Malawi: The Deputy Minister of Health in the government of Malawi, Halima Daud MP, presided over the commemoration of World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) Day, which is celebrated all over the world on January 30, 2023.
The 2024 event, which was hosted in Malawi, took place at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe. It was hosted under the theme of ‘Unite, Act and Eliminate’ and was attended by high-level officials of the Ministry of Health.
The commemoration of World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) Day also marked the launch of Malawi’s NTD Master Plan. The officials believe that the programme will help guide in the implementation of interventions aimed at eliminating NTDs by 2030.
The Deputy Minister of Health was also present at the event and spoke of the importance of spreading awareness about tropical diseases. She said Sleeping sickness, Bilharzia, Leprosy as well as Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, are some of the examples of the NTDs prevalent in Malawi.
She then said “the launch of NTDs Master Plan is a demonstration of commitment by the country’s leadership in eliminating NTDs in the country”.
The day commemorating the World NTDs is being celebrated in several countries all over the world
Speaking earlier, World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr Neema Kimambo said NTDs are diseases of inequity and poverty. He believes that tackling them would help strengthen health systems, increase human capital, build resilience in communities, and achieve universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.
The President of Malawi, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, signed the Kigali Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases in London in 2022. The event was hosted during a similar commemoration aimed at eliminating NTD epidemics worldwide.
The health stakeholders of Malawi have shared their appreciation towards the ministry for hosting this significant event. The commemoration will inspire people of the country to get more knowledge about the health concerns.