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Vanuatu strengthens efforts against NTDs

The Vanuatu Ministry of Health joins the global community in marking World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, marked every year on 30 January. It aims to raise awareness and accelerate actions to combat NTDs that continue to affect millions worldwide. This year’s theme highlights the importance of health equity and sustained efforts to eliminate preventable and treatable diseases.

NTDs are a group of 20 diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, often in tropical and subtropical climates. These diseases include yaws, leprosy, soil transmitted helminth, dengue, scabies, trachoma, lymphatic filariasis, noma and others. In Vanuatu, yaws, leprosy, and scabies remain a public health concern, with the Ministry of Health actively working to limit their impact.

Through provincial health offices, the Ministry of Health delivers vital services to prevent, respond to, and eliminate the spread of NTDs. These efforts include health facility treatments and proactive outreach visits by health teams to remote areas. The Ministry’s commitment is to ensure equitable access to care and to empower communities with knowledge to protect themselves from NTDs.

A significant milestone in Vanuatu’s fight against NTDs is the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, achieved in 2016, and trachoma as a public health problem, achieved in 2023. Trachoma, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Repeated infections lead to scarring of the inner eyelid, causing the lashes to turn inward and scratch the cornea, which can result in irreversible blindness if untreated. The elimination of Lymphatic filariasis and trachoma underscores Vanuatu’s commitment to advancing public health and improving quality of life for its citizens.

The Ministry of Health emphasises that NTDs can be prevented and treated through simple, cost-effective measures, including:
•    Improved Hygiene and Sanitation: Regular handwashing with soap, proper disposal of waste, and access to clean water reduce the risk of infection.
•    Mass Drug Administration (MDA): Distribution of medications to entire communities helps prevent and treat certain NTDs.
•    Health Education: Raising awareness about transmission, symptoms, and prevention empowers individuals to take proactive steps.
•    Vector Control: Eliminating breeding sites for disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes, minimizing transmission.
•    Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Prompt medical care prevents complications and reduces transmission.

The Ministry continues to work closely with communities, local health workers, and international partners to combat NTDs and achieve sustainable health outcomes. These collective efforts reflectVanuatu’s dedication to building a healthier, more resilient nation.

The Ministry of Health calls on everyone to play their part in creating awareness about NTDs, supporting prevention efforts, and ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against these diseases.

For more information, please contact:
Marama Jacob Naus
Communications Officer 
Health Promotion Unit
Department of Public Health
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mob.: 7556084
Tel.: 22512

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Port-Vila

Phone: +(678) 22512 / +(678) 33080
VOIP: 2050

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