However, this disease may vary from one country to another country, but among the fifteen most identified NTDs in the country are; Schistosomiasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, Leprosy, Scabies, Rabies, Snake Bite Envenoming and Fungal Infections.
Inefficient diagnosis and inadequate access to drugs used to be a challenge, leaving most NTD infections untreated. This has also led to catastrophic consequences, triggering high rates of disease spread, disability, and even death.
With great advances made in science especially in the field of pharmacology, most of these ailments no longer pose a threat to humanity.
Also, the accessibility of essential NTD medicines and the strong public-private-partnership, to some extent has changed the dynamics of how people perceived and responded to this disease.
On 31st May 2021, the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly recognised 30th January as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day. It was against this backdrop that the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Programme at the Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners recently observed the Neglected Tropical Disease Day.
The event was set aside to remind communities about the progress made in combating these ancient diseases, while also highlighting the need for more investment to totally eradicate it on the face of the earth. NTDs used to and still pose tremendous challenges to human health as they can create immense pain, disability and even death.
We want to thank the world scientific community for the advances made in producing effective drugs to address some of these ancient diseases.
It is also gratifying to state here that in 2021, The Gambia achieved a significant milestone with the WHO certifying the country for having eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem being the second country in sub-Saharan Africa, after Ghana.
Studies have revealed that NTDs are the varying tropical infections that are prevalent in the low-income and developing countries of Asia, Africa, and America.
Populations most affected by NTDs face problems such as poverty, inadequate sanitation, and living in close proximity to infectious vectors and livestock.
To this end, it is high time communities break away from stigma and discrimination especially against people with these disease conditions.
It is believed that stigma is a great hindrance as those suffering from the diseases feel reluctant to come out, thereby making the treatment process more complex.
Let’s open up and show solidarity with those suffering from these diseases. Together we can eradicate these ailments on the face of the earth.