GONE Webinar: Malawi’s Strides Towards Elimination of Onchocerciasis

Malawi is nearing the completion of its onchocerciasis elimination efforts, aided by community-driven initiatives and the national expert committee. The upcoming webinar will feature discussions about successful strategies, collaborative lessons from various stakeholders, and the country’s broader goals for NTD eradication by 2030, including past successes against other diseases.

The upcoming webinar titled “GONE Webinar: Malawi – Close to the Finish Line of Eliminating Onchocerciasis” will showcase Malawi’s commendable progress towards eradicating onchocerciasis. The event will present the outcomes of the national onchocerciasis expert committee and the promising preparations for transitioning away from mass drug administration (MDA). Malawi’s Ministry of Health, through consistent community efforts, is poised to evaluate disease interruption in endemic regions. The country aims to eliminate both onchocerciasis and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by the year 2030. Additionally, the webinar will delineate Malawi’s integrated approach to combatting NTDs, which led to the successful elimination of trachoma in 2022, as well as previous victories against leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.

The agenda consists of various key segments: welcome and introductions led by Dr. Didier Bakajika, a Technical Officer at WHO/AFRO/ESPEN; a detailed presentation on Malawi’s progress given by Mr. Laston Sitima, Principal Disease Control Officer; and a roundtable discussion featuring Malawi’s partners sharing valuable lessons that can aid other endemic nations. Notable speakers include Dr. Daniel Boakye from END Fund, Dr. Aïssatou Diawara from GLIDE, and Mrs. Bright Chiwaula, Country Director for Sightsavers in Malawi.

Furthermore, the webinar will facilitate a roundtable involving representatives from neighboring countries, Mozambique and Tanzania, focusing on priority activities to tackle challenges and boost cross-border collaboration on NTD eradication. Participants can engage in a question-and-answer session to promote interactive discussions. The webinar will be accessible in English, French, and Portuguese, broadening its reach and inclusivity. Registration is mandatory to participate, with a confirmation email provided upon registering.

This webinar presents an opportunity to learn about Malawi’s near-completion efforts in eliminating onchocerciasis and other NTDs. Attendees will gain insights into effective strategies and collaborative approaches that can be emulated by other countries facing similar challenges, reinforcing the collective commitment towards global public health milestones by 2030. The sharing of experiences at the event is critical in fostering cross-border cooperation in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

Original Source: www.who.int