Updates

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Fast-Tracking NTD Elimination: Key Takeaways from the 9th PC NTDs Advisory Group Meeting

The 9th meeting of the Regional Programme Advisory Group on Preventive Chemotherapy for Neglected Tropical Diseases (PC-NTD RPAG) highlighted an urgent call to intensify collective efforts in the final push to meet the 2030 NTD Roadmap targets. With just five years remaining, the advisory group emphasized the need for strengthened data-driven decision-making, sustainable national ownership, and innovative funding solutions, alongside critical programmatic adjustments, and enhanced partnerships across Africa.

Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Silent Threat to Women's Health and Gender Equality

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is a severe public health issue that affects millions of women, particularly in rural Africa, where healthcare access is often limited. Caused by the parasitic worm Schistosoma haematobium, FGS is a major cause of pain, infertility, and predisposes women of reproductive age to an increased risk of HIV infection and cervical cancer. Despite millions of women at risk, FGS remains underdiagnosed and inadequately treated, thus revealing significant gaps in gender equality in healthcare access. While effective preventive treatments like praziquantel are available, access is limited due to the low awareness among communities and healthcare providers, combined with insufficient resources for effective delivery. Integrated health interventions and targeted outreach efforts, including scaling up existing treatment solutions, could offer a lifeline to millions of vulnerable women, as we advocate for research and development of point of care diagnostics and treatments.

ESPEN Steering Committee Endorses a New Mandate Through 2030

The ESPEN Steering Committee has endorsed a third mandate for the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), extending its mission to 2030 in alignment with the WHO’s 2021-2030 NTD Roadmap. This decision, made during the 9th annual steering committee meeting in Brazzaville, underscores ESPEN's pivotal role in achieving NTD elimination goals. The meeting also addressed the need for new strategic priorities aligned to the evolving epidemiology of NTDs, resource mobilization, and ESPEN's agility to meet new health challenges.

ESPEN Statement on the NNN Conference

ESPEN is pleased to congratulate the NTD NGO Network (NNN) on the occasion of their 2024 Conference health in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1-3 October 2024, convened under the theme "Collaboration for Change: Fostering Global Equity and Strengthening Community Engagement in NTDs." This theme resonates deeply with the work of ESPEN and aligns with the WHO roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030.

From Pigs to People: Uncovering the Hidden burden of Taeniasis in Cameroon

In Cameroon, a silent but serious health crisis is unfolding, linking pigs to the communities that raise them. Taeniasis and cysticercosis, caused by the parasitic worm Taenia solium, are emerging as critical public health threats in the region. With support from GIZ and ESPEN, and under the leadership of renowned WHO collaborating scientist Professor Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente, a groundbreaking study is underway to map the true burden of these diseases. As researchers uncover alarming prevalence rates, they are paving the way for life-saving interventions to improve community health and stop the spread of these devastating infections.

Act Now, Save Lives: Ensuring Lifesaving Medicines Reach Uganda’s Most Vulnerable

Urgent action is needed to prevent the expiry of 10.3 million lifesaving Praziquantel tablets in Uganda. These medicines could treat over 4.5 million people at risk of schistosomiasis, especially women and school-aged children. With a funding gap of USD 600,000, we call on donors and partners to act now to ensure the timely delivery of this essential treatment to the most vulnerable. Together, we can prevent a health crisis in Uganda and ensure continued progress in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

In Memory of Dr. Azodoga Sékétéli: A Giant in Onchocerciasis Control

Dr. Azodoga Sékétéli, a visionary leader in onchocerciasis control, made significant contributions to defeating river blindness in Africa through his advocacy for inclusive strategies and tools for onchocerciasis elimination. His impactful work and numerous publications have left a lasting legacy in the field of neglected tropical diseases.

Investment Round 2024: Strengthening Health Financing in Africa

During the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa on August 27, 2024, 14 African countries and global partners pledged over $45 million to the WHO Investment Round. This landmark funding round will enhance efforts to tackle both communicable and noncommunicable diseases, with notable contributions from the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and Kuwait towards the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through ESPEN. These investments underscore a commitment to sustainable health financing and continued progress in building resilient health systems across Africa.

Strengthening NTD Monitoring & Evaluation: WHO/AFRO and ESPEN Lead Key Data Workshop for the African Region

The WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) and its Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) have launched a crucial data workshop aimed at strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems for Preventive Chemotherapy Neglected Tropical Diseases (PC-NTDs) across Africa. This workshop, bringing together key stakeholders from NTD programs and country partners, focuses on improving data accuracy, reporting mechanisms, and integration into national health systems. With a spotlight on overcoming data challenges, the workshop is set to enhance NTD program effectiveness and contribute to the region's efforts to eliminate NTDs by 2030.

Empowering Voices: How the MMM Programme Transformed Dr. Deborah Mensah's Journey in NTD Advocacy

Discover how the Mwele Malecela Mentorship (MMM) Programme has profoundly influenced the professional journey of Dr. Deborah Mensah, the Vice-Chair of the Lymphatic Filariasis Working Group of the NNN. In this insightful interview, Dr. Mensah reflects on the invaluable mentorship she received, the skills she developed, and the opportunities she embraced to advocate for individuals affected by neglected tropical diseases. Her journey exemplifies the power of mentorship in enhancing leadership and fostering a strong community among professionals committed to advancing global health objectives.

WHO Launches Third Edition of Trichiasis Surgery Manual!

Explore the latest advancements in trichiasis surgery with the newly released edition of the "Yellow Manual." Originally pulblished by WHO in 1993, this third edition features new examination methods, refined surgical equipment lists, and improved post-operative care instructions. Equipping surgeons and trainers with indispensable resources, this manual plays a crucial role in the fight against Trachomatous trichiasis (TT).

A Step Towards Improved Public Health: Enhancing NTD Reporting and Data Management

Held from April 15 to April 19, the Joint Application Package (JAP) Tools and Processes workshop aimed to address critical challenges hindering the efficient submission and validation of treatment data, survey results, and medicine applications. Through comprehensive training, the workshop’s objective was set to enhance participants’ capacity and streamline data reporting processes, setting a promising trajectory for improved public health outcomes across the African continent. This workshop underscores the ongoing efforts to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) through evidence-based decision-making and strengthened data management practices.

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