THE Department of Health (DOH), with support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will host the fourth national Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) stakeholders forum on June 24-25 at the Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu City.
Around 200 participants from all over the country are expected to attend. Participants will update each other on their contributions and coordinate their efforts and resources for NTD control and elimination.
They will also identify issues and problems, propose resolutions and highlight important steps in the control and elimination of NTDs in their localities.
This year’s theme, “Working hand-in-hand with LGUs (local government units) to eliminate NTDs,” aims to highlight the role of LGUs in the success of promoting public health through control and the elimination of diseases caused by poverty.
NTDs in the Philippines are a threat to public health. These diseases are highly endemic in areas where basic health, water and sanitation needs continue to be an issue.
NTDs can cause blindness, cognitive impairments, limitations in psychomotor development, disfigurement, or even death.
NTDs can be eliminated. DOH provides available, free and safe treatment.
Strategies in implementing treatment of these diseases do not rest in the health sector alone. Successful control and elimination requires collaboration among the LGUs, private organizations, academic and religious institutions, and the media.
The forum is organized by Fairs & More, a subsidiary of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
For inquiries, call Pearl Felongco or Jam Erauda at 412-1194 or email to fairsandmorecebu@gmail.com.