Celebrating Dr. Matshidiso Moeti’s contributions to the fight against NTDs

As Dr. Matshidiso Moeti concludes her remarkable nine-year tenure as Regional Director of WHO AFRO, Uniting to Combat NTDs proudly celebrates her extraordinary leadership and enduring contributions to the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Dr. Moeti, the first woman to hold this esteemed position, has been a transformative force in global health, leaving an indelible mark on the African continent’s efforts to combat these devastating diseases.

Dr. Moeti's leadership has been instrumental in the creation and success of the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN). Launched in 2016 under her guidance, ESPEN has become a cornerstone of Africa’s NTD elimination strategy. Through her visionary approach, Dr. Moeti mobilized critical resources, forged strong partnerships, and emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making. Her commitment to empowering local health systems and communities has ensured that ESPEN’s impact is both deep and sustainable.

One of Dr. Moeti’s key priorities has been advocating for the health and well-being of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by diseases like lymphatic filariasis and female genital schistosomiasis. She has tirelessly promoted gender equity in health, ensuring that NTD interventions are inclusive and that the voices of women and girls are heard and prioritized in health initiatives across Africa.

Dr. Moeti’s influence extended beyond ESPEN to the broader strategic framework for NTDs in the region. She played a pivotal role in supporting the Kigali Declaration, a landmark commitment to ending NTDs, and was instrumental in her support of the WHO Regional NTD Road Map. This crucial document has guided countries in crafting their National NTD Master Plans, providing a clear path toward the elimination of these diseases. Since its launch in 2015, Dr. Moeti has emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, ensuring that progress continues and that no one is left behind.

Under her tenure, countries in the WHO AFRO region have made significant strides in reducing the burden of NTDs. Thanks to her leadership, the number of people requiring interventions against NTDs has decreased by 18 million, and 19 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD. These achievements are a testament to Dr. Moeti’s unwavering dedication and her ability to inspire and mobilize action across the continent.

As we celebrate Dr. Moeti’s contributions, we recognize that her legacy will continue to inspire the global health community for years to come. Her work has laid a strong foundation for future efforts to eliminate NTDs and improve the lives of millions across Africa. Uniting to Combat NTDs is deeply grateful for her leadership and vision, which have brought us closer to a world where no one suffers from these preventable and treatable diseases.

Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs, Dr Isatou Touray, awarded Dr Moeti the Outstanding Leadership Award, to celebrate the WHO AFRO’s contributions to NTD efforts under the leadership of Dr Moeti as the Regional Director, at the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC74) in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

At RC74, Dr Isatou Touray, presented the Outstanding Leadership award to Dr Moeti saying,

"Many people will, and have already, outlined all of your many achievements over the years, and yes, they are many. But time is short, and we just wanted to state for the record that your leadership has been absolutely instrumental in the struggle to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases. Without that leadership, millions more people on this wonderful continent of ours would be suffering from these debilitating diseases that causes so much pain and hardship and perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty, even though treatments are cost-effective and readily available. Indeed, your leadership has helped over 20 countries from the region eliminate at least one NTD. Such visionary leadership is rare, and we are so grateful for having had you at the helm for the last 10 years to steer the health of the region so well.

Uniting to Combat NTDs thanks you from the bottom of our heart for everything you have done to reduce the NTD burden, and we know that you will continue to champion NTDs into the future. Needless to say, we very much look forward to working with the new Regional Director so as to build on what you have already achieved. And without further ado, it is my pleasure to present to you, on behalf of Uniting to Combat NTDs, a small token of our thanks for everything you have done."