Authors
G Thompson1; L Pfavayi1; T Mduluza2; F Mutapi1; 1 University of Edinburgh, UK; 2 University of Zimbabwe, UK Discussion
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect marginalized and impoverished communities and hinder a country's socio-economic progress. NTDs are closely related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health and poverty reduction. The ultimate goal is to completely eliminate NTDs, which can be accomplished by executing a comprehensive master plan. The objective of this situational analysis was to perform a literature review that reports the occurrence of various NTDs in Zimbabwe and the measures available for controlling them. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, web of science, WHO reports, and grey literature using certain literature terms. Results from individual studies providing an overall prevalence of the NTDs are reported. The prevalence of some NTDs was available from population-based studies conducted in different districts. Zimbabwe is burdened with several NTDs of public health significance, and the routine health information system in Zimbabwe only captures cases that are attended at health facilities. Therefore, there is insufficient knowledge about the prevalence and distribution of most of the suspected NTDs in Zimbabwe. NTDs can be controlled and eliminated through the implementation of five evidence-based strategies, including preventive chemotherapy, innovative and intensified disease management, vector control, veterinary public health measures for zoonotic diseases, and clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. The importance of the masterplan was to outline a comprehensive approach for managing NTDs, including strategies for prevention, treatment, and control. The analysis highlights the need for more research to be conducted on NTDs in Zimbabwe and calls for the implementation of the comprehensive masterplan. 
