TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Long, winding road to eliminating neglected tropical diseases

More than 1 million people in Indonesia still suffer from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leprosy, filariasis and snail fever or schistosomiasis.

Alifia Sekar (The Jakarta Post)
Premium
Jakarta
Wed, March 13, 2024

Share This Article

Change Size

Long, winding road to eliminating neglected tropical diseases This photo taken on Jan. 18, 2023, shows former leprosy patient Harto sitting in a wheelchair in front of his house in “kampung kusta“ or leprosy village in Tangerang, as his legs are not strong enough to wear prostheses. In a densely populated neighborhood just outside of Jakarta, a community is fighting to reclaim their dignity and future after battling for decades with stigma and discrimination caused by leprosy, a debilitating yet almost forgotten disease. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)

T

he Health Ministry is urging local authorities to encourage people to maintain a healthy lifestyle and environment amid government efforts to eradicate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), although experts argue that the problem will need more systemic solutions.

There are more than 20 NTDs caused by a variety of pathogens and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences, but they are almost absent from the global health agenda, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The United Nations health body has created a road map to fulfill its aim to prevent or control NTDs by 2030.

More than 1 million people were still infected by such diseases, the ministry’s public health director general Maria Endang Sumiwi said during the World NTDs Day commemoration in Jakarta on March 6.

Indonesia still reports at least eight NTDs, including leprosy, yaws, filariasis and snail fever (schistosomiasis).

In 2023, health authorities reported over 14,000 new cases of leprosy, and in 124 cities and regencies, the disease’s prevalence was more than 1 case per 10,000 people.

Morning Brief

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post's

Thank You

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletter

Although yaws is rarely found in Indonesia, regional health agencies in Maluku and provinces in Papua have reported about 69 new cases this year. Snail fever is found in the Poso and Sigi regencies in Central Sulawesi, Maria added.

to Read Full Story

  • Unlimited access to our web and app content
  • e-Post daily digital newspaper
  • No advertisements, no interruptions
  • Privileged access to our events and programs
  • Subscription to our newsletters
or

Purchase access to this article for

We accept

TJP - Visa
TJP - Mastercard
TJP - GoPay

Redirecting you to payment page

Pay per article

Long, winding road to eliminating neglected tropical diseases

Rp 29,000 / article

1
Create your free account
By proceeding, you consent to the revised Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.
Already have an account?

2
  • Palmerat Barat No. 142-143
  • Central Jakarta
  • DKI Jakarta
  • Indonesia
  • 10270
  • +6283816779933
2
Total Rp 29,000

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.