​Programme Director Esteemed colleagues Distinguished guests, and dedicated advocates Ladies and Gentlemen Good morning It is with great honour and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today at this annual commemoration of Neglected Tropical Diseases. 

This gathering is not just a meeting of minds but a confluence of determination, compassion, and commitment towards a cause that, despite its critical importance, often remains in the shadows of global health priorities. Let me express my deepest gratitude to each one of you. Your presence here today is a powerful statement, it speaks of your dedication to fighting these diseases and your commitment to the millions whose lives are overshadowed by them. Neglected Tropical Diseases, as the name implies, are a group of diseases that have long been overlooked yet continue to affect over a billion people, primarily in the poorest and most marginalized communities of the world. These diseases, ranging from leprosy to river blindness, from Chagas to dengue are not just health issues. They are also strong symbols of societal inequities, thriving where poverty, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to healthcare prevail. The impact of NTDs is profound and far-reaching, extending beyond health implications to hinder educational opportunities, economic stability, and the overall development of affected communities. These diseases, often rooted in the very fabric of the communities they afflict, present a complex challenge. They are intertwined with cultural, economic, and environmental factors, making their eradication not just a medical quest but a fight against the very factors that perpetuate poverty and inequality. The burden of NTDs is not merely measured in terms of health metrics but also in lost potential, diminished productivity, and the perpetuation of cycles of poverty that grip the most vulnerable sections of our global family. Yet, despite these challenges, the fight against NTDs has been a beacon of hope and innovation. Our gathering here is a testament to the resilience and dedication of countless individuals and organizations who have chosen to stand in the gap, advocating for the neglected and the voiceless. Your efforts have illuminated the plight of those affected by these diseases, bringing their struggles to the forefront of global health discussions. 2 Ladies and Gentlemen, In South Africa, the threat posed by rabies, primarily transmitted by domestic dogs, is starkly evident with a 100% fatality rate in confirmed human cases. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for immediate medical attention following any dog bite. Addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3.3, which focuses on ending epidemics and NTDs. Success in combating NTDs also contributes significantly to other SDGs, including ending hunger (SDG 2) and poverty (SDG 1). The World Health Organization's 2020-2030 roadmap for NTDs advocates a shift from disease-specific programs to integrated approaches, aiming to alleviate poverty and support Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This strategy emphasizes community engagement and ownership in tackling NTDs. Key global targets for NTDs by 2030 include reducing the number of people needing treatment by 90%, cutting disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by 75%, and eliminating at least one NTD in 100 countries. To meet these targets, South Africa is implementing strategic interventions as recommended by WHO: I. Innovative and Intensified Disease Management: • Ensuring testing and treatment for all suspected NTD cases in our facilities. • Regular training and refresher courses for healthcare professionals on NTDs. • Maintaining a sufficient drug supply for treating NTDs. • Partnering with the National Health Laboratory Services for comprehensive testing. II. Preventive Chemotherapy: • Implementing de-worming programs in healthcare facilities and schools, with parental consent for student participation. • Rolling out mass drug administration in high-risk communities across all provinces. III. Veterinary Public Health: • Collaborating with agricultural sectors on zoonotic diseases like rabies. • Annual dog and cat vaccinations during World Rabies Month (September). • Conducting rabies awareness campaigns and utilizing mass media for broader outreach. 3 These concerted efforts are vital for controlling, eliminating, and eventually eradicating NTDs in South Africa, contributing to global health and well-being. Ladies and gentlemen, Today, as we focus on the healthcare challenges and achievements in Diepsloot, it's crucial to recognize the efforts and the path ahead in enhancing healthcare services in this area. Diepsloot is served by two government health facilities, including the OR Tambo Community Health Centre. However, these facilities are grappling with a significant staff shortage across various categories, leading to numerous community complaints. This shortage not only affects the quality of healthcare delivery but also impacts the staff's morale and attitude at these clinics. The community has voiced their concerns about poor service delivery, which urgently needs to be addressed. One major issue raised by the community is the limited operating hours of health facilities. There is a strong need for extended hours, particularly over weekends, to accommodate chronic patients needing to collect medication. This change could significantly improve healthcare access for many residents. Another critical concern is the absence of a nearby hospital. The closest facility, Helen Joseph Hospital, is 32 kilometres away, posing a considerable challenge for many. The community strongly feels the need for a district hospital in the northern township. At the OR Tambo health facility, there is a need for full-time dental, eye care, and psychological services. Additionally, the non-functional X-ray machine, which has been out of service for three years, urgently requires repair. The community has also expressed the need for shading structures at health facilities to protect patients from harsh weather while waiting for services. Moreover, consistent water availability at these facilities is crucial, as the lack of water affects basic amenities like toilets and drinking water, especially given the long hours patients spend at these facilities. Residents of Diepsloot extensions 12 and 13 have raised concerns about potential water contamination from communal taps, necessitating immediate attention to ensure safe and clean water. Furthermore, the Riverside view community urgently requires a primary healthcare clinic. Currently, they rely on a mobile clinic that visits only twice a week, which is insufficient for their healthcare needs. The clinics in Diepsloot are also facing issues of overcrowding, leading to long queues and increased complaints. This situation calls for a strategic approach to healthcare management to alleviate the burden on these facilities. 4 On a positive note, the community of Diepsloot has expressed gratitude towards the Department of Health for initiating the Forensic Project. This project is particularly significant in light of the high rates of gender-based violence in the community, exacerbated by unemployment and poverty. The Forensic Project represents a critical step in addressing these issues and providing support to the victims. As the Gauteng Department of Health, we call on our communities to prevent the spread of NTDs through improved hygiene practices, such as washing hands and fruits and vegetables before eating. We also urge communities to take their dogs for vaccination at their nearest veterinary public health facilities and seek immediate medical attention if bitten by dogs, cats, jackals, and others. We call upon the private sector and businesses to support the fight against NTDs. Private-public partnerships are key to making progress in controlling and eliminating NTDs. We also call upon our sister departments, NGOs, donors, and implementing partners to support the work of the province in fighting NTDs. In conclusion, while we acknowledge the steps taken, particularly with the Forensic Project, it is evident that there is much work to be done in Diepsloot. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including government departments, healthcare professionals, and the community. Together, we can strive towards a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all residents of Diepsloot. Thank you