The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and ESPEN join forces to eliminate NTDs in the African region

Brazzaville, Republic of Congo - The Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), with generous funding support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is proud to share its accomplishments for the period August 2022 to July 2023, focusing on our unwavering commitment to combating NTDs in Africa.

Supporting Mass Drug Administration (MDA)

Our efforts in Kenya have been a cornerstone of our success. ESPEN supported comprehensive MDA campaigns for Schistosomiasis (SCH) and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH) in the Eastern counties of Machakos, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, and Makueni. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and County Governments, and with support from the WHO Country Office in Kenya, these campaigns were a triumph, achieving remarkable coverage and surpassing the WHO target of 75% for the target population.

A total of 6,059,264 (99%) persons were treated for STH, and 851,700 (86%) received SCH treatment. This initiative not only reached the eligible population but also extended to often overlooked groups, including street children, prison populations, the physically disabled, and the elderly, ensuring no one is left behind in our fight against NTDs.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Achievements

ESPEN's support in Kenya extended to epidemiological surveys to assess the impact of MDA on Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) transmission in Kilifi and Kwale counties. The positive outcomes of these assessments, shared in a dissemination meeting organized by the Ministry of Health in December 2022, confirmed the interruption of LF transmission in coastal Kenya, marking a major milestone.

In Mauritania, ESPEN’s backing was instrumental in conducting a workshop for the preparation and finalization of the trachoma elimination dossier, now under review.

Moving Forward

As we reflect on these successes, ESPEN remains dedicated to supporting MDA and M&E activities, essential components in our overarching goal to eliminate NTDs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for their unwavering support, and to all our partners and stakeholders for their commitment to this cause.