Togo has launched an ambitious national strategy aimed at eliminating several neglected tropical diseases by 2030, reinforcing its position as one of West Africa’s leading public health reformers. The plan was presented in Lomé on Thursday, ahead of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day marked on January 30, and brings together government agencies, international partners and community stakeholders.
The Ministry of Health said the strategy targets diseases that continue to undermine productivity, education and household incomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Among the illnesses prioritised are onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, leprosy and yaws, all of which remain endemic in parts of the country despite years of progress.
Health authorities noted that while these diseases are preventable and treatable, they persist largely because of poverty, limited access to healthcare and gaps in awareness. The new roadmap focuses on expanding preventive treatment, strengthening disease surveillance, improving access to clean water and sanitation, and reinforcing health systems at the community level.
The World Health Organization welcomed the initiative, describing it as a continuation of Togo’s strong leadership in tackling diseases often overlooked on the global health agenda. Dr Mamadou Nouhou, the WHO’s representative in Togo, said the country had consistently demonstrated that elimination was possible with sustained political commitment and coordinated action.
He pointed to Togo’s track record as evidence of what can be achieved. The country has already become the first in the world to eliminate four neglected tropical diseases as public health threats: lymphatic filariasis, African trypanosomiasis, trachoma and dracunculiasis. These achievements have been recognised by the WHO and are frequently cited as a model for other low- and middle-income countries.
Officials stressed that the next phase will be more complex, as remaining diseases are often deeply rooted in social and environmental conditions. Dr Niosike Piham, coordinator of Togo’s national neglected tropical diseases programme, said community engagement would be the defining challenge of the 2030 plan.
According to him, success will depend on mobilising mayors, traditional leaders, religious authorities and other opinion leaders to support awareness campaigns and encourage participation in mass treatment programmes. He noted that without strong local ownership, medical interventions alone would not be sufficient to achieve elimination.
The launch event also marked the start of nationwide activities under this year’s global theme, “Unite, Act to Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases.” The programme was officially opened by Kokou Wotobe, secretary general of the Ministry of Health, who said the government was determined to reduce both the health and economic burden of these diseases over the next five years.
Awareness campaigns, community-based treatments and strengthened monitoring systems are expected to roll out across the country, with support from international partners, including the WHO. Authorities say the 2030 strategy aligns with broader national development goals, linking disease elimination to improved productivity, education outcomes and long-term economic resilience.
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