The WHO’s strategy framework seeks to provide technical guidance to assist the cross-cutting work of different organisations in the fight against skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs).
The WHO launched its strategy against skin NTDs today as part of its 2021-2030 roadmap to control and eliminate these diseases. The roadmap prioritises an integrated approach and mainstreaming skin NTD programmes into national health systems in endemic countries.
Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 is a supplementary roadmap document that will help countries endemic for skin NTDs to effectively combat these diseases.
Half of the 20 existing NTDs are skin related. Combined screening and treatment efforts related to all these diseases can provide a host of benefits. The WHO proposes optimising resources and personnel and enhancing disease surveillance, thus reducing the social stigma and discrimination that people with NTDs face.
Anesvad Foundation: a success story in the fight against skin NTDs
At the launch event for the strategy against skin NTDs, the WHO shared the successful experiences of three organisations: Anesvad Foundation, Fairmed and GAFFI. Iñigo Lasa, General Director of Anesvad, explained our strong commitment to fighting three of these neglected diseases (yaws, Buruli ulcer and leprosy) in a comprehensive way in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin.
Based on our ongoing work, an integrated approach to skin NTDs can also reduce transmission, delays in diagnosis and treatment and thus improve the lives of millions of people.
