ECOWAS wins award for combating neglected tropical diseases

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been recognised for gains in tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the region. The Leadership Award, courtesy of a body – Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases, was presented during the bloc’s Heads of State Meeting, in Bissau, Guinea Bissau, on Sunday.

The award honoured 10 ECOWAS member states from among 21 others, who had successfully eliminated, at least, one NTD. The recognition followed efforts at continental level to eliminate the diseases.

Development of the Continental Framework and Common Africa Position on NTDs, which acts as a strategic guide in the fight against NTDs, has led to calls for increased national funding, to eliminate the ailments by 2030.

Also recognised were Ghana and Benin Republic. Both countries received the Major Achievement Award for eliminating three NTDs each. NTDs are a group of 20 preventable and treatable diseases that are endemic in 49 African countries, and which affect over a billion people globally. They cause suffering, disability, disfigurement, and are fatal in many cases. They also inflict significant economic damage on individuals and countries, in terms of lost productivity and treatment costs. The African continent accounts for more than a third of the global NTD burden.

President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who is the immediate past Chairman of ECOWAS, commended the region for relentless pursuit of an NTD-free West Africa.

He said: “Across West Africa, we have witnessed the transformative impact of our combined efforts. Through sustained commitment and innovative strategies, we have made substantial strides in reducing the prevalence of NTDs, alleviating human suffering, and promoting a brighter future for our people.”

On his part, Chair of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, noted: “Our vision for Africa is for healthy and well-nourished citizens, free from preventable diseases, including NTDs. The exceptional achievement by ECOWAS showcases relentless efforts to accelerate elimination of NTDs on the continent.”

He, however, added: “As we celebrate these accomplishments, we must redouble our efforts to promote domestic resource mobilisation, enhance integration and further advance the fight.”