Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called for concerted global efforts to eradicate the seven most neglected tropical diseases, which afflict about one in six people worldwide including 500 million children.

"These diseases together, carry a higher health burden than malaria and tuberculosis and are the most common infections of the world's poor, causing blindness, massive swelling in appendages and limbs, severe malnutrition and anaemia,” he said.'

A statement issued by Mr Frank Agyekum, Spokesperson and Special Aide at the Office of the Former President said Mr Kufuor was speaking at a luncheon hosted by Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and African Union (AU) in Washington DC.

He was formally introduced as the Special Envoy for NTDs.

Mr Kufuor said, controlling NTDs was a major factor in improving health systems and reducing poverty in endemic countries as they were a leading cause of pregnancy complications among women and in lowering school attendance among children as well as worker productivity among adults.

"From food security to economic development and gender equality, l have seen at first hand, the links between health, education, and clean water; and how addressing these vital areas of human development could sustain the development of individuals, communities, and the growth of a nation," he said.

Mrs Amina Ali, AU Ambassador to the US, said the appointment of Mr Kufuor were highlights of his past accomplishments and expressed the hope that "With his leadership, donor governments and developing countries will be able to come together to eliminate NTDs”.

In his new role, President Kufuor will enlighten donor governments on the global NTD burden and the impact of treatment and research as well as encourage them to incorporate their control into existing global health programmes.

Elephantiasis, schistosomiasis, ringworm, whipworm, hookworm, river blindness and trachoma, the seven most neglected NTDs accounts for 90 per cent of the global NTD burden.

Ex President Kufuor had earlier held talks with officials of the United States Agency for International Development where he discussed the need for increased funding for NTDS.

On Friday, he would chair the second biennial High Level Meeting of the Sanitation and Water for All Partnership of which he is the Chairman and hold talks with US Government officials.**