Meet some of the inspiring individuals who attended the ‘Affected Voices’ conference in Bindura, Zimbabwe.

This groundbreaking event, organized by TIBA (Tackling Infections for the Benefit of Africa), is the first of its kind since the Kigali Declaration on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The declaration emphasizes that those affected by NTDs should be at the forefront of NTD programs and decision-making processes.

Here, we share the powerful stories of those who have lived with NTDs, their struggles in accessing care, and their dreams of a world without these diseases. These narratives are a vital part of the ongoing global campaign to eliminate and eradicate NTDs, amplifying the voices of those who have endured these challenges first-hand.

Emelia from Mupfure area of Zimbabwe, shares her story of bilharzia and how accessing treatment and medication changed her life.

Silvanus from Tanzania tells his story of schistosomiasis, how it affected his life and his work, but also how he received treatment and the Drs who fought for him.

Martha, who lives in Harare, shares her story of how a routine visit to the doctor for painkillers alerted her to historic bilharzia damage.

Tafadzwa Banda is from the Shamva District in Bindura in Zimbabwe. She shared her story of how living with lymphatic filariasis changed her life.

Rosemary Makarutse, from Madziva Nyamaropa in Zimbabwe, shares her story of getting bitten by a snake and her road to receiving treatment.

Catherine Kapaira from Sangoramambo Village in Zimbabwe shares the story of her daughter, who was bitten by a snake.