Improved diagnostics and medicines a priority for eradicating NTD
Leading the global fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), India is moving to strengthen efforts to eradicate the neglected tropical diseases such as dengue, visceral leishmaniasis (Kala azar), soil-transmitted Helminths, among others that affect millions of Indians every year especially children.
The recently held meeting of experts on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) marked a major step towards accelerating progress in controlling and eliminating NTDs in India. Coming together to launch this strategic drive aimed at the ultimate eradication of NTDs in India were Global Health Progress, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), and International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA).
The launch of this initiative, called “Partnering for Success – Reducing India’s Burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases” was followed up with a landmark report on the current status and action plan to fight NTDs in India. The meeting and subsequent report, are global milestones that emphasized on the partnerships between the Government of India, research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, donors, health professionals and civil society that have contributed technical knowledge, delivery of services and drugs and research funding for NTDs in India.
Anshu Prakash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India said, “India has supported the London Declaration of 2012 and has joined other member nations at the World Health Assembly this year to adopt a resolution for controlling, eliminating and eradicating 17 identified NTDs. The India Government is working with all stakeholders and the community towards meeting these objectives.”
Ranjana Smetacek, Director General for the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India said, “For India to achieve its ambitious NTD goals, we must work with other sectors to ensure communities have access to clean water, sanitation, improved living conditions, vector control and stronger health systems in endemic areas.
Pharmaceutical companies are already doing a lot to prevent and treat NTDs in India and it will be crucial to provide ongoing incentives to ensure production of new tools for the market. We must support R&D through partnerships and provision of funding to find next generation treatments and interventions for neglected diseases.”
Globally, NTDs affect over one billion people, are more prevalent in rural areas and predominantly affect the poorest and most marginalized communities. India has the highest burden of NTDs in the world, and the impact of this is to lock these vulnerable and affected groups into a cycle of poverty and disease. With 58 per cent of leprosy cases, 40 per cent of lymphatic filariasis and 34 per cent of all dengue cases, India shoulders a high burden of several NTDs, which demands sustained attention and action by all stakeholders.
EH News Bureau