Potential for integrated control of neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, endemic for many neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The Ministry of Health is successfully controlling onchocerciasis through community-directed treatment with ivermectin and has implemented health system changes that would allow extension of integrated NTD control to schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and trachoma. Funds are now needed to gain a better understanding of the endemicity and co-endemicity of these diseases and to formulate and pilot integrated packages for mass drug administration (MDA). Based on the experience gained, MDA may then be scaled-up to all NTD-endemic areas.