Tanzania makes strides in combating NTDs
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has made a significant progress in efforts to control and eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in which to date some of them are no longer posing a major threat to the society.
Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme Officer Ms Faraja Lyamuya from the Ministry of Health said that Elephantiasis and Hydrocele were currently no longer a challenge in 114 out of 119 councils while Trachoma is no longer a problem to 60 out of 69 councils in the country.
She said the country had also managed to reduce prevalence rate of Onchocerciasis in 30 councils which have been affected by the diseases and reduced the infection rate of Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis across the country.
Ms Lyamuya was speaking on behalf of the NTPCP Manager Clarer Mwansasu during a workshop for journalists organised by the ministry in Dar es Salaam ahead of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (NTD Day) which is celebrated on January 30 each year.
The day aims to raise awareness, secure resources and mobilise action to end NTDs.
“As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded that there are Tanzanians affected by these diseases who need education and services, knowing that many of them cannot afford the cost of treatment. “ She noted.
Ms Lyamuya said that the government had established a good system of healthcare for all and it is the duty of every citizen to reveal those affected and help them access the healthcare facilities.
She called upon healthcare workers to ensure that those affected receive appropriate care and their reports are made accordingly.
She mentioned some of the challenges that continue to affect the fight against the diseases including stigma against those affected, misconceptions and lack of accurate education about these diseases regarding transmission, prevention, symptoms and treatment are just some of the challenges that continue to affect the fight against these diseases.
“As we approach the commemoration of the World NTDs Day, we have a responsibility to raise our voices and help amplify the voices of those affected.
Let us speak out against the stigma faced by those affected and raise awareness in the community that these diseases exist and are not caused by witchcraft and are preventable and treatable,” she stated.
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For her part, NTDCP Officer (Advocacy) Ms Chihiyo Mlay said that globally, there are more than 21 neglected diseases caused by various pathogens and over 1billion people are affected by the diseases worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
She said the diseases are preventable and can be completely eradicated.
NTDCP Officer Dr Lilian Ryatura, said that the councils with high infection rates of over 5 per cent for Trachoma were 69, but after administering Zithromax, the number has decreased to nine districts.
She named the councils as Longido, Ngorongoro, Monduli, Kiteto, Simanjiro, Kalambo, Mpwapwa, Kongwa and Chamwino, emphasising that the disease can be treated through a minor surgical procedure to correct the eyelid.
Regarding Schistosomiasis, which is one of the neglected diseases, Programme Officer Dr Mohamed Nyati urged the community to take the deworming tablets for the disease whenever provided in the community and schools as a preventive measure against the disease.
The theme for this year’s World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”, which is a call to action for the global community to come together, take concrete steps and work towards the elimination of neglected tropical diseases.
