The Government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has taken significant steps to address neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that continue to affect communities across Tanzania, hindering health, social, and economic development.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health under the National Programme for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, involves partnerships with the Prime Minister’s Office-PMO-RALG, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, RUWASA, and Helen Keller International.
The focus is on integrated solutions that enhance access to clean and safe water, improve sanitation and hygiene, and control the spread of these diseases.
Speaking at the seventh stakeholder forum in Morogoro, Mr. Mteki Heri Chisute, the Director of Water Quality Services at the Ministry of Water, highlighted the significant impact of neglected tropical diseases on health and productivity.
He emphasized that these diseases prevent people from fully participating in development activities, as many lose time to illness and recovery.
According to the World Health Organization, 21 neglected tropical diseases are recognized globally, with 15 of them found in Tanzania.
Mr. Chisute explained that the Government has prioritized five of these diseases in its national elimination strategy, including waterborne and sanitation-related diseases such as trachoma and intestinal worms.
The Government, in partnership with stakeholders, has been implementing measures to combat these diseases.
These include providing preventive medicine in schools and communities, improving access to clean water, offering health and hygiene education, and delivering medical treatment to those affected.
Mr. Chisute emphasized that under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, the Government is strengthening cross-sector collaboration, focusing on improving health, water, education, and financial coordination.
This effort aims to ensure a more integrated approach to disease prevention and treatment.
He also expressed gratitude to Helen Keller International for supporting the forum and encouraged continued collaboration with the Government to address these health challenges.
The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges, and propose strategies to accelerate the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
The discussions are crucial for achieving Tanzania’s national and international goals of eliminating these diseases by 2030.