Using latrines, washing hands and faces with water and soap are key hygiene initiatives crucial in preventing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), says experts.
According to Vincent Ouma, AMREF Health Africa’s in Kenya, Program Manager for NTDs, to eliminate NTD’s providing safe water and sanitation infrastructure (WASH), coupled with hygiene education, can significantly reduce the incidence of these diseases.
“WASH interventions are vital in breaking the transmission cycle of NTDs, many of which thrive in contaminated water sources. Clean water and sanitation facilities disrupt the life cycle of pathogens, preventing infection at its source.
he added that “Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs are more effective when combined with robust WASH initiatives, creating healthier environments and making MDA more impactful and sustainable.”
He was speaking at a Health editors’ breakfast meeting on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) co-hosted by Kenya Editors Guild (KEG)and Ministry of health.
The forum was meant to sensitizing health desk editors on NTDs endemic in Kenya and the importance of highlighting these diseases stories in the media.
Data reveals that 41 percent of Kenyans lack access to clean water, and 71 percent lack basic sanitation, underscoring the need for increased investment in WASH infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable communities where NTDs are endemic. Investing in WASH yields long-term benefits, reducing the need for recurring drug treatments and ensuring community health and well-being.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) represent a diverse group of communicable diseases prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 21 NTDs are recognized globally, including Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Trachoma, and Tungiasis.
In Kenya, over 25 million people live with one or more NTDs, with 18 out of the 20 WHO-listed NTDs being endemic in the country.
The WHO estimates that about 1.65 billion people, including nearly 1 billion children, are affected by NTDs, with 40 percent of the global burden concentrated in Africa, requiring treatment for 580 million individuals. In Kenya, the NTD program, implemented by the Division of Vector Borne (DVB) and NTDs, has achieved significant success over the last decade, including the elimination of Guinea Worm. However, challenges persist, including inadequate government participation, misaligned data repositories, and gaps in the supply chain.
Aida Binale of the Kenya WASH Alliance emphasizes the link between WASH and NTDs, highlighting the continuous spread of NTDs due to inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as behavior change challenges.
“Providing hand washing facilities in schools, health facilities, and households can address WASH deficits in endemic counties,” she said.
The Kenya WASH Alliance collaborates with the Ministry of Health to integrate WASH and NTD initiatives, by ensuring water and sanitation budgets are prioritized and effectively utilized.
While Dr. Mary Amuyunzu Nyamongo, founder of the African Institute for Health and Development, stressed the importance of including NTDs in mainstream health discussions and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) conversations.
She said that leveraging partnerships at both national and county levels is critical for the success of these initiatives. Collaborating with stakeholders like the Ministry of Health, The End Fund programs, and ARISE fund can comprehensively and sustainably address WASH deficiencies, mobilize resources, and support ongoing WASH and SBCC activities
