To Africa without "Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)" Partnership between Japan and Africa

• Organizers: Japan's Neglected Tropical Diseases Alliance (JAGntd), Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund)
• Co-sponsored by: Specified Nonprofit Organization DND i Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Specified Nonprofit Corporation SDGs Promise Japan, Uniting to Combat NTDs (UTC)
• Date and time: August 28, 13:00 to 14:30

【Purpose】

Visualize the contribution that Japan has taken to the NTD countermeasures, emphasize the importance of continuing to work on the NTD countermeasures under the framework of TICAD, and work with the international community and African leaders to control the NTD. Call on Japanese officials to take such actions.

【Summary】

At the beginning of the symposium, Dr. Yasuhisa Shiozaki, a member of the House of Representatives (Chairman of the Parliamentary League for the Eradication of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs),) made a statement about Japan's contribution to NTD countermeasures and its advanced role. Therefore, a strong proposal was made that by further promoting the suppression of NTD, it would contribute to the achievement of UHC and the economic growth of Africa. In addition, Shinichi Kitaoka, Chairman of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), stated that it is essential to work on the suppression of NTDs from the idea of human security, which is a pillar of Japan's diplomatic strategy. World Health Organization (WHO) NTD Director Mwele Malecela provides a strategy and concrete roadmap for WHO to control NTDs, and more commitment from Japan is essential to achieve this. Message was issued.

Regarding the contributions Japan has made to NTD countermeasures and future efforts, Kenji Hirayama (Professor, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University) and Haruo Naito (Representative of Eisai Co., Ltd.) Executive Officer and CEO) and Takao Toda (Senior Deputy Director of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)) summarized.

From Mr. Hirayama, Japan was the first in the world to work on selective group treatment and improve the hygienic environment, eradicate schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis, and that experience was utilized in the formulation of the global NTD suppression program. It was stated that there was. According to Mr. Naito, not only Eisai's contribution to the lymphatic filariasis control program, but also various private companies are contributing to the WHO control program, and that efforts are responsible until the disease is controlled. It was stated that it could be continued. From Mr. Toda, it is necessary to be involved in the long term in order to control the NTDs, and a people-centered approach, including human resource development, which the Japanese government has been focusing on so far, will become more important. Was emphasized.

Monique Wasunna, director of DND i Africa, reported on how the suppression program is actually underway in Africa. In recent years, Togo and Ethiopia have succeeded in controlling lymphatic filariasis for the first time on the African continent. Ghana was also the first sub-Saharan African country to eradicate trachoma. Treatment of NTDs is becoming more accessible to more people, not just in these countries, but in other countries as well, reducing the risk of infection. In recent years, the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents for leishmaniasis and African sleeping sickness, which are indispensable for suppression programs, has progressed, and the development of therapeutic agents for mycetoma has also made great progress.

Finally, Mr. Washimi, Director of the International Health Policy Office, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Christopher Elias, President of the International Development Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will discuss how Japan and the international community will be involved in controlling NTD. I took the stage. Mr. Washimi promised the Japanese government's commitment to control the NTD and stated that the GHIT fund could play an extremely important role as a mechanism to utilize Japan's medical technology and R & D capabilities. Elias said that the achievements so far have been made possible by the efforts of the African countries involved, the Japanese, American and British countries that support them, and the active efforts of the private sector such as pharmaceutical companies and the international community. I gave my opinion.

We believe that TICAD 7 is the best place to connect African countries with partners around the world and discuss measures related to NTDs, and further to promote its suppression toward the target 2030 set by WHO in the future. It was confirmed throughout the venue that efforts were needed.