Tanzania makes strides against NTDs
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has made notable strides in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), recording reductions of up to 94 per cent in several debilitating infections nationwide.
According to data presented by the Ministry of Health National Coordinator for Hydrocele, Dr Gulinja Antony, the number of districts affected by major NTDs has declined significantly when comparing the 2006–2015 baseline period with the situation in 2025.
Dr Antony was speaking during a seminar for journalists on NTDs, held alongside a free hydrocele surgery camp in Dar es Salaam, which brought together journalists from various media outlets.
He said diseases such as elephantiasis and hydrocele have registered dramatic declines, with affected districts dropping from 119 to just five. Similarly, the number of trachoma-affected districts has fallen from 69 to only seven.
Progress has also been recorded in the fight against intestinal worms, with affected districts decreasing from 184 at baseline to 132 in 2025.
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Schistosomiasis cases declined slightly from 184 to 177 districts, indicating continued but uneven transmission in some areas.
However, river blindness remains a challenge, with affected districts increasing slightly from 28 to 30, underscoring the need for sustained interventions.
Dr Antony attributed the achievements to long term government initiatives, including public awareness campaigns and the provision of preventive medicines.
On the ongoing hydrocele surgery camp, he urged all citizens suffering from the condition to come forward for screening and treatment, noting that the services are being provided free of charge from January 5 to 30.
The surgeries are being conducted at Kirakala Health Centre in Temeke and Kinondoni Health Centre in Dar es Salaam, with more than 500 patients expected to benefit.
“This camp is part of our sustained national efforts to eliminate hydrocele, the surgery helps restore patients’ health, dignity and ability to participate fully in social and economic activities,” he said.
Dr Antony said the current exercise marks the fifth phase of the campaign since its launch in 2008.
To date, 12,014 patients have undergone surgery out of 19,784 identified with hydrocele symptoms across various regions.
During this phase, surgeries are planned in six regions, including Lindi, Mtwara, Tanga, Mbeya and Morogoro.
On her part, the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government Authority (PMO-RALG) national NTDs coordinator, Dr Irene Haule, said that individuals will first undergo medical screening, after which those diagnosed will be scheduled for surgery.
“All costs related to surgery, hospitalisation, food, medication, accommodation and follow-up care are fully covered by the government,” she said.
She added that patients will receive three free post operative follow up visits to ensure complete recovery.
