Network calls for more funding for neglected diseases

African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) has asked African governments to improve their funding for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ARNTD board chair Pauline Mwinzi made the plea in Blantyre on Tuesday during the opening of a three day annual general meeting (AGM).

She said the United Nations (UN) has placed NTDs on its agenda and there is need for both the network and respective governments to ensure enough resources for NTDs research and control.

“The UN has placed NTDs on its agenda because they complement SDGs. Our plea to African governments is that they should increase funding for NTDs,” said Mzinzi.

Goal number three of the SDGs advocates for healthy lives and well-being for all.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, MacPhail Magwira, said although Malawi has an NTDs department, it has insufficient specialised health personnel.

ARNTD is a network of health researchers founded in 2013 with a mission of creating NTDs free Africa. NTDs include elephantiasis, bilharzia and sleeping sickness. n