Bridging NTD innovation and access gaps in global health
Wellcome CEO John-Arne Røttingen tells Devex why investing in neglected tropical diseases is a smart investment...
Escape the neglect
Inside the fight to eliminate neglected
tropical diseases
Diana Zeyned Alhindawi, Sabrina Dangol, Mansi Midha
Almost entirely preventable and treatable, neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, remain overshadowed on global health and development agendas. But thanks to the leadership of endemic countries, the world is making extraordinary progress in eliminating them.
By understanding the human impact of these diseases, listening to local leaders, and increasing funding and support for NTD programs, we can help millions of people escape the neglect and offer hope for those still at risk or suffering.
Progress in action
A global cohort of governments, donors, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and other partners endorse the London Declaration on NTDs, committing to controlling, eliminating, or eradicating 10 NTDs by 2020.
2012
London Declaration reinvigorates the global fight against NTDs
For the first time, programs to prevent and treat NTDs reach one billion people in a single year thanks to dedicated cross-sector collaboration, pharmaceutical drug donation programs, and strong endemic country leadership.
2016
One billion people reached in a single year
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of people requiring preventive or curative treatment for an NTD is reduced by 600 million, a testament to the power of collaboration, investment, and political will to beat NTDs.
2020
600 million fewer people required treatment to prevent or treat NTDs
During the first-ever Health Day at COP28, global partners pledged $777 million to combat NTDs, including a landmark expansion of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund to eliminate lymphatic filariasis and river blindness in Africa and Yemen by 2030.
2023
Global partners
pledged $777 million to combat NTDs
As of January 2025, 55 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, from 2011-2024 pharmaceutical companies have donated nearly 30 billion treatments, and from 2010-2023 690 million fewer people required preventive or curative treatment. With continued investment, political will, and partnership, we can end NTDs for good.
Today
A future free from NTDs is within reach
Progress is being made in a relatively large number of countries against different diseases.
It shows what is possible.
Albis Francesco Gabrielli, LinkedIn
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Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.