By Sallieu S. Kanu
The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has acknowledged the Government of Sierra Leone for adopting a strategic, sustainable plan designed to aid the country in its fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone David Reimer commended the achievement stating, “The Government of Sierra Leone has made significant progress to date in fighting neglected tropical diseases. I would like to congratulate the dedication and partnership of everyone engaged in the adoption of this intragovernmental plan. This strategy demonstrates real commitment to ending preventable diseases, and the results of this plan will ultimately help make life better for the people of Sierra Leone.”
The newly adopted sustainability plan emphasizes the Government’s key priorities, strategies, and benchmarks to ensure high-quality health services are available to persons living with or at-risk of NTDs long-term. The Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation led the development of the sustainability plan with support from other government sectors and external stakeholders. Sierra Leone has made significant progress against NTDs by implementing large-scale treatment programs, monitoring disease, and managing chronic morbidities.
USAID has provided support in Sierra Leone to help end four of the most common and burdensome NTDs since 2008.
NTDs are a group of parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases that disproportionately affect people in areas with less financial resources for health or limited access to high-quality health services. The diseases are debilitating, stigmatizing, and can cause life-long disability. Many NTDs are also preventable and treatable with safe and effective interventions to control and ultimately eliminate the disease.