Zambia’s Health Minister Sylvia Masebo told a consultative meeting with stakeholders on the occasion of World Leprosy Day that more than 13 million Zambians are at risk of neglected tropical disease (NTD) infection, especially in deprived areas.
She said simple, safe and low-cost interventions are available and can be provided to affected people as part of the implementation of the NTD and leprosy control programme in the country.
Ms Masebo said the government has deployed all necessary measures to eliminate NTDs, while ensuring availability and accessibility of treatment for the affected population. The development of a master plan on the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2030 roadmap on the elimination of NTDs is among these measures.
In this regard, Ms Masebo called on stakeholders to contribute to the implementation of programmes against NTDs.
Jihan Rmili