Dérica Landa, a determined young Angolan, faced a devastating diagnosis of leprosy in 2022. Initially overwhelmed by despair, she found hope and support through the Angolan Ministry of Health. With proper care and treatment, Dérica embarked on a journey of recovery and healing. Today, after a year of treatment, she is completely cured and shared her story of overcoming adversity at the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and Leprosy World Day Symposium, held by the Ministry of Health on January 30, 2024, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Dr. Nzuzi Katondi, WHO expert on NTDs, ''during the last decade, 50 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD'', bringing us closer to the goal of the WHO NTD Roadmap, of 100 countries eliminating at least one NTD by 2030. Emphasizing that "for Angola in particular, we are proud to highlight the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem at the national level in 2005".

"In this context, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Angolan government on this achievement and ongoing to implement the resolutions of the WHO Assemblies, to achieve the targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals," said Dr Katondi.

Dérica's inspiring story is a living testimony to the successes in the fight against NTDs and the commitment of Angola and WHO to promote health and well-being for all, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. Together, we are determined to eliminate these diseases and build a healthier and more equitable future.

Speaking at the solemn opening ceremony, the Secretary of State for Public Health, Dr. Carlos Alberto Pinto de Sousa, stressed that ''the elimination of neglected tropical diseases represents an investment in the quality of healthcare and an opportunity to reduce the cycle of poverty and create a healthier, more prosperous, and resilient society''. Dr Carlos also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of collaboration to promote effective and sustainable actions in the fight against NTDs, which affect 1.7 billion people globally.

Under the slogan ''Unite - Act - Eliminate'', the event was attended by distinguished representatives of the National Directorate of Public Health, health professionals, local organizations, and international partners.