Story by Lisa Masuku
Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care and its partners has launched a National Master Plan aimed at eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2027.
The plan, which aligns with the Kigali Declaration, outlines the country’s strategy for reducing the burden of NTDs, which are caused by pathogens such as worms, bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Speaking at the launch in Bulawayo, stakeholders emphasised the importance of the milestone in addressing the challenge of NTDs in the country.
“The launch of the master plan is an important milestone in addressing NTDs in the country. It marks a significant step and government’s commitment to promote public health care,” the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Honourable Sleiman Kwidini said.
The plan is the result of extensive research to establish the distribution of NTDs in Zimbabwe, which will inform targeted interventions.
“Zimbabwe has managed to conduct research to find out the distribution of NTDs in line with promoting public health care,” noted National Institute of Health Research director, Professor Nicholas Midzi.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 11 member states have already eliminated at least one NTD.
“As of 2024, 11 member states have managed to eliminate at least one NTD. Togo has eliminated 4 NTDs,” WHO representative Tsitsi Siwela said.
Zimbabwe is endemic to several NTDs, including bilharzia, intestinal worms, elephantiasis, rabies, leprosy among others.
The country is taking a significant step towards combating these diseases with its National Master Plan, which is expected to pave the way for their elimination.
