WHO reviews master plans on neglected diseases

regional and global priorities.
These neglected diseases include roundworms, hookworms, elephantiasis, leprosy and sleeping sickness, among others.
These diseases are usually contrasted with the big three — Aids, malaria and tuberculosis — which normally receive much funding for both control and research.
Speaking at a regional meeting to review the master plans in Harare recently, WHO representative Dr Custodia Mandlhate said there was need to take advantage of the new global momentum towards the control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTD).
She said countries must fully prepare for resources to be availed for NTDs control.
“As countries, we must organise our NTD control programmes in such ways as to attract funding as well as deliver quality results for the populations we serve”, said Dr Mandlhate.
She urged countries to continue lobbying for increased political commitment towards NTDs control.
Dr Mandlhate said countries should take advantage of the presence of the World Bank at the meeting and pay particular attention to discussions and advice on the modalities of accessing funding under the community health systems strengthening window of the World Bank.
Speaking at the same occasion, Inter-Country Support Team (IST) East and Southern Africa (ESA) co-ordinator Dr Oladapo Walker said partnerships were very important in NTDs control and the World Bank was a key partner.
He said NTDs should be integrated in the primary health care approach and the key tool must be integrated disease management.
“The integration will ensure that NTDs are mainstreamed in the health systems of countries,” said Dr Walker.
World Bank official Mr Chris Love-lace said the financial institution had a role to play in health systems strengthening for NTDs and pledged to support countries in implementing their plans.
Countries participating at the meeting include Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania (Mainland and Zanzibar), Zambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
According to WHO, the meeting is the first of two expected in the continent before approval of the master plans.
The second meeting for francophone countries is expected to take place in Ouagadougou in April.