Jakarta, Jan. 31 -- Indonesia continues to accelerate efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly leprosy and filariasis, by 2030 through early detection, mass drug administration, and cross-sector collaboration, a health official said.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Ina Agustina Isturini, said that Indonesia has made progress in controlling leprosy and filariasis.

However, several challenges remain, including stigma, late diagnosis, and low public awareness, as well as compliance with treatment, she added.

"Indonesia still ranks third in the world for the number of new leprosy cases, with a total of 12,798 new cases," she pointed out.

The pro...