In Tanzania, a quiet revolution is underway. Despite bearing the burden of 15 of the 21 neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, the East African nation has emerged as a global leader, demonstrating how government ownership, innovative partnerships, and community engagement don’t just inch the country closer to elimination targets — it transforms public health outcomes even amid global challenges.
Fatuma Saidi Majogo, 65, was accused of witchcraft. Suffering from trachomatous trichiasis, or TT — a painful form of the eye disease trachoma that starts with mild itchiness and can lead to severe visual impairment — she faced isolation, cut off from work and community life.
Fatuma is one of 103 million people around the world at risk of trachoma, one of the 21 NTDs. In Tanzania, the majority of the nearly 70 million-strong population is at risk of NTDs, with 12.5 million people susceptible to trachoma infections alone.
Despite this, the country has become a leader in sustainable NTD control, providing a blueprint for other endemic countries.
Explore this visual story portraying the government’s control and elimination efforts, and the cross-sector partnerships helping to drive progress at scale.
Visit Escape the Neglect — a series exploring the extraordinary progress that countries are making in eliminating neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, and showcasing promising opportunities to build on recent wins.
This content is produced in partnership with our Escape the Neglect series. Click here to learn more.
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