neglected tropical diseases
Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Collective Effort to Defeat Neglected Diseases
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of parasitic and bacterial infections that affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, mostly in low-income countries. These diseases cause severe pain, disability, and disfigurement, leading to social stigma and economic hardship for affected individuals and their families. Despite their devastating impact on human health, NTDs have long been neglected by the global health community.
Uniting to Combat NTDs is a collective of dedicated partners working together to defeat 10 neglected tropical diseases. The partnership was launched in 2012 with the goal of eliminating or controlling these diseases by 2020. The partners include governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
The 10 NTDs targeted by Uniting to Combat NTDs are:
1. Buruli ulcer
2. Chagas disease
3. Dengue fever
4. Guinea worm disease
5. Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
6. Leishmaniasis
7. Leprosy (Hansen's disease)
8. Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
9. Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
10.Trachoma
These diseases are preventable or treatable with existing tools such as drugs, vaccines, insecticides, and improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
Uniting to Combat NTDs has made significant progress towards its goal since its inception in 2012:
- More than 1 billion treatments have been donated by pharmaceutical companies for mass drug administration programs.
- More than half a billion people have received treatment for at least one NTD.
- Four countries have eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.
- Three countries have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
- The number of people at risk of river blindness has been reduced by 50%.
However, there is still much work to be done to reach the 2020 goal and beyond. Uniting to Combat NTDs is committed to continuing its efforts until these diseases are no longer a threat to human health.
The partnership's approach is based on four pillars:
1. Advocacy: raising awareness about the burden of NTDs and their impact on individuals, communities, and economies.
2. Resource mobilization: securing funding from governments, philanthropic organizations, and other sources to support NTD programs.
3. Integration: integrating NTD programs with other health interventions such as maternal and child health services, malaria control, and water and sanitation programs.
4. Innovation: developing new tools such as drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and vector control methods for NTDs.
Uniting to Combat NTDs also works closely with affected communities to ensure that their voices are heard in the design and implementation of NTD programs. Community engagement is essential for building trust, addressing cultural barriers, promoting behavior change, and ensuring sustainability.
In conclusion,
Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases is a unique partnership that brings together diverse stakeholders with a common goal of defeating neglected tropical diseases. The partnership's achievements so far demonstrate that progress can be made even in the most challenging environments when there is political will, financial resources,and technical expertise available.
By working together towards eliminating or controlling these diseases by 2030 through advocacy,mobilization,integration,and innovation,the world can achieve better health outcomes for all people regardless of where they live or how much money they have.This collective effort will not only improve individual lives but also contribute significantly towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) relatedto poverty reduction,economic growth,and social inclusion.Let us unite our efforts against neglected tropical diseases and make the world a healthier place for all.