ANNUAL REPORT NTDs 2023
This report represents the WHO-supported NTDs program activities and key
performances in 2023. It is categorized into three sections: The first section states on
the disease targeted for eradication (Guinea worm disease); the second section is on the
Preventive Chemotherapy (PC)-NTDs (Trachoma, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted
Helminthiasis, Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis) and the third section is focused
on the case management NTDs (Leishmaniasis, Leprosy, Human African
Trypanosomiasis, Noma and other skin NTDs).
WHO sustained active Guinea worm disease surveillance in seven refugee camps of
Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz regions hosting more than 450,00 refugee
populations. In 2023, the country didn’t report any human cases except for one dog
infection which is contained. This gives hope for the country to interrupt the
transmission of the disease very soon.
WHO supported Ministry of Health in scaling up and scaling down interventions notably
on Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns, mapping/surveys for PC NTDs, and
facilitated the PC NTD drug donation through the Joint Application Package (JAP).
After 30 years of zero reports, the country faced the re-emergence of Human African
Trypanosomiasis (HAT) and reported the first case in August 2022. Subsequently, a total
of 8 cases were reported until June 2023. The three levels of WHO supported the
outbreak response successfully. Since June 2023, there has been no case of HAT
reported so far. The country office also managed to advocate for the initiation of Noma
control program in Ethiopia, mobilized funding from WHO African regional office and
provided training for 111 primary healthcare workers in four regions. The visceral
leishmaniasis case fatality rate in 2023 had reduced to 2.7% from 4.6% in 2022. There
were outbreaks of visceral and cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southern Nations and Somali
regions, respectively. These outbreaks were successfully responded.
Overall, apart from the technical assistance, financial support of 358,060 USD was
provided to the MOH, regions, and Universities either by Direct Financial Cooperation
(DFC) or Direct Implementation (DI) for various NTDs implementations
