Rwanda Aims to Eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2030

In a hopeful stride toward better public health, the Government of Rwanda has set its sights on eradicating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by 2030.

The announcement came as Rwanda kicks off a major research conference focused on these diseases, which have long affected communities in both developing and impoverished nations. Through continued research and the introduction of sustainable prevention programs, Rwanda is determined to make substantial progress in the fight against NTDs.

These diseases, often overlooked in the global health conversation, have serious impacts on people’s lives. They disproportionately affect those in vulnerable areas, causing long-term health issues, yet they have remained largely neglected for years. Rwanda is leading the charge to change this narrative, and the recent gathering of health experts is a step in the right direction.

On Monday, January 20, 2025, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) launched the Research Conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa. This gathering, which runs until January 24, 2025, brings together over 500 experts, decision-makers, and partners from across Africa. The conference serves as a critical platform for sharing knowledge and developing strategies to eliminate NTDs from the continent.

Dr. Mbituyumuremyi Aimable, Head of the Malaria and Other Neglected Diseases Department at RBC, highlighted that Rwanda’s most prevalent NTDs are intestinal worms, which affect 48% of adults and 41% of children. “These numbers are concerning,” Dr. Mbituyumuremyi said, stressing the urgency of addressing these health issues. These diseases often lead to malnutrition in children and anemia in pregnant women, further compounding health challenges for vulnerable populations.

Despite these challenges, RBC remains optimistic about the future. Rwanda has already seen success in tackling some NTDs, with Dr. Mbituyumuremyi pointing to the recent eradication of sleeping sickness, a disease caused by the Tse Tse fly. "We have already eliminated some NTDs, and we believe we can do the same with others," he said, demonstrating the country’s commitment to improving public health outcomes.

However, the path to full eradication is not without obstacles. Dr. Mbituyumuremyi acknowledged that not all sectors are yet fully coordinated in the fight against these diseases. Many of these NTDs are linked to poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and inadequate health infrastructure, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that involves multiple sectors working together.

Dr. Masoka Papa Fallah, Deputy Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among African nations to eliminate NTDs. He also underscored the need for continued research into treatments for these diseases, which once claimed countless lives due to a lack of awareness and effective solutions.

As part of the conference, Rwanda shared valuable research findings on the disease of yaws, which affects many people in the Virunga region. With 6,000 reported cases of yaws in Rwanda, the government is focusing on treatment and close monitoring of affected individuals, hoping that sharing this data with other African countries will help combat the disease on a broader scale.

In a remarkable milestone, Rwanda’s commitment to eradicating diseases is evident in the World Health Organization’s 2022 confirmation that Rwanda had eliminated sleeping sickness in humans. Additionally, Rwanda has successfully eradicated six other diseases, including five skin diseases and Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness).

The progress made in Rwanda is a hopeful story for other countries in Africa. Health authorities across the continent are working to tackle the environmental factors that contribute to the spread of NTDs, including unsanitary conditions and contaminated water sources. By improving access to clean water, better sanitation, and increasing awareness, these diseases can be prevented, saving countless lives.

Children, who are often the most vulnerable to these diseases, will benefit the most from these efforts. Each year, millions of children suffer from NTDs, but with continued focus and cooperation, these diseases can be eliminated, allowing future generations to thrive without the burden of these preventable illnesses.

Globally, the World Health Organization identifies 21 neglected tropical diseases, but in Rwanda, the focus remains on intestinal worms, yaws, guinea worm, tapeworm, bilharzia, snake bites, rabies, and leprosy. Through research, collaboration, and community-focused health initiatives, Rwanda is on track to become a model for the eradication of NTDs in Africa and beyond.

As the conference unfolds this week, Rwanda’s success story is a beacon of hope, proving that with determination, collaboration, and innovation, it is possible to eliminate diseases that have long been left behind.