Introduction
On the 30th of January 2025, Rwanda joined the rest of the world to celebrate ‘World Neglected Tropical Diseases and Leprosy Day. The country reviewed its tremendous strides made in curbing the NTDs (Neglected Tropical Diseases) and emphasized holistic approaches towards eliminating them by 2030. With a theme,” Unite, Act and eliminate, this year’s celebration was held in Rurambi marshland located in Mwogo and Juru sectors of Bugesera District of Western province of Rwanda.
The Most Prevalent NTDs in Rwanda
In 20 diseases categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as NTDs, eight of them particularly affect Rwandans. According to data from Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, Leprosy, intestinal worms and Bilharzia(schistosomiasis) are the most prevalent NTDs in Rwanda. Others include podoconiosis, scabies, taeniasis, cysticercosis, rabies from dog bites, and snakebites envenomation.
Causes of NTDs in Rwanda
The main causes of NTDs in the country are attributed to the inadequate allocation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in some marginalized communities. While the country has the ambition to distribute WASH infrastructure, officials point out gaps in Social Behavior Change (SBC), which also undermine adherence to WASH practices. As highlighted, lack of comprehensive education and misconception about NTDs are limitations to their treatment and eradication.
Implications in the Elimination
According to officials, actors and stakeholders in health care pledge to match efforts towards the eradication of NTDs by allocating more WASH facilities, comprehensive education, and mobilization. For instance, Rwanda began the establishment of public latrines at different workplaces including marshlands to protect people from poor sanitation and hygiene-related diseases. Additionally, the country provides deworming tablets to vulnerable communities to treat some worms such as intestinal worms and bilharzia. Sustainably, the country plans to increase the number of health centers and healthcare providers with specialization on NTD treatment.
Conclusion
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is a public health concern that undermines social and economic development of communities in Rwanda. This calls for urgent intervention by concerned stakeholders to put concerted effort in combating them. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that over one million people suffer from NTDs and sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 40 percent.
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