The Global Network For Neglected Tropical Diseases Applauds President Obama's Commitment To Help Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases

Main Category: Tropical Diseases
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 07 May 2009 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

The following is a statement from Kari Stoever, Managing Director of the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, on the Obama Administration's Global Health Initiative:

President Obama sent an important message to the world today that the United States is committed to strengthening global health initiatives around the world. This is particularly important in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). For far too long, these devastating, debilitating and deadly diseases have been neglected. The President has said today that under his watch, they will be neglected no more.

NTDs afflict more than 1.4 billion people living on less than $1.25 day. These parasitic and bacterial infections trap their victims in a vicious cycle of poverty and disease. Yet, successful and cost-effective treatments exist to end the suffering. For approximately 50 cents per person, per year, we can treat the seven most common NTDs that account for 90% of the NTD burden. It's why treating NTDs is often referred to as a best buy in public health.

Treating NTDs also strengthens our global health systems. Research shows that NTD control promotes and improves the efficacy of immunizations, vitamin and bed net distribution, and maternal and child health programs. In fact, a three-year, multi-country study found that integrated interventions delivered through the community-directed treatment approach doubled the coverage rate for malaria treatment and bednet usage when combined with treatment for just one NTD, onchocerciasis (river blindness).

The Global Network also salutes President Obama's declaration that "the U.S. global health investment is an important component of the national security 'smart power' strategy, where the power of America's development tools -- especially proven, cost-effective health care initiatives -- can build the capacity of government institutions and reduce the risk of conflict before it gathers strength." In January, Global Network Ambassador and former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and Sabin Vaccine Institute President Dr. Peter Hotez made the case in a scientific journal article for the new Administration to engage in medical diplomacy as a critical piece of its foreign policy agenda. Defining medical diplomacy as "winning the hearts and minds of people in less fortunate areas of the world by exporting medical care, expertise and personnel to those who need it most," Thompson and Hotez stated that strengthening U.S. efforts to eliminate NTDs would help end the cycle of poverty in areas of conflict throughout the globe and promote peace and economic prosperity.

As the last week has reminded us, we may live on a large planet but we are all interconnected. Our nation is at its best when we work to lift our neighbors - whether they live next door or across the globe - up and help them become healthy and productive members of our global society. An investment in NTD control will reap extraordinary dividends in terms of our global health, human rights, economic and national security interests. We thank the President and Secretary of State Clinton for their leadership in helping to end the neglect of NTDs.

Source
Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases

• Additional
• References
• Citations