The World Health Organization (WHO) has prioritised 17 neglected tropical diseases or NTDs, (http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/en/), a diverse group of parasitic and bacterial infectious ailments that prevail in tropical and subtropical conditions in 149 countries, affecting more than one billion people, costing developing economies billions of dollars every year.

NTDs mainly affect populations living in poverty, posing a devastating obstacle to health and seriously impeding poverty reduction and socioeconomic development. These ailments cause immense human suffering and long-term disability, and are the cause of death for over 500,000 people per year. 

 

At its founding, bwi recognised that control (leading to elimination and eradication), of many arthropod-transmitted NTDs will depend on successful vector control. As such, the Centre, has maintained a strong research focus on key NTD vectors such as tsetse, ticks and mosquitoes. bwi’s research brings together established technologies (e.g. tsetse fly traps), new technologies (repellent collars) and knowledge (e.g. genomics, bioinformatics and geographical information systems – GIS) to improve understanding of vector and disease ecology and dynamics.

A significant example of bwi’s accomplishments in the control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is our involvement in the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Kenya & Tanzania.

 

Furthermore, our approach extended beyond drug distribution, encompassing health education, community mobilization, research, innovation and capacity-building initiatives. We trained community health workers to identify and refer cases, conducted awareness campaigns to dispel myths and misconceptions about NTDs, and empowered communities to take ownership of their health through improved sanitation and hygiene practices.