The United Republic of Tanzania launches the National Master Plan for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) during a high level sensitization meeting
On 18th June, 2013 -- Tanzania launched the national plan of action for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) during a high level sensitization meeting which took place in Dar es Salaam. The meeting was officiated by the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi.
Others also present to witness the launch were the Ag. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Donan Mmbando; Senior officials and NTD programme officers from the Ministry of Health; the Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary, Ms. Asumpta Ndimbo; Officials from the three Municipal councils in Dar es Salaam: Kinondoni, Ilala and Temeke; the WHO Representative for Tanzania, Dr. Rufaro Chatora; Country Directors representing Water Aid, IMMA World Health and Hellen Keller Foundation; WHO staff; and members of the media.
Dr. Rufaro Chatora, WHO Representative for Tanzania delivered his message on behalf of the NTD Partners in Tanzania. He began by congratulating the Government of Tanzania for making a high level decision and demonstrating exemplary leadership and commitment towards NTD control and elimination in the country. He further acknowledged the good partnership demonstrated by international and national NTDs stakeholders towards addressing NTDs in the country. In his speech Dr. Chatora, elaborated on WHO’s position in NTD control and elimination citing achievements made so far in the fight to include the release of the WHO Road Map to accelerate NTD control and elimination; the Accra call to Action on NTDs; and the recently adopted World Health Assembly’s resolution on NTDs. However, he called for more concerted efforts in ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness towards NTDs control and elimination in Tanzania. He reiterated on the need for leadership and mobilization of locally-owned resources that would ensure uninterrupted, sustainable supply and delivery of quality-assured commodities and services for NTDs. Dr. Chatora concluded by assuring Partners’ continued support towards the fight against NTDs in Tanzania.
Messages from the Representatives of Water Aid, IMMA World Health and Hellen Keller Foundation echoed similar sentiments and the government was repeatedly assured of continued collaboration and support in making sure the level of achievements in the area of NTDs is increased and sustained.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, during the ceremony, delivered the public release on the upcoming Mass Drug Administration for the control of NTDs in Dar-es-salaam. He cited the high Elephantiasis prevalence observed in the country during 2004 and 2005 surveys. He reiterated on the need to reduce this prevalence to undetectable levels. He emphasized on the benefits of mass drug administration and reassured the public of the safety of the drugs to be used. He further urged community members to participate in the planned drug administration exercise and ensure that they receive the medications for protection against NTDs. The Hon. Minister for Health concluded his remarks by describing the achievements made in the area of NTDs in the country and expressed the government’s appreciation for the support from the various stakeholders towards strengthening country’s efforts to attain 2020 NTD control and elimination set goals and targets.
