The Ministry of Health has stepped up efforts in the eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through the launch of a five-year master plan.
The Kenya National Master Plan for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 2023-2027 will guide a multi-sectoral collaborative effort to free the country from the shackles of NTDs.
Kenya has successfully implemented two NTDs Master Plans that led to the elimination of Guinea Worm Disease and the interruption of transmission of Onchocerciasis and Human African Trypanosomiasis.
“The development of the third NTDs Master Plan (2023 – 2027) is a testament to our commitment to build on past progress, address current challenges, and set new targets for NTDs elimination,” said the Cabinet Secretary for Health Susan Nakhumicha.
She said this in a speech delivered by Deputy Director for Health Dr. Sultani Matendechero during the marking of World NTD Day under the theme: Unite. Act. Eliminate in Mombasa.
Kenya targets to transition from disease-specific interventions to an integrated approach, optimizing resources and minimizing duplication of effort in the next five years.
The master plan delineates key strategies, interventions, targets, roles, and responsibilities to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to the prevention, control and elimination of NTDs.
Nakhumicha called on county governments, donors, partners, communities, and individuals to join hands in actualizing the master plan.
NTDs, Nakhumicha stated inflict human suffering and impose a devastating social and economic burden, mostly on the poor and marginalized.
Despite the challenges, she noted that effective tools and interventions exist to control and eliminate NTDs.
In 2018, Kenya achieved the certification of the elimination of Guinea Worm Disease by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“A draft dossier for the certification of the elimination of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) as a public health has been submitted to WHO for certification,” revealed the CS, adding the country is on track to interrupt the transmission of onchocerciasis and eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis and Trachoma.
WHO Country Representative Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo commended the government for its commitment to eradicate targeted NTDs.
“These diseases are “neglected” because they are almost absent from the global health agenda, receive little funding, and are associated with stigma and social exclusion.
They are diseases of neglected populations and perpetuate a cycle of poor educational outcomes and limited professional opportunities,” he said.
Dr. Diallo promised that WHO will continue its technical and financial support to the government to implement its NTD master plan.
He advocated for collaboration at both National and County levels as well as with stakeholders and the community.
“We must all act together to shine a spotlight on NTDs and the suffering they cause and provide comprehensive and universal care for those affected by them. It is our collective responsibility,” said Dr. Diallo.
“This requires that we be innovative and provide access to medicines and diagnostics to those affected. We must integrate health services so that NTDs interventions tackle challenges across sectors like education, agriculture, nutrition, water, animal health, and environmental health,” he added.
Mombasa County Chief Officer for Public Health and Disease Prevention Abdalla Delano said the county is burdened with Lymphatic filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil-transmitted helminthiasis, Dengue fever, and Chikungunya.
Delano underscored the need to strengthen linkages between the health system and communities and prioritization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to end NTDs by 2030.
“We will work with the national government to eradicate NTDs in Mombasa. We also want to advise those who contact the diseases to go to hospitals and obtain treatment, as treatment is free of charge starting today at Port Reitz,” stated Delano.
By Sadik Hassan and Abdulrahman Allui
