On 31 January 2022, ETHIOPIA commemorated World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day in Hawassa, Sidama Regional State in an event led by the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) and attended by health partners and Sidama and SNNP regional health authorities. The Day was commemorated with the global theme, “Achieving health equity to end the neglect of poverty-related diseases”. This is the third World NTD Day commemoration and the first since the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed 30 January as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.

"World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is an important global event as it is a key in calling for political will -globally and nationally - for the elimination of NTDs. He further asserted that the government, development partners, affected communities and the public need to join hands to rid the Ethiopian people of the various debilitating neglected tropical diseases still circulating" H.E. Dr Dereje Duguma State Minister of Health, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

"Equity must be at the core of NTD programming. As NTDs often affect the most vulnerable, they can be considered a litmus test for Universal Health Coverage … in order to ensure that everyone has equitable access to NTD services, there is a need to continue to adopt an integrated people-centred approach and intensify intersectoral partnerships to address the root causes like poverty and poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene." Dr Boureima Hama SAMBO WHO Representative, ETHIOPIA

During the commemorative event, the MoH appointed Mr Sileshi Demissie – also known as Gash Abera Molla and popular in Ethiopia for his music and passion for hygiene and sanitation in Addis Ababa – As NTD Ambassador. Gash Abera Molla expressed his appreciation for the recognition he has received through this appointment and expressed his commitment to work alongside the government and partners towards the elimination of these debilitating conditions from Ethiopia. The Ministry of Health also awarded certificates of recognition to partners that have provided commendable support to the Ministry and regional health bureaus to combat NTDs. WHO was among the organizations recognized during the event.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are mainly prevalent in tropical areas, where they mostly affect impoverished communities and disproportionately affect women and children. These diseases cause devastating health, social and economic consequences to more than one billion people across the globe.

FIELD VISIT TO TULA AND ALETA WENDO DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICES, SIDAMA REGION

As part of World NTD Day commemoration, WHO and partners, led by the MoH, visited Tula and Aleta Wendo health centres, where lymphatic filariasis and patients with complicated trachoma - trichiasis are being treated. 

At Tula Health Centre, the visiting team observed leg and foot washing by a health worked to stop the progress of the disease. The health center does community outreach and active case search to identify, counsel and enroll patients for treatment. Treatment for the condition includes daily washing and drying of the leg and feet, counseling on leg and foot care, and provision of medication and special shoes. Although Tula Health Centre faces challenges related to supplies and equipment, the facility continues to provide services to the community using available resources.

Aleta Wendo Health Centre provides corrective surgery for patients suffering from complicated trachoma, in-turning of the eyelids, a painful condition known as trichiasis which can eventually lead to blindness due to corneal scarring. Health workers trained on corrective eyelid surgery using WHO guidelines are performing the sight-saving surgery at Aleta Wendo Health Centre. In order to reach more patients, there is a plan to cascade the surgical services to health post level.

WHO remains committed to continue supporting the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to rid the country of all forms of neglected tropical diseases.