WHO AFRO - Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN)

Today at the World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany, it was fantastic to hear Minister Svenja Schulze from Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) launch a new initiative, ‘From Neglect to Action: Invest in Women, Invest in Health’, to accelerate progress in the international fight against Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), with partner Ministry Of Health Malawi. FGS is a hidden disease affecting millions of girls and women in Africa with limited access to safe, clean water. The disease can greatly increase the risk of HIV and cervical cancer, and cause infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth. Despite being easily treated and preventable, FGS is often unrecognised and misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted infection. This means many women and girls with FGS are being given the wrong treatment for their condition and can also experience stigma. This new initiative looks to ensure the diagnosis and treatment of FGS is incorporated into sexual and reproductive health services, whilst raising awareness and mobilising resources for fighting this disease, to ensure that more women and girls can enjoy equal participation in society and lead healthy lives. It is brilliant to see Germany demonstrating their long-standing commitment to #BeatNTDs, amongst partners including World Health Organization, USAID, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Together, we can #UniteActEliminate these diseases for good. As Dr. Gamba Victoria from LVCT HEALTH Kenya said at today’s session: “Schistosomiasis– are we going to end it? Yes!” Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/ej4G8nst

🌍 Did you know that an estimated 55 million African women suffer from Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS)? Despite its significant impact on women’s health, FGS remains a largely underrecognized issue, with many affected women facing barriers to diagnosis and treatment. This disease not only leads to severe complications like pain and infertility but also increases the risk of HIV and other infections. 📢 In response to this silent epidemic, the World Health Organization African Region is working to ensure that women’s health is prioritized in the fight against neglected tropical diseases and more particularly FGS. Read more on : https://lnkd.in/dKSsjvB9 #HealthForAll #EndingNTDs #EndingDiseasesInAfrica

On October 9th and 10th, the ESPEN Steering Committee convened to realign the project’s strategic direction and governance. As we face increasing urgency in supporting WHO AFRO’s efforts against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), this meeting was vital. A significant outcome of our discussions was the endorsement of ESPEN’s third mandate, extending our work through 2030 to align with the ambitious goals set forth in the 2021-2030 NTD Roadmap. The NTD community has indeed come together to reaffirm its commitment to combating these diseases and improving health outcomes for affected populations. To read more about the meeting and our collective efforts, click here : https://lnkd.in/g-ryRTxp

The schsitosomiasis workbook will enable national programmes to effectively target interventions to those that need it, ensuring efficient use of resources.

🌍 A Milestone in Ending NTDs in the region! 🌍 Last week’s World Health Organization African Region investment round marked a significant milestone in our fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTDs). Ministries of Health, international organizations, civil societies, and partners came together with a shared goal: securing sustainable financing to enhance health and well-being for all. We are thrilled to announce the impactful pledges from the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), highlighting the critical role of collaborative support in scaling up our NTD elimination efforts  and achieving long-term success. Let’s keep the momentum going and strive to #EndingDiseasesInAfrica for good! #EndingNTDs #InvestInWHO

Exciting Opportunity Alert! Are you passionate about empowering women in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)? This is your chance to make a difference! The Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme (MMM) is currently seeking mentors to join our mission of promoting leadership and expertise among African women in NTD control. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge, experiences, and guidance with mentees, helping them reach their full potential and drive sustainable change in their communities. Join us to make a significant impact on NTD elimination efforts across Africa. Apply now and be part of something truly transformative! ------------ Opportunité à Ne Pas Manquer ! Vous êtes passionné(e) par l'autonomisation des femmes dans la lutte contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées (MTN) ? Saisissez votre chance maintenant ! Le Programme de Mentorat Mwele Malecela (MMM) recherche actuellement des mentor(e)s pour rejoindre notre mission visant à promouvoir le leadership et l'expertise des femmes africaines dans la lutte contre les MTN. En tant que mentor(e), vous aurez l'opportunité de partager vos connaissances, votre expérience et vos conseils avec les mentorées, les aidant à atteindre leur plein potentiel et à stimuler des changements durables dans leurs communautés. Rejoignez-nous pour avoir un impact significatif sur les efforts d'élimination des MTN à travers l'Afrique. Postulez dès maintenant pour devenir mentor(e) ! -----  Oportunidade Emocionante!   Você é apaixonado/a por capacitar mulheres na luta contra as Doenças Tropicais Negligenciadas (DTNs)? Esta é sua chance de fazer a diferença! O Programa de Mentoria Mwele Malecela (MMM) está atualmente na procura de mentores para se juntarem à nossa missão de promover liderança e expertise entre mulheres africanas no que diz respeito ao controle das DTNs. Como mentor/a você terá a oportunidade de compartilhar seus conhecimentos, experiências e orientações com mentorandas, ajudando-as a alcançar seu pleno potencial e impulsionar mudanças sustentáveis em suas comunidades. Junte-se a nós para fazer um impacto significativo nos esforços de eliminação das DTNs em toda a África. Candidate-se agora para se tornar um mentor/a!

Join us in celebrating Dr Basiliana Emidi, Ph.D., Post-doctoral Researcher, a true leader in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases! As a mentee of the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme, Dr Basiliana's journey showcases the incredible impact of mentorship and the World Health Organization's commitment to women's leadership. Her story is not only a shining example of how mentorship can spark lasting change, but it also honors the legacy of Dr Mwele Malecela and highlights #WHO's dedication to empowering #WomenLeaders across #Africa. 🌍 Curious to learn more about Dr. Basiliana's inspiring journey and the impact of the MMM Programme? Click the link below! #EndingNTDs #EndingDiseasesInAfrica #InvestInWomen for #HealthForAll

🌍 Trachoma, the largest cause of infectious blindness globally, remains a public health crisis in 44 countries, affecting approximately 1.9 million people. Benin and Mali's recent validation by World Health Organization for eliminating trachoma highlights progress in combating neglected tropical diseases. WHO AFRO - Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) support in capacity building and technical assistance plays a crucial role in driving these achievements. Collaboration and concerted efforts are essential to ensure #HealthForAll and alleviate the burden of NTDs. Let's join forces to make a difference! #EndingNTDs #EndingDiseasesInAfrica.

Benin and Mali have been validated by the World Health Organization for eliminating trachoma, a significant milestone in the battle against neglected tropical diseases! This achievement underscores the dedication and collaborative efforts of health authorities, partners, and local communities. Trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, disproportionately affects communities in Africa. The elimination of trachoma in Benin and Mali demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive strategies and interventions recommended by the World Health Organization. ESPEN has been instrumental in supporting countries' efforts to combat trachoma and other NTDs. Through capacity building, technical assistance, and integration of interventions into national health programs, ESPEN continues to drive progress toward the elimination of NTDs in Africa. Learn more about ESPEN's impactful work and how we're driving progress in the fight against NTDs through the ESPEN Portal. Let's continue working together to ensure #HealthForAll and end the burden of NTDs in Africa. #EndingNTDs #EndingDiseasesInAfrica.

Today, we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Dr. Mwele Malecela on what would have been her 61st birthday. Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to #EndingNTDs continue to inspire us all. Join us in honoring her impactful contributions to #EndingDiseasesInAfrica and advocating to #InvestInWomen for #HealthForAll. Dr Mwele’s legacy lives on through nitiatives like the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme, a commitment to supporting female leadership in the fight against NTDs. As we reflect on her remarkable journey, let us renew our commitment to advancing her vision and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against NTDs. Join us in celebrating Dr. Mwele Malecela's life and legacy today, and let her inspiring example guide us as we work towards a healthier, more equitable future for all. American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) The END Fund Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation World Health Organization