These are important technical terms for those who work in public health, and they are prominently used in document and discussion that shaped our latest five-year plan. For those not working in the field of public health the terms mentioned above could require some explanation. Here’s a quick introduction to some of the main ideas in our strategy:
We’re moving from preventing disease to elimination
We’ve provided over billion of treatments against parasite infections, most of which are targeted at children, and have helped to prevent the spread of debilitating illness for thousands of patients.
We’re extremely happy with this. However, there’s a lot more that needs to do.
In accordance to the World Health Organization (WHO) road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, we intend to not just combat parasites, but also to eradicate it completely.
There is evidence to suggest that the current treatments for deworming that target children in school age aren’t enough to reach the elimination of parasitic diseases.
That’s why as well as increasing our treatment support to other groups at risk we will also focus on other important factors that contribute to the spread of parasitic diseases, like unsafe water contact, and transmission between animals and human beings.
We advocate for more robust health systems and health equity
A woman extends her hands to show the treatment for the schistosomiasis disease, Praziquantel, in an administration of drugs in mass Pemba, Zanzibar. Credit: Unlimit Health/William Mgobela
You cannot remove parasitic diseases without addressing the causes that continue to increase the possibility of infection.
These ailments are directly related to poverty and lack in health equity. The prevalence of parasitic diseases is high in communities without access to essential services, such as the clean drinking water system and proper sanitation.
This is the reason our new strategy focuses on supporting health systems that can provide the entire range of high-quality health services, which include prevention of transmission of diseases and treatment of, as well as treatment for parasitic diseases and its effects – to all who require them.
Deworming is a fundamental part of our mission
We’ll continue to assist our partners in delivering millions of deworming treatment every year.
We’ll also assist our partners to develop their treatment programs. In order to improve the health of everyone, it is necessary to the expansion of access to parasite treatment for those who are currently disadvantaged such as infants and women who are pregnant, as well as other vulnerable adults.
Additionally, we want to help support efforts that target specific treatment to areas in greatest need which will make treatment and elimination efforts more effective, and their impact more durable.
We are in favor of country ownership
Health workers from the community are educated in Kalanga. Credit: Unlimit Health/Malaika Media
Health services that are accessible and efficient are only possible by ensuring that health system priorities – as well as their funding are set by countries that are endemic, and which are the best positioned to comprehend the requirements and priorities of their population. This is why, accordance with the targets and objectives set out in the Sustainable Development Agenda, and by the WHO the new strategy emphasizes our commitment to ensuring that countries are the owners of health programs. This is why we’ll do everything that we are able to provide our knowledge to the benefit of our
