Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to devastate vulnerable communities, trapping them in a cycle of disease, poverty, and stigma. In Gauteng, where marginalized populations in informal settlements and rural areas are most affected, the provincial government is intensifying its efforts to eliminate these diseases.
Today, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Ms. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, led a workshop themed “Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs” at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. This brought together health workers,
experts, and stakeholders to strengthen the province’s fight against NTDs such as Schistosomiasis, Rabies, and Leprosy.
Between 2017 and 2023, Gauteng recorded 2,763 cases of Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), including six deaths. Most of the cases were particularly prevalent in Tshwane District, which accounted for 43% of the total cases. In 2022, the province also reported a case of Leprosy, a disease often thought to have been eradicated but persisting in pockets of marginalised communities.
Speaking at the workshop, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted the importance of addressing these diseases through collaboration and commitment. She said: “NTDs trap vulnerable communities in a vicious cycle of disease and poverty. As Gauteng Health, we are committed to breaking this cycle by intensifying our efforts to raise awareness, improve access to interventions, and strengthen partnerships.”
The workshop provided a platform for key stakeholders to assess the state of NTDs in the province and discuss innovative approaches to tackle these diseases. Presentations included insights on challenges, solutions, and integrating NTD programmes into primary healthcare. The workshp also emphasized the importance of public health education, early detection, and improved reporting mechanisms to combat underreporting, which often leads to an underestimation of the burden of these diseases.
This initiative aligns Gauteng’s response with the World Health Organization’s roadmap and the Sustainable Development Goals, targeting the elimination of NTDs by 2030.