Health: Togo launches national campaign to combat neglected tropical diseases
Under the leadership of President Faure Gnassingbé, Togo continues its commitment to public health with the launch of the first annual mass treatment campaign against neglected tropical diseases this Tuesday, August 6. This operation, orchestrated by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with international partners such as WHO and USAID, will be conducted nationwide until August 17. The campaign aims to provide preventive care to the population, particularly children exposed to these conditions.
The initiative focuses on distributing essential medications to combat three main diseases: onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and intestinal worms. Children aged 5 to 14 will receive Albendazole for the treatment of intestinal worms, while Praziquantel will be administered to individuals aged 5 and above to treat schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can cause blood in the urine. Additionally, Ivermectin will be distributed to combat onchocerciasis, a severe parasitic disease.
This mass treatment program is part of the health policy focused on the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases, promoted by President Faure Gnassingbé. It reflects a continued commitment to improving the living conditions of Togolese people and preventing the spread of debilitating diseases affecting vulnerable populations.
In 2022, Togo was recognized by WHO for its remarkable efforts in eradicating four of these conditions, attesting to the effectiveness of the health policies implemented. This new campaign reinforces the country’s goal to maintain and extend these public health successes, relying on a preventive approach and strong international collaboration.
