The economic cost of neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have become a significant threat to the economic development of African countries, impacting more people than HIV and malaria combined. These diseases not only affect the health of individuals but also have far-reaching consequences on education outcomes, workforce productivity, and overall economic growth. CNBC Africa recently spoke to Joy Ruwodo, Public Affairs Director at the End Fund, to shed light on the economic costs and solutions to addressing NTDs. Ruwodo highlighted the severe impact of NTDs on children's education outcomes, explaining that a child with a moderate intestinal worm infection can have up to 200 worms in their belly, affecting their cognitive abilities and school attendance. This often leads to poor education outcomes, school dropouts, and ultimately hinders their participation in the economy as adults. Research indicates that African economies could save up to $52 billion by eradicating NTDs, allowing resources to be redirected to more pressing developmental challenges. The End Fund plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources and collaborating with partners to tackle NTDs in 23 African countries, including Rwanda. By working with local health ministries and biomedical centers, the organization facilitates mass drug administrations and secures medication donations from pharmaceutical companies, significantly reducing the treatment costs to as low as 50 US cents per individual per year. Rwanda has emerged as a leader in the fight against NTDs, with President Kagame hosting the Commonwealth Gates of Government Meeting in Malaria and NTD Summit in June. This summit aims to mobilize resources and commitments to meet the targets set by the World Health Organization's NTD roadmap, with the ambitious goal of ending NTDs by 2030. While progress has been made through initiatives like the Kigali Declaration, which emphasizes local ownership and sustainability, challenges remain in garnering sufficient resources from African states. The shift towards developing homegrown solutions and engaging African countries to take a proactive stance in addressing NTDs is essential for achieving the 2030 target. Despite affecting a significant population, NTDs often remain neglected due to their lower mortality rates compared to other diseases like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. However, the long-term benefits of eradicating NTDs far outweigh the costs, enabling African nations to redirect resources towards more critical issues and fostering sustainable economic growth and development.