Strategic Alliance for NTDs Elimination: The END Fund's Visit to ESPEN in WHO AFRO

The fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Africa has taken a significant step forward with the recent visit of The END Fund to the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of NTDs (ESPEN) and the Tropical Vector Borne Diseases Unit in the African Region (AFRO). This visit marked a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against NTDs especially considering the WHO Africa Region has nearly 600 million cases or about 35% of the global NTD burden, with over 90% of schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis cases concentrated in the region.

ESPEN and The END Fund have a long-standing partnership to accelerate the elimination of NTDs in the region. This collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring that countries scale up implementation of interventions to all vulnerable communities; and that quality epidemiological and entomological evidence for impact of interventions for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciaisis is generated. The End Fund also supports gender inclusive initiatives such as Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme for women working in NTDs.

The visit served as a platform for strategic discussions, fostering dialogue, and aligning priorities for future engagement and collaboration in our efforts to eliminate NTDs.

One of the highlights of the discussions was the emphasis on the sustainability of NTD programmes anchored on domestic resources. Participants also discussed the importance of post-elimination surveillance and reaching the last mile in NTD elimination efforts.

Dr Elizabeth Juma, the Team Lead for ESPEN expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This visit marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat NTDs in Africa. By working together, we can accelerate progress towards our shared goal of eliminating NTDs and improving the health and well-being of communities across the region."

The impact of this visit on strengthening partnership and aligning priorities cannot be overstated. It underscores a collective commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and improving the health and well-being of communities in Africa.

Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of this collaboration as we continue our journey towards ending Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa!