Yesterday, on Monday, January 30th, 2023, the celebration of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day took place at the Federal Ministry of Health under the patronage of the Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim. The event was attended by the Qatar Director of the World Health Organization, Namaa Al-Abd, the National Program Director for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Dr. Khaled Abdullah, and the representative from the National Center for Gastrointestinal Diseases, Dr. Hala Mohamed.
Under the theme "Neglected Tropical Diseases: From Neglect to Care," Dr. Haitham Ibrahim emphasized that combating diseases remains a top priority for the ministry, stressing the focus on preventive interventions to combat these diseases.
Namaa Al-Abd highlighted the importance of justice, especially for poorer nations, in eliminating these diseases. She pointed out that neglected tropical diseases affect over a billion people worldwide, most of whom belong to impoverished and marginalized communities.
Dr. Hala Mohamed Hassan, representing the National Center for Gastrointestinal Diseases, presented a paper titled "Schistosomiasis in Sudan." She highlighted that schistosomiasis is a devastating tropical disease causing fatal complications, predominantly affecting younger individuals, and the treatment costs are substantial.
Dr. Hala emphasized the necessity of addressing and controlling these diseases through preventive and therapeutic interventions.
