ADDIS ABABA: The inaugural integrated meeting on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) convened in Addis Ababa today emphasized the need for coordinated planning and actions to eliminate the diseases across bordering countries. A historic gathering brought together representatives from Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda to discuss strategies for eradicating NTDs such as dracunculiasis, trachoma, leishmaniasis, and guinea worm disease.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the meeting aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and developing actionable recommendations for future initiatives. A senior advisor to the state minister of health, Lelissa Amanuel, emphasized the critical need for coordinated planning to ensure comprehensive NTDs elimination efforts across borders, leaving no one behind. “We are honored to welcome delegates from our esteemed neighboring nations of Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda to this historic, first-ever integrated NTDs cross-bord
er planning meeting,” he stated. He underscored the urgency of neighboring countries collaborating on a joint plan and taking action to eradicate NTDs in the region.
Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Deputy WHO Representative to Ethiopia, on her part, commended the Ethiopian Ministry of Health for initiating this historic cross-border meeting, which is a crucial role for regional collaboration in accelerating progress towards NTDs elimination. “I commend the Ethiopian Ministry of Health for taking the initiative to convene this historic cross-border meeting, themed ‘United against NTDs in Cross-Border Approaches.’ This gathering of stakeholders from various countries marks a significant step towards strengthening regional collaboration and accelerating progress towards NTD elimination,” Dlamini explained. “Ethiopia shares borders with six countries and faces unique challenges in controlling NTDs, particularly in remote areas where the movement of people and animals can facilitate disease transmission,” she said, noting th
at to halt the spread of NTDs in the region, a collective commitment, joint planning, joint implementation, and data sharing are needed.
The meeting is a testament to the collective commitment to overcoming these challenges through collaboration and coordination, she said. USAID Ethiopia Acting Deputy Mission Director, Jonathan Ross, said the meeting represents not only a partnership between neighboring countries but also demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting the health and well-being of people across the region. NTDs do not recognize borders, Ross said, adding, “To counter this challenge, we must build dedicated partnerships, close collaboration, and coordinated interventions to maximize the impact of NTDs efforts and ensure that no one is left behind.”
The two-day cross-border meeting is expected to come up with a memorandum of understanding which will forge future collaborations.