Joy Phumaphi
Executive Secretary, ALMA
Africa accounts for 35% of the global NTDs burden. In recent years, however, it has shown incredible progress with 36 countries eliminating an NTD since 2012.
Ghana eliminated trachoma as a public health problem in 2018 and The Gambia was validated for the same in 2021 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Utilising NTD scorecards
Using the ALMA supported national NTD scorecards for accountability and action, multiple African countries have made progress since their roll out. The NTD scorecard allows the tracking of the performance of priority indicators selected based on country-level NTD strategic plans.
Health providers and ministries have used the scorecards to identify areas that are falling short and barriers to the delivery of health services. Subsequently, they have put in place corrective measures to regain momentum.
The use of the NTDs scorecard has resulted in tangible results for countries such as the Republic of Congo, Niger and Rwanda, helping secure additional funding for NTD programmes allowing the expansion of mass drug administration (MDA) to reach more vulnerable populations.
We must work to build stronger and resilient health systems that ensure equal access to healthcare for all.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Despite these successes, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a slowing in the progress against NTDs. Our health facilities have been overstretched, delivery of commodities has been severely disrupted meanwhile both funding and staff have been reallocated to the fight against COVID-19. All of which has dealt a significant blow to national disease control and management efforts against NTDs.
As Africa strives to recover from the strain the pandemic has placed on our economies and on our health sector, we must work to build stronger and resilient health systems that ensure equal access to healthcare for all. Further, more funding and investment in innovations are essential to safeguard current milestones and foster even greater milestones to beat NTDs.
Renewed impetus to combat NTDs
With the signing of the Kigali Declaration on NTDs approaching, which sets a renewed impetus for the control and elimination of NTDs, greater political commitment is fundamental as Africa aims for targets in line with the current WHO 2021-2030 NTD roadmap.
I am confident that we can achieve these targets in Africa by strengthening political will, ensuring resource commitments from both domestic and international sources, and monitoring progress and taking real-time action to address bottlenecks.