In February 2025, Dire Dawa became a hub of innovation as Ethiopia’s 4th National Research Symposium on NTDs & Malaria brought together local health authorities, academic leaders, international experts, and community advocates. The event sparked lively discussions on tackling neglected tropical diseases through fresh, collaborative ideas.
NALA proudly contributed with two accepted abstracts and impactful presentations. Bisrat Molla, NALA’s program manager, showcased how integrated efforts across health, WASH, and education can ease the NTD burden, while NALA’s project manager Asrat Meleko shared new insights into the seasonal dynamics of freshwater snails and schistosomiasis transmission. Our experts also enriched roundtable discussions, emphasizing the power of collaboration and targeted behavioral change.
This platform provided a unique opportunity to advocate for NALA’s core commitments. Drawing on our experience and deep community engagement, our approach centers on innovative behavioral change strategies that prioritize proactive prevention over reactive treatment. We believe that when diverse stakeholders unite around shared solutions, sustainable public health improvements are within reach.