According to the WHO, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of 20 health conditions that are mainly prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas. The diseases 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.
The epidemiology of NTDs is complex and often related to environmental conditions. Many of them are vector-borne, have animal reservoirs and are associated with complex life cycles. All these factors make their public-health control challenging. NTDs now represent a great challenge and a global threat to One-Health, with no available vaccines, treatment of NTDs relies on old drugs with potentially severe side effects.
One of the key health priority areas in EPN programs is on Selected Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs). EPN has joined in the journey to eradicate some selected tropical diseases. This first quarter of the year saw EPN hold a meeting with Youth Against NTDs (KYAN), a youth-led movement that ensures sustainable and continuous engagement of stakeholders at County and National level in advocacy efforts on issues NTDs.
The meeting was aimed at discussing possible areas of working together to support regional and global efforts to eliminate NTDs. Research, advocacy and resource mobilization is essential in successfully supporting the battle against NTDs. We call upon our stakeholders and partners to join in this initiative as it is possible to eliminate these diseases and save lives of those that are affected and may not know or have the means to be treated.
EPN and KAYN have continued discussions on possible areas of partnership.
