Designed to promote the understanding of health science and related topics, the Umoyo N’kukambirana Radio Programme spared the month of January 2024 to discuss Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Malawi.

Aligned to cast rays of knowledge on Schistosomiasis, Soil-transmitted helminths, Scabies, leprosy, Animal bites and Taeniasis, the programme has been highly decorated by the audience for tackling less prioritised health concerns.

A Ndirande resident, Justin Nyambwali, who keenly follows the Umoyo N’kukambirana radio programme alluded that in general, the programme is the major source of the valid health information required for informed decision-making.

“Umoyo N’kukambirana is key to community and national development  as it helps us to make wise decisions when it comes to our health and wellbeing,” Nyambwali shared.

He emphasised that through the programme serious lessons have been drawn on health costs that result from the Neglected Tropical Diseases, least prioritised in the country and the region at large.

Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW)’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Research Group Head Professor Janelisa Musaya said the fight against NTDs requires synchronised efforts among various stakeholders as NTDs rear a huge social-economic burden in the country and global at large.

“These diseases are dangerous and are associated with huge financial costs because they take time to manifest their signs in humans or animals.. The disease is caused by similar microbes in both animal and human bodies therefore there is a need for harmonised response and control,” Professor Musaya highlighted.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) NTDs cause over 200 thousand deaths annually and they rob developing countries of billions of United States dollars through direct health costs, loss of productivity, and reduced socioeconomic and educational attainment