Nairobi, 10th November 2011– Kenya officially launched the first National Neglected Tropical Diseases Strategic Plan at a colourful ceremony presided over by the Assistant Minister for Public Health and Sanitation, Hon. Dr James Gesami. The country becomes the first in the African Region to launch a Multi- Year (2011-2015) NTD strategic plan aimed at accelerating the control of NTDs in the country.
In his key remarks, the Assistant Minister, Dr Gesami, highlighted the major NTDs in Kenya to include, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthes, Lymphatic Filariasis, Trachoma, Leishmainasis and the Hydatid Disease. "These diseases constitute serious impediment to the socio-economic development and quality of life of affected persons, have enormous burden in terms of disease burden, loss of productivity and the aggravation of poverty and high cost of long term care"
Read WHO's report on the event
