What We doThe SCI aims to control or eliminate the seven most prevalent NTDs (ascariasis, hookworm infection, trichuriasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma) from sub-Saharan Africa. 500 million people, two-thirds of the total population of Africa, have two or more NTDs and need regular treatment (map – Distribution of NTDs in Africa). In order to realise this aim the SCI assists Ministries of Health in sub-Saharan African countries to develop and expand their existing NTD control programmes into successful National NTD Control Programmes. Furthermore, by presenting an integrated approach to mass drug administration, (simultaneously tackling 7 NTDs), the Ministries of Health have available an affordable and realistic means by which to achieve the goal to eradicate these diseases from their populace. Since 2002 the SCI has been working with governments towards treating and protecting the populations of sub-Saharan African countries from the debilitating and life-threatening consequences of NTDs. By 2007, thanks to funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we have facilitated delivery of approximately 40 million treatments. Treating NTDs is a ‘best buy’ in public health according to The World Health Organization (WHO). Drugs are donated or cheap. SCI needs as little as 25 pence/50¢ per person per year, to facilitate delivery of treatments in Africa. If those poor people living on less than £1/$2 per day in rural areas can be reached with this drug package, they will lead a healthier and more productive life. What better safe and effective “pro-poor” intervention could there be? |