DOH continues fight vs neglected tropical diseases, sets forum

THE Department of Health, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), continues the fight to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the Philippines by actively involving different stakeholders all over the country.

Around 200 stakeholders from international and local foundations supporting health-related programs will gather on Aug. 28 and 29 at the Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu City during the “Second National Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Stakeholders’ Forum”.

The forum aims to strengthen partnerships and seal commitment of stakeholders as a follow through of the pledge they gave during the first national meeting held last year in Davao City.

Stakeholders will also give updates on their contributions and synchronize their initiatives to collectively eliminate NTDs especially in provinces that are badly affected.

NTDs are a threat to public health, but they can be eliminated through available, free and safe treatment provided by the DOH.

Strategies in implementing treatment of NTDs do not rest on the health sector alone. Successful control and elimination requires collaboration among the health sector, partners and stakeholders who are as committed as the DOH in reducing the suffering caused by these diseases.

NTDs are a diverse group of 17 diseases damaging the lives of more than a billion people worldwide, affecting mostly the poorest communities.

Infections with NTDs may cause blindness, cognitive impairments, and limitations in psychomotor development, disfigurement and even death if left untreated. Those affected lose the ability to work and take part in social activities, thereby affecting their families and the communities where they live.

In the Philippines, there are six identified NTDs, namely: lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, food and waterborne diseases, leprosy and rabies.

The forum, organized by Funxions First, is free of charge.

For more information, call Rosemel Calderon or Farrah Tonacao at 4174042 or e-mail at [email protected].