Webinar on Malawi’s Progress Toward Eliminating Onchocerciasis

Malawi is nearing a significant milestone in eliminating onchocerciasis, highlighted through a webinar showcasing recent achievements. The session will include key discussions on the country’s health initiatives and cross-border collaborations with neighboring countries. Malawi aims to eliminate onchocerciasis and other NTDs by 2030, sharing insights applicable to other nations.

The upcoming webinar on Malawi will showcase the significant advancements the country has made towards eliminating onchocerciasis. Participants will learn about the recent outcomes from the national onchocerciasis expert committee and preparations for halting mass drug administration (MDA). Thanks to dedicated efforts from the Ministry of Health and community stakeholders in distributing treatments, Malawi is poised to evaluate the interruption of the disease in endemic regions. The nation targets the elimination of onchocerciasis and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by 2030.

The agenda for the webinar includes welcome remarks by Dr. Didier Bakajika from WHO/AFRO/ESPEN, who will discuss Malawi’s progress as it nears a significant public health achievement. Mr. Laston Sitima, Principal Disease Control Officer for NTDs, will provide insights into the country’s journey in combating onchocerciasis. A roundtable discussion will feature key partners analyzing successes in Malawi that can inform strategies in similar endemic nations.

Additionally, neighboring countries Mozambique and Tanzania will join a roundtable to focus on enhancing cross-border collaboration. Keynotes will be shared by Dr. Henis Sitoe from Mozambique and Dr. Clara Jones from Tanzania, addressing priority activities and opportunities to tackle shared challenges. The session will culminate in a question and answer segment, accommodating discussions in English, French, and Portuguese.

Attendees can register for the webinar and will receive a confirmation email with participation details.

The webinar on Malawi’s efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis emphasizes the country’s notable progress and collaborative strategies. It serves as an opportunity for knowledge exchange among health officials from Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, reinforcing the need for integrated approaches to combat NTDs. With aspirations to eliminate these diseases by 2030, Malawi’s model can provide valuable lessons for other endemic countries.

Original Source: www.who.int