The national government, in collaboration with other African countries, is working towards eliminating six neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) out of the 20 currently identified by 2030.
According to Wycliff Omondi, the Head of the Division of Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases at Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) is focusing on countries most affected by these diseases.
“WHO aims to eliminate at least one of these diseases by 2030. However, the Ministry of Health in Kenya is targeting the elimination of at least four by 2027, including lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), sleeping sickness, trachoma, and onchocerciasis (river blindness),” Omondi stated.
He further noted that misconceptions and cultural beliefs, particularly in Kenya’s coastal regions, have hindered efforts to combat these diseases.
“Many people along the coast associate these diseases with witchcraft, which prevents them from seeking proper medical treatment,” he explained.
The government, in partnership with health organizations, continues to educate communities and promote access to treatment in an effort to eliminate these diseases.