BY STAFF
Remember to improve your hygiene practices and wash your fruits and vegetables. That’s the message from Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. She was in Diepsloot raising awareness and educating the community of Diepsloot about the Neglected Tropical Diseases [NTDs] as part of observing World Neglected Tropical Disease Day, which is observed on the 30th of January every year.
Neglected Tropical Diseases [NTDs] continue to thrive where poverty, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to healthcare prevail, exposing existing societal inequalities. MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized the need for collective efforts in the fight against NTDs.
“It is important to understand that the fight against NTDs is not only a medical quest but also a battle against the factors that perpetuate poverty and inequality. These diseases are often rooted in the very fabric of the communities they afflict, and their impact extends far beyond health implications, which present a complex challenge.” Said the MEC.
She pleaded with communities, including Diepsloot, the private sector, NGOs, donors, implementing partners, and businesses, to support the fight against NTDs. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko added that private-public partnerships are a key to making progress in controlling and eliminating NTDs.
Furthermore, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted that addressing NTDs is crucial for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]. Particularly SDG 3.3 which focuses on ending epidemics and NTDs. In addition, the MEC called upon the communities to prevent the spread of NTDs through improved hygiene practices, such as washing hands, fruits, and vegetables before eating.