of the initiative in advocating stronger international collaboration , surveillance , and research innovation to avoid a similar disastrous response to COVI�-1� . �The next pandemic could very likely be due to a new arbovirus . And given human mobility and urbanisation , the risk of amplification of localised arbovirus outbreaks is real , � she remarked during the initial launch event in March 2022 .
Moreover , the framework emphasises publicprivate partnerships and community mobilisation to reach the NT� road map objective . Additionally , the WHO has expanded its arsenal of operational and global advice tools and regulated several regional and country-level vector control initiatives cultivating multiple sector coordination and local data adaptability in curbing the spread of NT� .
Role of WASH in NTD management �r Maria Neira , �irector of the WHO �epartment of Environment , Climate Change and Health , recently acknowledged the significant link between the Water , Sanitation and Hygiene ( WASH ) framework and NT� elimination , including supplying and promoting clean water and sanitary conditions as part of the road map ’ s recommendation . ��ood hygiene and access to water and sanitation are important in the prevention , care and management of all 20 diseases of poverty that massively impact the health of over one billion people , � she said in an official statement in conjunction with World Water �ay in 2021 . Crosssectoral collaboration is steadily growing with the implementation of community-level measures such as the cleaning of irrigation channels and local awareness campaigns on schistosomiasis . It is also notable that community handwashing and supplying sanitary products , which was initially part of the local NT� programme , has significantly influenced the COVI�-1� response , enabling the local healthcare system to manage NT� and the pandemic simultaneously .
Integrated administration of treatments common to several NTDs Preventive chemotherapy is one of the widely practised interventions that can be applied across multiple NT�s . This procedure was broadly utilised as a safe , single-administration , quality-assured method , benefiting over a billion people worldwide , treating NT�s such as lymphatic filariasis , parasitic worms ’ infections , and onchocerciasis . Integrated strategies for treating NT�s that primarily manifest on the skin include active case detection , management of wounds , lesions and affected limbs , targeted M�A in high endemic areas , and rollout of mobile diagnostic apps to enable quick and real-time exchange of skin lesion images that can lead to prompt medical intervention .
Investments in building country ownership Maintaining competency of NT� programmes depends on constantly modifying the operation models to facilitate country ownership . Coordination among the NT� community by expanding a global
Good hygiene is important to prevent infectious diseases .
collective of NT� collaborators and platforms for advocacy and information sharing is vital in meeting the 2030 target . Such collaboration includes the Neglected Tropical �isease N�O Network ( NNN ) and �niting to Combat NT� , a partnership encompassing industry players , financial donors , trust companies , advocacy groups , and academic institutions .
Maintaining NTD funding NT� road map progress largely relies on continuous financing that enables NT� activities on a state , national , and regional level . Including NT� programmes in a country ’ s health budget is vital to sustaining local NT� care delivery . The border closures and trade disruptions due to COVI�-1� caused an economic slowdown that disrupted NT� programme funding and forced countries to review their spending on NT� care . WHO has prioritised investing in NT� activities that can significantly increase the efficiency of diagnostics , monitoring and evaluation , access and logistics , advocacy , and funding .
Act now , act together and invest in NTDs In light of the progress made in eradicating NT�s in susceptible regions , it is vital that the relevant authorities reverse the setback caused by COVI�-1� in achieving the aims of the 2030 roadmap and ensure the continuation of recent progress . It is also important to expand investments in innovative operations , financial solutions , and cross-sector alliances in order to fulfil the �N Sustainable �evelopment �oals for the eradication of NT�s . n
Preventive chemotherapy is one of the widely practised interventions that can be applied across multiple NTDs .
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