September 19, 2024 — Mzambarauni Village, Zanzibar
Today marks a monumental milestone in the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), as GSK donates its 12 billionth dose of medicine to combat lymphatic filariasis (LF) and treat soil-transmitted helminths (STH).
The event hosted by Zanzibar Ministry of Health in collaboration with Uniting to Combat NTDs, Unlimit Health, and Sightsavers and witnessed by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, alongside representatives from GSK, World Health Organization (WHO) and the Gates Foundation, took place in Mzambarauni Village, where the 12 billionth dose was administered to Mzowele Khamisi Juma, a 52-year-old LF patient.
Mzowele, a mother of ten and a farmer, was diagnosed with LF in 2022 after developing lymphedema in her left leg. Since then, she has participated in the mass drug administration (MDA) programme, receiving medicine which she says has helped reduce the swelling. Today, as she received her treatment, Mzowele became a symbol of hope for millions affected by NTDs.
Marcus Perkins
Mzowele Khamisi Juma, a 52-year-old LF patient (pictured right) and her daughter Zuleika Sheha Haji, who serves as her primary caregiver (left)
A Landmark Event in the Fight Against LF and NTDs
The Duchess of Edinburgh, alongside healthcare workers, local officials, and global health leaders, witnessed the momentous donation in a community ceremony that underscored Zanzibar’s commitment to eliminating NTDs. This donation is part of a larger effort by GSK, which has donated medicine since 2000, supporting the treatment of LF in 19 endemic countries and STH across the globe.
"Witnessing this moment has left an indelible mark on us, and we are deeply moved by those we have met who have shared their stories of LF with us, and by the dedication and compassion shown by community health workers, drug-distributors and facility staff who tirelessly provide care to families” said Ms Sabena Solomon Head of Impact Partnerships, Global Health from GSK
The celebration continued with a school visit at Kinuni A Primary School, where key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, GSK leadership, WHO representatives, and key NTD partners such as Unlimit Health, gathered to recognize the importance of partnerships in achieving these milestones. Schoolchildren performed traditional dances, adding to the festive atmosphere, while speakers highlighted the remarkable progress in NTD elimination.
The Human Impact: Mzowele's Story
Mzowele’s story highlights the deeply personal impact of NTDs on individuals and families. Since her diagnosis, she has relied on the support of her daughter, Zuleika Sheha Haji, who serves as her primary caregiver. Zuleika’s devotion to her mother has been essential, but it has also impacted her ability to pursue her own life and career. This reality reflects the broader social and economic toll that NTDs take on communities, particularly in rural areas like Mzambarauni.
Speaking about the community health workers, who distribute the medicines to treatment of Mzowele said, “I feel comforted because they genuinely care for us. It is not like dealing with someone who does not care. They look after us and give us instructing words, so we do not feel troubled.” Mzowele added, she felt hopeful for the future, “Once you follow the doctor's instructions, you find there is no problem.” She continued,
“My hope is that things will be good in the future, that we live well, find comfort, and move on. May these problems decrease. May we receive blessings, may God grant us grace, and may we get the proper treatment and not be mistreated.”
Mzowele shared, that having received treatment and support, she also wanted to also provide help to those in her community who had contracted LF, “I can give advice, telling them to go to the hospital, get tests done, receive medicine, complete the dosage, and take care of their nutrition.”
Speaking at the event was Mr Seif Bakar Shaibu, a community drug distributor, who has been working within his community since the drug donation programme’s inception in 2012. Seif said, “Every day, month after month, those people need the medications, they see their importance, and I gained more strength. I found even more happiness, and to this day, we still have medications.” Seif has witnessed the impact MDA has had to people’s lives, “My hope, especially here in Zanzibar, is that the diseases will be eliminated.” Seif passionately believes in his work, and knows it makes a huge difference,
“I believe that one day it [LF] will be eliminated because the whole world is fighting these diseases. Especially seeing that the entire world is fighting these diseases and also every country that fights these diseases, eventually, little by little, they will be completely eradicated.”
Marcus Perkins
A Call to Action
As global efforts continue, speakers at the event emphasized the need for sustained action and funding. Dr. Isatou Touray, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs , delivered a stirring speech, praising the collaboration between Zanzibar’s Ministry of Health, GSK, Unlimit Health, and local communities. She also called for increased investment in NTD programs to ensure the hard-won progress continues.
“The progress we are celebrating today is not only vital for Zanzibar and Tanzania but is also helping to advance the ambitious goals set out in the WHO NTD Roadmap, as well as the Common Africa Position and Continental Framework,” said Dr. Touray.
“Your efforts are leading the way, inspiring others, and demonstrating that with strong partnerships and dedication, we can achieve the elimination of NTDs.”
Dr Touray concluded,“ We must not stop here. To win the fight against NTDs, we need fresh, innovative ways to secure increased funding and sustain these incredible efforts. These diseases still impact millions of people, holding back communities and their potential, hence the call for effective community engagement. With increased resources, we can ensure treatment reaches everyone who needs it and the progress we’ve made is protected.
"Together, we are not just striving for a Zanzibar or Tanzania free from NTDs. We are laying the foundation for an Africa free from NTDs, ensuring better health and brighter futures for generations to come. Let us continue this journey, united and determined, until we reach our goal.”
The event in Zanzibar serves as a powerful reminder that while significant progress has been made—51 countries have eliminated at least one NTD—continued global commitment is crucial. Through initiatives like the Kigali Declaration on NTDs, which emphasizes country ownership and cross-sectoral collaboration, the global health community is working toward the ambitious targets set in the WHO’s 2030 NTD road map, for 100 countries to have eliminated at least one NTD.
As Zanzibar and the world celebrate the 12 billionth donation of albendazole, the message is clear: together, we can beat NTDs and transform lives.
A Future Free from NTDs
GSK has committed to donating medicines until LF has been eliminated as a public health problem everywhere. This long-term commitment to combating LF, alongside local governments and partners like Unlimit Health, reflects the power of collaboration in global health. The road ahead remains challenging, but with milestones like today’s event, the elimination of NTDs is not just a possibility—it is within reach.
Today’s celebration is a testament to the power of partnerships, the dedication of healthcare workers, and the resilience of individuals like Mzowele, who represent millions of others benefitting from the global effort to eradicate NTDs.
As the day ends, the focus remains on the future—a future where NTDs are a thing of the past, and communities like Mzambarauni can thrive, free from the burden of these diseases.
