Inside the fight to eliminate neglected
tropical diseases
Diana Zeyned Alhindawi, Sabrina Dangol, Mansi Midha
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Progress is being made in a relatively large number of countries against different diseases.
It shows what is possible.
Follow us on social media for the latest insights and have your say on the fight to eliminate neglected tropical diseases.
Devex is the media platform for the global development community. A social enterprise, we connect and inform over one million development, health, humanitarian, and sustainability professionals through news, business intelligence, and funding & career opportunities so you can do more good for more people.
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.
