Women in Focus Awards honor work to fight neglected tropical diseases

Uniting to Combat NTDs, a group working to achieve the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases to control or eliminate at least 10 devastating diseases by the end of the decade, hosted the NTD Summit, where four women from Uganda, Nigeria and Yemen received recognition for their achievements in fighting neglected diseases, according to a press release.

The Women in Focus Awards, a prestigious, global initiative, celebrates the vital role women play in combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally. The chosen honorees — Grace Aciro Oyat, Agnes Ochai, Edridah and Dhekra Annuzaili, MD — accepted their awards at a ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland.

“We are thrilled to shine a light on women from all over the world who are making a remarkable impact on tackling neglected tropical diseases.” Wendy Harrison, MPH, PhD, chair of the Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network, said in the press release. “It is an honor to acknowledge Grace, Agnes, Edridah and Dhekra for the inspirational work they are doing in exceptionally challenging circumstances.”

Oyat from Abera Village in the Lamwo District of Uganda received the Inspiration Award for her role in leading health education campaigns and establishing outreach posts that assess children affected by NTDs. With a decade of experience volunteering as a community drug distributor, Oyat gained the trust of her community in treating diseases like onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, and inspired others to volunteer.

Ochai from Nigeria was awarded the Community Champion Award for her work at the community level, specifically for her role in combating onchocerciasis. Ochai suffers from onchocerciasis, a disease highly stigmatized for its depigmentation effects on the skin, and became a community drug distributer to reach out to others at risk of exclusion from the disease.

For her dedication to combat NTDs for over 20 years, Edridah from Kampala, Uganda received the Leadership Award. Edridah, a WHO advisor for Ghana and Eritrea, has helped Uganda introduce an integrated approach to fighting NTDs, and currently works in the Vector Control Division at the Ministry of Health in Uganda.

Annuzaili from Sanaa, Yemen accepted the Exceptional Service Award for her contribution to maternal and child health development, and overall health and nutritional programs across the country. She plays a huge role in supporting Yemen’s National Schistosomiasis Control Program to help control schistosomiasis and intestinal worms. Annuzaili also advises for the U.N., The U.S. Agency for International Development, World Bank and local nongovernmental organizations in Yemen.

Disclosures: Harrison is the chair of the Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network.