Gauteng Health MEC leads workshop on neglected tropical diseases

Health workers, experts and various stakeholders gathered at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg for a workshop recently, aimed at combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Gauteng.

Themed ‘Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs’, the event focused on addressing diseases such as schistosomiasis, rabies and leprosy, which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities in informal settlements and rural areas.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the province’s response to these diseases, which continue to trap marginalised populations in cycles of poverty and stigma.

Led by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the workshop highlighted alarming statistics.

“Between 2017 and 2023, Gauteng recorded 2 763 cases of schistosomiasis (bilharzia), with Tshwane District accounting for 43% of these cases.

“Six deaths were reported over the period, while 2022 saw a case of leprosy, a disease often believed to have been eradicated.”

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Speaking at the event, Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling these diseases.

“NTDs trap vulnerable communities in a vicious cycle of disease and poverty. As Gauteng Health, we are committed to breaking this cycle by intensifying our efforts to raise awareness, improve access to interventions, and strengthen partnerships,” she said.

The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to evaluate the current state of NTDs in the province and explore solutions.

Presentations included strategies for integrating NTD programmes into primary healthcare, improving early detection, and addressing underreporting, which often leads to an underestimation of the true burden of these diseases.

Public health education was also highlighted as a critical component of the fight against NTDs.

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