At symposium in Y’de: Helen Keller Intl country boss calls for engagement to eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The official gave the proposals while addressing health professionals, scientists, policymakers and students in Yaounde. 

This was at the third edition of a symposium on NTDs. It was organised by Helen Keller International. The symposium was organised on the sidelines of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day. The symposium took place Friday, September 19 in Yaounde.

The Day was observed under the theme: “Vigilance, educate, and engage pooling forces for an intelligent fight against NTDs”.

The aim of the symposium, it was said, was to bring together persons involved in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases so as to create a forum for raising awareness and exchanging information, data, and experience in the field of applied research into the fight against the diseases.

Also, in attendance at the symposium were officials from the Ministry of Public Health, MINSANTE, the World Health Organisation, WHO, and the National Unit for the fight against Malaria and NTDs.

Enter Country Director

Speaking during the symposium, Prof Rorbet Mba, called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders. He noted that the application of scientific knowledge, new technologies, and collaboration among healthcare professionals and policymakers, was crucial.

“This symposium serves as a platform for young researchers to explore innovative ideas and develop bold projects that will contribute to our collective efforts in eliminating NTDs,” he said, encouraging participants to network and actively participate in the discussions.

Speaking further, Prof Mba highlighted the critical role of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, particularly SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, in addressing the root causes of NTDs.

The said diseases, the country director said, are often linked to poverty, poor sanitation, and lack of access to clean water, conditions prevalent in rural and marginalised communities.

“We must engage to protect our populations from NTDs and promote healthy practices that can lead to their elimination. Together, we can make significant progress toward a future free from these diseases,” the country director stated.

In line with Cameroon’s national strategy, the country director reaffirmed Helen Keller International's commitment to working with the government to achieve the elimination of NTDs by 2040, if not earlier. 

He commended the Ministry of Public Health for its leadership and pledged continued support in reaching the said ambitious goal.

Participants pledge

Speaking to reporters after the event, one of the participants from the School of Health Science at the Catholic University of Central Africa, Moussa Mahamat, expressed his commitment to applying the knowledge gained.

Mahamat, who has long been involved in community health said the symposium has provided him with new insights.

"This symposium has been a great learning experience," Mahamat said. 

"I now understand more clearly how these diseases are connected to poverty, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare. The knowledge I’ve gained will help me better tackle the problem at the grassroots level," he pledged.

"One of the key takeaways for me is the need for partnerships," Mahamat stated, concluding that: "Whether it’s between local health workers, policymakers, or NGOs, working together is the only way to make real progress”.

For his part, a participant who identified simply as Moussa pledged to use the new insights to enhance awareness campaigns and engage with local communities on a deeper level. 

"The people most affected by these diseases often don’t have access to basic information about prevention. I now feel better equipped to educate them and bring the fight against NTDs closer to home,” he said.

According to a publication by Act to end NTDs, Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs, continue to affect all 200 health districts in Cameroon, primarily impacting the poorest and most vulnerable populations.

Despite the said challenges, the organ says the country has made significant progress, particularly in the elimination of lymphatic filariasis, LF. 

Through effective interventions, mass drug administration, MDA for LF is no longer required in 144 health districts, and 100% of the population previously at risk for LF are now safe from the disease.

According to the publication, Cameroon’s broader efforts to combat NTDs are yielding promising results. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3239 of Tuesday September 24, 2024