Ending the neglect: Kenya's fight against tropical diseases
Illnesses such as sleeping sickness, rabies, leprosy, and guinea worm disease continue to affect more than one billion people around the world, especially in the poorest communities.
As the world observes World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day on Thursday, the fight against these diseases is hindered by one persistent issue: insufficient funding.
Despite global awareness, illnesses such as sleeping sickness, rabies, leprosy, and guinea worm disease continue to affect more than one billion people around the world, especially in the poorest communities. These diseases, though preventable and treatable, remain neglected and often overlooked by governments and global health organisations due to a lack of resources and political will.
More To Read
In Kenya, the situation is particularly dire, as the country is endemic to 19 of the 20 NTDs recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Despite substantial efforts to address these diseases, the country struggles with limited resources, threatening the progress that has been made and leaving millions at risk.
On World NTD Day (January 30), Sightsavers recognizes Kenya for its remarkable strides toward trachoma elimination, a success largely attributed to the leadership of the Ministry of Health, the tireless work of health professionals, and the support of local communities.
However, the organisation emphasises that we should not underestimate these achievements. Without continued focus and funding, the risk of millions more suffering from the pain, disability, economic hardship, and stigma caused by NTDs remains high.
The world has just five years left to meet the 2030 target set by the WHO, which aims to reduce the number of people at risk from NTDs by 90% globally. Despite this ambitious goal, one billion people continue to live with these diseases today, making sustained action more urgent than ever.
Kenya has made significant progress, especially in eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. About 90% of the places where trachoma used to be common have reached their goals for eradication. In 48 of the 53 evaluation areas, less than 5% of children now have active infections.
However, a few areas continue to pose challenges, with the persistence and recurrence of the disease requiring a continued, focused effort. In partnership with Sightsavers and other organisations, the Ministry of Health has rolled out digital tools to support mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, ensuring that treatment reaches every individual in these communities. Still, eliminating trachoma in the remaining areas will require coordinated, collective efforts.
"Fighting NTDs in Kenya is not just a health issue—it's a fight for equality. These diseases are called neglected for a reason: they affect the poorest and most vulnerable members of society, deepening the cycle of poverty," Moses Chege, Director of Sightsavers Kenya said.
He emphasises that the WHO's 2030 goals are within reach, but only if global efforts continue to scale up, with governments, organisations, and health workers all playing their parts.
NTDs are not just diseases—they are life-altering conditions that have a profound impact on those who suffer from them. In Turkana West, Napeyok, a 64-year-old woman, was at risk of losing sight in her right eye due to advanced trachoma. After being encouraged by a community member who had previously benefitted from successful surgery, Napeyok underwent an operation to correct the painful eyelash deformity that had been scratching her eye, threatening her vision. Following the surgery, she is no longer in pain and has regained her sight. Napeyok's story is a powerful example of how intervention can restore not only health but also hope.
Globally, there have been significant achievements in the fight against NTDs. The WHO officially recognised Noma as an NTD in 2023, paving the way for increased funding and research. In East Africa, the END Fund stepped in to support the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) after UK funding cuts. In South Sudan, efforts to treat female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) are expanding, providing much-needed help to women and girls affected by the disease. Additionally, GAVI launched a program to provide free post-bite rabies vaccinations in affected countries. The fight against sleeping sickness has seen a remarkable 97% reduction in cases over the last 25 years, thanks to improved treatments and advocacy.
However, the challenges are far from over. Conflict and displacement continue to disrupt healthcare systems, increasing the risk of disease resurgence. In Sudan, kala-azar cases are a serious concern due to malnutrition and displacement. Crisis zones often experience delays in accessing medicine, and some NTDs still lack adequate diagnostic tools. Funding instability poses a significant threat to long-term treatment programs, and social stigma surrounding certain diseases, like noma and FGS, prevents many patients from seeking the care they desperately need.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on governments, global leaders, and local communities to unite in making bold, sustainable investments to eliminate NTDs and end the vicious cycle of disease and poverty that affects 1.5 billion people in the world's most vulnerable regions.
As the fight against NTDs progresses, Sightsavers remains committed to advocating for increased funding, expanding treatment programs, and ensuring that no patient is left behind. The goal of eliminating NTDs by 2030 is an achievable one, but it will require continued collaboration and strong political will. The clock is ticking, and every effort counts in the fight to restore dignity, health, and opportunity to millions of people worldwide.
Top Stories Today
