KIGALI, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Health experts and researchers attending the second International Conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases Research in Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, on Tuesday called for effective collaboration and strong investments to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa.

Speaking at the conference's formal opening, Noella Bigirimana, deputy director of the Rwanda Biomedical Center, emphasized the need for multi-sectoral collaboration through a One Health approach to eliminate NTDs.

"I call for strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration through the One Health Approach, which will not only contribute to the elimination of NTDs but also help achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) NTD Roadmap targets, the Sustainable Development Goals, and other continental and global strategic objectives," she said.

John Amuasi, executive director of the African Research Network for NTDs, highlighted that NTDs continue to pose significant threats to rural communities across Africa, perpetuating cycles of poverty and hindering socioeconomic development.

He said that these diseases, often overlooked and underfunded, disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in remote and underserved areas with limited access to basic healthcare, sanitation, and clean water.

Patrick Lammie, director of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach to eliminate NTDs, involving strong collaboration, robust research, and sustained investment. "Collaboration is crucial at all levels, from international partnerships and governmental initiatives to community engagement and local healthcare delivery," he said.

The conference, which brought together over 500 researchers, academics, and policymakers, aimed to explore innovative strategies to bridge the gap between research and implementation. It sought to ensure that knowledge translates into impactful solutions to combat NTDs.

Running from Jan. 20 to 22 under the theme "Partnering to Eliminate NTDs," the conference focuses on showcasing research that enhances NTD program implementation, prioritizing operational research to drive targeted funding and policy action, and fostering partnerships between African researchers and global stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Mosoka Papa Fallah, acting director of Science, Research, and Innovation at the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, commended Africa's progress in eliminating NTDs.

"When a country has a clear target, a dedicated government approach, and robust collaboration mechanisms, we can successfully eliminate these diseases," he said, emphasizing the critical role of national targets, strong governmental leadership, and effective collaboration in achieving elimination goals.

The three-day conference features plenary sessions, technical symposia, breakout discussions, workshops, an innovation lab, and a poster tour. Areas of focus include integrating NTD programs for sustainability, advancing trachoma and onchocerciasis elimination, research on skin-related NTDs like Buruli ulcer and leprosy, a One Health approach for human and animal health, and leveraging geostatistical tools and artificial intelligence for better surveillance and intervention.

NTDs are a diverse group of conditions prevalent in tropical areas, thriving among impoverished communities. Caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, NTDs have devastating health, social, and economic consequences, according to the WHO.

Significant progress has been made over the past decade. The population requiring NTD interventions decreased 31 percent between 2010 and 2023, from 2.19 billion to less than 1.5 billion. By the end of 2024, 54 countries had eliminated at least one NTD, according to the WHO. Enditem

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