Monrovia, 28 October 2016 - The Mano River Union (MRU) Countries - Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, have made a firm commitment to eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the sub-region. This commitment was made at the 9th Annual Conference of the Union organized by the Liberia Ministry of Health and MRU Secretariat with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners. The conference which reviewed progress made in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the four countries was held at Palm Spring Resort, in Monrovia 19th - 21th October, 2016.

Dr Francis Kateh, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief Medical Officer Ministry of Health, Liberia, noted the need to strengthen collaboration in NTD eradication among the participating countries.  He called upon all countries to implement their planned activities in order to achieve the targets set by WHO NTDs Roadmap by 2020. He also informed the meeting about mycetoma, another emerging neglected disease that needs urgent attention. 

The MRU conference was held at a time when member countries have achieved tangible results as indicated in presentations made by country delegations. For example Guinea, and Sierra Leone have carried out Mass Drug Administration for NTDs targeted for elimination. Cote DI’voire has built specialized treatment centers for Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy.

In Liberia, the Ministry of Health with support from WHO and partners, developed a Master Plan for NTDs 2016-2020 intended to strengthen  government and community ownership, and to build  sustainable partnership to enhance program performance at all levels. At the same time, support was provided for NTD Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis in 12 counties reaching 1,785,305 people resulting in a geographical and therapeutic coverage of 99% and 82.6% respectively. In addition, 1,600,000 tablets of Praziquantel and assorted drugs were provided for treatment of Schistosomiasis, Buruli ulcer and Leprosy. The Integrated NTD Case Management Strategy was finalized.

Key highlights at the MRU conference included launch of the “COUNTDOWN program” intended to support interventions to eradicate NTDs.  The NTDs Ambassador for Liberia, Dr Evelyne Kandakai was also installed by Dr Peter S. Coleman, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Health in the Liberian.  While Hon Johnson Toe Chea, Chairman House Standing Committee on Health, Liberia launched the Integrated Case Management Strategy for Liberia.

The conference endorsed 18 recommendations that will enhance the momentum for strong cross boarder NTDs eradication. The key recommendations are integration of NTDs surveillance into the national surveillance systems and establishment of expert advisory committees in the four member countries.

This three days annual conference was attended by over 60 representatives from the four countries including MRU Secretariat, national and international institutions, development partners, NGOs as well I as officials from Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Education. The World Health Organization provided both technical and financial support for the conference. The 10th Mano River Union conference on NTDs will be hosted by Guinea in 2017.

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For more information contact:

Technical: Dr Alex Gasasira, email: %20clementp [at] who.inttarget="_blank"

Communication: Luwaga Liliane, Email: lluwagal [at] who.int