Uniting for Change: Global Experts Gather in Kigali to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases

In a pivotal step towards combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), in partnership with the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) and the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD), hosted the International Conference on NTD Research in Africa (InCORNTD). This groundbreaking three-day event, running from January 20-23, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together over 500 experts from Africa, Europe, and North America.

The conference serves as a crucial platform for collaboration among scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organizations working to share innovative research and devise strategies to eradicate NTDs across the continent.

On behalf of the Honorable Minister of Health, Noella BIGIRIMANA, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), highlighted the severity of NTDs, which impact over 1 in 5 people globally, with more than 40% of this burden concentrated in Africa.

“NTDs are a reflection of inequity,” Bigirimana said, emphasizing that they thrive in impoverished conditions where access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare is limited.

These diseases contribute to chronic malnutrition, cognitive impairments, and hinder access to education. However, she emphasized that there is hope due to advances in research, innovation, and partnerships.

“Today, we stand on the cusp of transformative change,” she stated, noting that the elimination of NTDs is an achievable goal due to the dedicated efforts of researchers and practitioners.

Bigirimana highlighted the significance of collaboration, urging experts to share knowledge and work towards sustainable solutions. She also stressed the importance of aligning research with the needs of affected communities to ensure tangible benefits.

She urged delegates to act boldly and urgently, recognizing that “the time to strengthen our resolve and deepen our commitments is now.”

She reflected on Rwanda’s commitment to eliminating NTDs by 2030, citing the Kigali Declaration on NTDs, which was endorsed during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Rwanda is currently battling nine endemic NTDs, with Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis and Schistosomiasis as the primary targets.

Bigirimana called for increased investment in research and greater multi-sectoral collaboration, urging the adoption of a One Health approach to achieve the WHO NTD Roadmap targets and Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Mosoka Fallah, the Acting Director for the Science and Innovation Directorate at Africa CDC, emphasized the pivotal role of research in tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

He stated, “Research is critical in eliminating NTDs,” highlighting its contribution to reducing premature deaths and advancing treatments for chronic diseases like cancer. Dr. Fallah also pointed out that diseases once considered fatal, such as tuberculosis and malaria, have been nearly eradicated due to research breakthroughs. However, he noted the challenge that NTDs, often affecting the poor, lack sufficient research funding because large pharmaceutical companies focus on profit-driven markets.

He identified that governmental health systems often overlook the needs of the poor until diseases escalate, which leads to structural violence and injustice. Dr. Fallah called for alternative funding for research, emphasizing philanthropy and human-driven contributions to research for NTDs.

Dr. Fallah lauded Rwanda’s efforts, particularly in the context of Marburg and Ebola. He underscored the collaboration between Africa CDC and the Rwanda Ministry of Health in developing treatments like remdesivir and tracking Marburg survivors for potential complications.

He noted that Rwanda’s focus on scientific rigor and target-driven results makes it a model for other African nations, particularly in achieving 97% vaccine coverage during COVID-19.

He concluded that “with realistic targets and a whole-of-government approach, countries like Rwanda can achieve significant health improvements and become centers of excellence for science and innovation in Africa.”

During the event, Dr. Maurice Odiere, a research scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), discussed Kenya’s approach to controlling and eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). He emphasized that Kenya has a comprehensive strategic plan, which prioritizes control efforts and engages various stakeholders.

“Kenya has got a strategic plan, a master plan, just like any other endemic countries,” he noted, highlighting the active role of the Ministry of Health’s Neurotrophic Diseases Division in leading these efforts. Dr. Maurice also mentioned the importance of research and monitoring to track the progress of NTD control worldwide.

He stressed that NTDs are not confined by borders and that global networking is vital for sharing knowledge and strategies.

“NTD doesn’t respect geographical boundaries,” he said. In Kenya, the primary NTDs being targeted are schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and diverticulosis, with other diseases like candidiasis and leishmaniasis also present.

However, Dr. Maurice highlighted significant challenges, including insufficient resources for identifying infected communities, distributing drugs, and encouraging community participation. He advocated for increased domestic funding to reduce dependence on international donors, urging governments to prioritize NTDs in their advocacy and resource allocation efforts.

Dr. Aimable Mbituyumuremyi, Division Manager of Malaria and NTDs at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), highlighted the common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Rwanda, including intestinal worms (STH), schistosomiasis, and podoconiosis.

 He noted, “STH affects around 48% of adults in Rwanda, showing that this is a high burden for Rwanda,” with the nationwide prevalence standing at 41%. To combat these diseases, Rwanda employs mass drug administration, targeting the most affected populations, especially children under 15 and adults in high-burden areas.

Dr. Mbituyumuremyi emphasized the importance of community education and collaboration, saying, “It’s all about behavior, it’s all about sanitation.” He stressed that addressing NTDs requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including local governments, health partners, and community members. “We need to make sure that all stakeholders are on board,” he concluded, recognizing that effective prevention and treatment depend on collective efforts.