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Malawi could save K211bn with NTDs scale-up

 

Malawi could gain a lot from investing in the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as it would create $470.9 million (about K211 billion) in increased productivity from 2015 to 2030, a new report by Uniting to Combat NTDs reveals.

Launched on Thursday in London, United Kingdom, the report, entitled Country Leadership and Collaboration on Neglected Tropical Diseases, shows that if countries achieve the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2020 targets for NTDs, healthier citizens would generate an estimated $623 billion in increased productivity between 2015 and 2030. This means for each $1 (about K450) invested in NTD scale-up, affected countries would see productivity gains of $51 from 2015-2020 and $184 for 2021-2030.

Kalilani: I am proud we are leading the way
Kalilani: I am proud we are leading the way

In Malawi alone, this would be worth K211 billion through 2030, says the report.

Government recently endorsed The Addis Ababa NTD Commitment in which 26 ministers of health of NTD-endemic countries promised to increase domestic investment, promote multi-sector approaches, encourage adoption of long-term strategic plans and ensure mutual support of NTD programmes.

Speaking at the launch of the Addis Commitment in Geneva last month, Minister of Health Jean Kalilani said the future of Malawi relies on addressing the causes of poverty and in ending the suffering caused by NTDs.

“I am personally committed to the control and elimination of these diseases in Malawi and am proud that we are leading the way in committing to end these horrific diseases,” said Kalilani.

NTDs are a group of parasitic and bacterial infectious diseases that affect over 1.4 billion of the world’s most impoverished people, including 875 million children.

The 17 NTDs prioritised by WHO are endemic in 149 countries, including Malawi which is one of the 10 countries home to 70 percent of people affected by bilharzia.

 

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