Neglected Tropical Diseases-NTDs Eswatini

Ministry of Health – Neglected Tropical Diseases Program

End-of-Year Message

To Our Valued Stakeholders, Partners, and Communities,

As 2025 comes to a close, the Ministry of Health, through the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Program, extends its sincere appreciation to all who have contributed to advancing public health in Eswatini. This year has been marked by important milestones that strengthen our collective resolve to eliminate NTDs and safeguard the health of our people.

Key Achievements in 2025
- Launch of the National Masterplan 2024–2028, providing a strategic framework to guide NTD elimination efforts over the next five years.
- Launch of the Leprosy Elimination Campaign in health facilities, reinforcing our commitment to early detection, treatment, and stigma reduction.
- Completion of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomiasis (SCH) Impact Assessments, ensuring evidence-based programming and improved targeting of interventions.

Acknowledgement of Contributions
We commend the dedication of health professionals, community volunteers, and partner organizations whose tireless efforts have made these achievements possible. Your commitment continues to ensure that vulnerable populations are reached and that no community is left behind.

Commitment for 2026
The Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to:
- Consolidate gains made in NTD control and elimination.
- Scale up integrated approaches across health programs.
- Strengthen partnerships to mobilize resources and expertise.
- Promote community engagement and ownership of health initiatives.

The Ministry of Health reaffirms its vision of an Eswatini free from the burden of neglected tropical diseases. Together, we shall continue to build a healthier nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

On behalf of the Ministry of Health, we wish all stakeholders, partners, and communities a peaceful festive season and a prosperous New Year.

Issued by

As we wrap up the week, the team was at Kasiko in the Hhohho Region where screening for soil transmitted helminths was conducted

Day 3 the team went to Jubukweni Primary school for impact assessment. These neglected tropical diseases are no longer neglected. The team is effective on the ground to try and deal with it. Remember praziquantel and albendazole are free at all health facilities

Today at Lomveshe Primary School doing health assessment and screening for STH

Impact assessment for STH training scheduled for 10-21 November 2025

Did you know that some pain in the lower abdomen (sinye)in women are a result of untreated schistosomia(bilharzia)