Today, March 8, 2010 marks International Women’s Day, a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. This years’ theme “Equal rights, Equal opportunities,” is a stark reminder of the unfinished agenda of giving women their rightful place at the table. So as we reflect and commemorate this important day, we should take a critical look ahead at the opportunities that await future generations of women, opportunities to give women an equal voice and choice.
Interventions focused on neglected tropical disease (NTD) control and elimination could offer an opportunity for improving the health and rights of girls and women in the poorest countries of world. In his paper, Empowering Women and Improving Female Reproductive Health through Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases , Dr. Peter Hotez explains the devastating effects that NTDs have on women and girls in developing countries, by impairing reproductive health, increasing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and promoting stigma and gender inequality.
The suffering that women and girls infected with NTDS is reflected best in the words of WHO Director-General who said “imagine the impact when a young woman with leprosy is told she can be fully cured, can marry, have children, and will not infect others. Just imagine the impact”
So today, as we recognize the incredible women of the world who, despite all odds, have overcome many obstacles to make it possible for us to celebrate this day, let us also use it as a call to action. We’re keeping our eyes locked on the future, when NTDs and other diseases that perpetuate gender inequality will be nothing but a thing of the past.
