DAHW West Africa Regional Annual Conference Concludes in Enugu, Nigeria
The German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association (DAHW) West Africa Regional Annual Conference successfully concluded its five-day program in Enugu, Nigeria, on December 13, 2024. Hosted at Omedel Hotel, the conference brought together participants from Nigeria, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Senegal. With the theme “Building the DAHW West Africa Region for an Effective and Sustainable Local Response” and the call to action to “Move from Words to Action,” the event underscored collective efforts to address neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and champion sustainable health solutions.
Key Highlights
The conference opened with welcome remarks from RedAid Nigeria CEO, Dr. Daniel Egbule, followed by opening remarks from the Regional Representative, Mr. Omar Toure, and DAHW Global Representative, Mrs. Bianca Fliss.
Throughout the week, esteemed presenters shared critical insights, including:
- Dr. Anil Fastenau, Global Health Advisor, on the Zero Leprosy Roadmap emphasizing a future with no leprosy, no stigma, and no new disabilities.
- Dr. Joseph Chukwu, West Africa Health Advisor, on Climate Change and NTDs: Exploring and Exploiting the Interactions.
- Kasang Christa, DAHW Global Research Coordinator, delivering Research: DAHW Global Overview.
- Kristina Poop, DAHW Visibility Team Lead, on Strategic Approaches to Communication and Visibility.
- Linda Ugwu, RedAid Nigeria Safeguarding Focal Person, on safeguarding strategies to ensure inclusive and respectful health initiatives.
The RedAid Nigeria Director of Programs, Dr Charles Nwafor, highlighted the urgent issue of the non-availability of Multidrug Therapy (MDT) for leprosy in Nigeria over the past year. Participants emphasized the need for immediate action and collaboration with government agencies, international partners, and WHO to restore the supply chain and ensure uninterrupted treatment for persons affected by leprosy.
A key moment of the conference was the participation of individuals living with disabilities and those affected by leprosy and Buruli Ulcer, including Precious Henry, Angelic Ugochinyere Okereke, Michael Odama, and Amaka Onyima. Their testimonials highlighted the lived realities of stigma and resilience, reinforcing the importance of inclusive decision-making and program implementation.
On December 12, RAN CEO Dr Daniel Egbule led the visitation to St. Patrick’s Hospital (Mile 4), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State with Mrs. Bianca Fliss, and Dr. Joseph Chukwu, to observe treatment programs and engaged with healthcare. Other participants toured the RedAid Nigeria facility, interacting with staff to understand operational strategies and challenges.
In his closing address, Mr. Omar Toure, DAHW West Africa Regional Representative, emphasized: “The insights and commitments shared this week have strengthened our resolve to address neglected tropical diseases and foster equity and inclusion. Together, we will build a region that leaves no one behind.”
The conference reaffirmed DAHW’s commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable healthcare solutions in the West African region. The shared vision of eliminating NTDs continues to drive partnerships, innovation, and impactful interventions across the region.