Local Leadership Driving NTD Elimination in Africa
By Yacine Djibo, Executive Director, Speak Up Africa
For decades, global donors and development institutions have played a significant role in shaping the agenda for Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) elimination. However, a notable shift is occurring as African leaders, communities, and advocates are taking bold, locally driven initiatives to eradicate these diseases on the continent.
Africa bears 40% of the global burden of NTDs, a group of 20 infectious diseases that thrive in regions with poor sanitation, unsafe water, and limited healthcare access. The added challenge of climate change, with rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, further exacerbates the risk of disease transmission. This convergence of health, climate, and development issues underscores the urgency of addressing NTDs.
NTDs inflict significant suffering, leading to physical and cognitive disabilities, social stigma, and economic hardships. Trachoma remains the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, while Schistosomiasis can result in female genital diseases and infertility, perpetuating cycles of poverty, particularly among women and children.
Despite the formidable challenges, there are promising signs of progress. Several African governments are starting to prioritize NTDs, and community-driven efforts are gaining traction. While local leadership is not yet pervasive across the board, it is steadily gaining momentum and becoming more organized. The transition towards greater national ownership is underway, although sustained efforts are needed to expand and sustain it.
A new cadre of champions is emerging, encompassing women’s rights advocates, youth leaders, healthcare professionals, journalists, athletes, and artists. Their voices are reshaping the narrative around NTDs by emphasizing lived experiences and community-driven solutions in response strategies.
At Speak Up Africa, we firmly believe that meaningful change must originate from within. Through collaboration with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), we have invested in empowering these champions to influence policy, mobilize resources, and catalyze enduring national movements to combat NTDs.
Local Leadership for Local Impact
In countries such as Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Senegal, national champion networks supported by Speak Up Africa and CIFF are showcasing the effectiveness of locally led advocacy. Comprising youth leaders, parliamentarians, journalists, artists, healthcare professionals, and private sector stakeholders, these champions are instrumental in elevating NTDs on national agendas.
In Senegal, champions collaborated with parliamentarians to raise the profile of NTDs in legislative discussions. In Burkina Faso, a public commitment by the Minister of Health to boost domestic funding marked a significant milestone. In Ethiopia, champions played a pivotal role in shaping a national research symposium and partnering with government communication teams to amplify public messaging. In Kenya, youth advocates revitalized the Kenya Youth Against NTDs network and engaged county officials to advance policy dialogue and local investments.
Strategic communication efforts have amplified their impact, with over 20 public declarations issued and coordinated media outreach reaching over 40,000 individuals, including coverage on national television and published articles. Collectively, these initiatives are reshaping both perceptions and policies.
Youth engagement has injected fresh energy into the movement. In Kenya, the World NTD Cup utilized football to promote health education and community awareness, garnering support from the Cabinet Secretary for Health. In Senegal, a collaboration with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) led to the establishment of the Young NTD Champions Club, empowering young athletes to assume leadership roles in advocacy.
These examples transcend isolated triumphs; they signify a broader shift towards national ownership, where local champions are generating momentum that transcends individual campaigns.
Why Local Action is Essential
While NTDs may be deemed “neglected,” our response must never be. The progress we are witnessing underscores that with the right voices, structures, and support, the eradication of NTDs is within reach. However, we must remain steadfast and accelerate our efforts.
We need consistent allocation and protection of funding for NTD interventions, including mass drug administration, disability services, and vector control, in national health budgets. Integration of NTDs into climate adaptation plans, particularly in water protection and sanitation infrastructure, is imperative. Regionally, harmonization of procurement policies for swift movement of medicines and diagnostics to where they are needed is crucial. Moreover, public-private partnerships must form a cornerstone of our strategies to scale impact.
Our champions, brave, dedicated, and deeply connected to their communities, are at the forefront of this movement. Their narratives are reshaping perceptions, their actions are mobilizing resources, and their leadership is redefining what is achievable.
Together, we are committed to eliminating NTDs in Africa.
