Now is the time to control and eliminate vector-borne diseases in Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 07 April 2014- The African Union joins the world in commemorating the World Health Day with a renewed call for African countries and partners to prioritise action to control and eliminate vector-borne diseases. The World Health Day in Africa is being celebrated under the theme Now is the time to control and eliminate vector-borne diseases in Africa which resonates with calls for urgent action and aligns with the global campaign theme ‘Vector-borne diseases – small bite, big threat’ which is an urgent reminder for various players of the impact of vector borne diseases Africa’s health and development agenda.

“The African Union Commission urges its Member States to accelerate the implementation of the Continental Framework on Neglected Tropical Diseases” said Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs of the African Union Commission. “I urge our partners to join us in the fight against neglected tropical diseases by committing the needed resources to successfully control and eliminate these diseases” he added.

The African Union at the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government adopted and committed to the implementation of the continental framework on the control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa by 2020. Africa continues to bear the largest burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with about half of the global cases present on the continent. Forty-seven countries in the region are endemic to at least one NTD while thirty-seven of them are co-endemic for at least five of these diseases.

Political commitment to control NTDs on the increase

However despite major challenges, sustained political commitment towards the control and elimination of NTDs in Africa is taking shape. This includes the endorsement of the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases by global leaders, pharmaceutical chief executives and global health organisations. The World Health Assembly has adopted resolutions on NTDs and on the continent the ministers of health of Member States have expressed their commitment to control NTDs and subsequently a global roadmap to control these diseases was developed.

In June 2012 the Accra Urgent Call to Action on NTDs was endorsed by various stakeholders. The call urges Member States to accelerate efforts to eliminate targeted NTDs on the continent. Thirty African countries have as a result of these efforts developed national, multi-year integrated NTDs control and elimination plans. The African Union Commission has continued to advocate for key interventions targeted at ending NTDs in Africa. During the Conference of Africa Ministers of Health the Continental Framework for the Control and Elimination of the NTDs in Africa by 2020 was adopted. Most recently in 2013 in Brazzaville a consultative meeting further expressed the need to accelerate the elimination of NTDs in the region.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of chronic parasitic, viral and bacterial infections whose biggest impact is felt in Africa. Collectively these diseases cause death and disability; mostly in Africa South of Sahara and are a major driver of poverty and underdevelopment. Currently the focus is on 17 major neglected tropical diseases. In recent years NTDs have been on rise affecting the poorest and marginalised people in Africa and particularly over burdening women and girls; shaking communities’ stability and productivity. NTDs have also continued to inhibit the progress towards realising the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in endemic countries in Africa.

For more information, visit http://www.africa-union.org, www.aidswatchafrica.org
For further information contact
Dr Djoudalbaye Benjamin I Senior Health Officer HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria & OID | Social Affairs | African Union Commission I Mobile 251 912 927 834 | E-mail: BenjaminD@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I www.aidswatchafrica.org I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Ms. Carolyne Momanyi I Communication Associate | Social Affairs | African Union Commission I Mobile +251935347223 | E-mail: momanyic@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I www.aidswatchafrica.org I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

About the African Union
The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peacewith itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable,efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/