Health experts from across Africa have issued an urgent call for coordinated action to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which remain endemic in all 47 countries on the continent.
The appeal was made during a high-level regional summit held in Lomé, Togo, from 15 to 17 April 2025.
The gathering brought together more than 45 national programme leaders, international partners, and civil society actors to reaffirm their commitment to eradicating these long-overlooked diseases.
According to a statement from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, “NTDs continue to affect more than one billion people worldwide—40% of whom live in the African region.”
Participants at the summit discussed the urgent need for bold and strategic approaches to combat NTDs, which include debilitating conditions such as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, and various skin diseases.
These illnesses disproportionately impact the poorest and most marginalized communities on the continent.
“Twenty of the 21 recognized NTDs are present in Africa,” the WHO highlighted.
“Despite progress, all 47 countries in the African region remain endemic for at least one NTD, while 37 countries face five or more simultaneously.”
“We must double down on our efforts while ensuring no one is left behind,” urged Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“We are at the midpoint of the 2021–2030 roadmap to fight NTDs. This is not just a time for reflection—it’s a call to action.”
Key commitments made during the summit included enhancing national leadership, increasing domestic health funding, adopting innovative diagnostic tools, improving disease surveillance, and developing robust national action plans—particularly to expand access to prevention and treatment in vulnerable regions.
Togo, the host nation, was celebrated for having successfully eliminated four NTDs: Guinea worm disease, lymphatic filariasis, human African trypanosomiasis, and trachoma.
“These achievements reflect strong political commitment, close partnership collaboration, and exemplary community involvement,” stated Dr Kokou Wotobe, speaking on behalf of Togo’s Minister of Health.
Dr Amadou Bailo Diallo, WHO Representative in Togo, warned of emerging challenges: “Declining funding and climate change pose new threats to health programmes,” he said, calling for “support that is focused on the most vulnerable communities.”
Closing the event, Dr Dorothy Achu, head of the NTD team at WHO’s Regional Office, made a passionate appeal for continued momentum.
“Through relentless action, we can lift the burden of neglected tropical diseases from communities across Africa,” she said.
This regional meeting forms part of WHO’s broader strategy to enhance health governance, share best practices, and support national efforts to combat NTDs, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: apanews
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