News

Vietnam has eliminated blinding trachoma as a public health problem. The World Health Organization announced the news. Continue Reading Vietnam Eliminates Blinding Trachoma

This World Sight Day, we are bringing attention to the leading infectious causes of blindness: river blindness and trachoma. People living in areas where these diseases persist—where health services and adequate water and sanitation are often limited—face a higher risk of infection. Continue Reading Preserving Sight: Ending River Blindness and Trachoma

WHO Prequalifies First-Ever Chewable Albendazole, Advancing Global Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases In an achievement for global health, India-based Mepro Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for its generic chewable Albendazole 400 mg tablets, marking the first time this formulation has met the WHO’s rigorous standards. This pivotal milestone enhances the global supply of a critical medicine used to combat soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and lymphatic filariasis (LF), two neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that afflict some of the world's most vulnerable populations. Albendazole is a vital anthelmintic medication, effectively treating infections caused by a range of parasitic worms. These infections primarily affect children in settings with less access to health services and with inadequate sanitation, and can lead to malnutrition, impaired cognitive development, and severe illness. Soil-transmitted helminths alone infect more than 1.5 billion¹ people worldwide, while lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, threatens nearly 900 million people across 44 countries². The introduction of the chewable Albendazole tablet offers an easier-to-administer option, particularly for

Over the years—to better align with global, regional, and national policies that emphasize equity, access, and effective services for people at risk of or living with any NTD—USAID’s Program has expanded its strategy. Continue Reading New Resource: Ending ALL NTDs—USAID’s approach to partnering with governments

The Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) is a multi-donor-funded research consortium designed to support operational research to improve the effectiveness of NTD programs. Continue Reading 10 Years of Learning & Achievements through COR-NTD

USAID’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Division is pleased to announce the ‘Ending Tropical Diseases through Operational Research’ (ENDOR) award. Continue Reading Announcing the ENDOR Award

New USAID-supported research is revolutionizing schistosomiasis treatment strategies Continue Reading The Fight Against Schisto, the Snail-Borne Spreader

In a momentous celebration on World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, the Philippines marked a pivotal moment for the health and well-being of Filipinos with the launch of its Multi-Disease Elimination Plan (MDEP) on World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day Continue Reading Philippines Launches Ambitious Multi-Disease Elimination Plan on World NTD Day

From never treated to behavior change champion, Marjorie Lamour is helping reach communities in Plaine-du-Nord, Haiti with treatment for lymphatic filariasis through health education. Continue Reading From never treated to behavior change champion: LF treatment in Haiti

Conflict and insecurity are challenges for public health service delivery. Learn how USAID’s Act to End NTDs | East program is using a conflict-sensitive approach to deliver NTD services in Mozambique. Continue Reading Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases Amidst Conflict and Insecurity

In remote areas of Tanzania, community drug distributors travel miles to visit families in their homes as part of a nationwide effort to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF). Photo Credit: RTI International/Roshni Lodhia See the original blog via RTI International. In the heat of the day, fisherfolk draw their nets from the water. Their vessels dot the coastline in Kilwa, a coastal district in southern Tanzania that encompasses five islands. Fishing pays the bills and feeds the families of many in Kilwa.  But these fisherfolk—and their neighbors—are threatened by a disease spread by mosquitoes that is proving difficult to eliminate in certain areas, including Kilwa. Tanzanians, like Dr. Faraja Lyamuya from Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, are leading the charge to address these neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and tailor treatment to reach all Tanzanians at risk, including fisherfolk. Dr. Faraja Lyamuya, LF Focal Person for the Ministry of Health in Tanzania, consulting with community health workers during a LF treatment campaign in Kilwa District, Tanzania. Photo credit:

Today, during the Reaching the Last Mile Forum high-level moment, USAID reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate the end of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in Africa and welcomed Continue Reading Enhanced Support for Ending River Blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis in Africa

Health care researchers working in a laboratory prepare a slide on a microscope. Credit: Vic Josh (licensed) On October 26, 2023, the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Ending Neglected Diseases through Operational Research project was posted on Grants.gov. Thank you for your interest in USAID's Neglected Tropical Diseases Program.

See the original story on USAID's website. I am just glad it's gone. “If it hurt too much, I stayed home. It hurt so much I couldn’t walk or go anywhere. It got to the point where I could only cry.” - Mr. Bounsom Lokxayyalueb recalled his painful experience living with lymphatic filariasis. These infections, called acute attacks, can be debilitatingly painful and cause the condition to worsen over time. When his pain was at its worst, Bounsom Lokxayyalueb, from Lao People’s Democratic Republic, could not work or even shower himself. Now 73, Mr Lokxayyalueb caught lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease, from a mosquito bite. More than 36 million people globally are affected by this condition, more commonly called elephantiasis, which causes swelling of the extremities. Severe pain, which started in his knee, kept him from farming to support his family of five children. Mr Lokxayyalueb was delighted by the news that Lao PDR has eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. By eliminating LF as

USAID is pleased to congratulate the Lao People's Democratic Republic for eliminating the disease lymphatic filariasis (LF). The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the successful elimination of LF, a painful and disabling neglected tropical disease, as a public health problem. LF is a parasitic, mosquito-borne disease transmitted to humans and endemic in 72 countries. Long term, the disease can damage a person’s lymphatic system and cause severe, disabling swelling of the extremities. People living with LF-related conditions often suffer mental, social, and financial losses, which contribute to stigma and poverty. Elimination of LF is a notable public health achievement for Laos. After years of treatment with safe, effective medicines, surveys showed the level of this infectious disease no longer presents a significant public health concern. To demonstrate this, the Government of Laos gathered evidence, evaluated the quality of services for persons living with chronic LF, and submitted formal proof to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since 2011, USAID has supported Laos to eliminate two neglected tropical

This World Sight Day, in loving memory of Aryc W. Mosher, we are celebrating his accomplishments and the transformative progress made to date to eliminate trachoma. Continue Reading USAID’s Champion for Change: Remembering Aryc W. Mosher

Join us Virtually to Discuss NTD Progress, Challenges, & Learning You are invited to join the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) at For All to Thrive: NTD Progress, Challenges, and Learning, a global event organized by USAID’s Act to End NTDs | East and Act to End NTDs | West programs. September 22, 2023 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (GMT+3) >> RSVP of the Virtual Event << Join us to celebrate progress, address challenges, and share learnings from more than 20+ countries working to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). During the event, ministries of health, NGOs, and partners will share experiences and facilitate a discussion about opportunities and challenges en route to the WHO 2030 NTD Road Map goals. USAID will share approaches to collaborating with governments as they work to achieve sustainable NTD services and also showcase a vision for future programming. While this event is happening in person in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the event is nearing capacity. We encourage you to

Six new grant recipients were named for research aimed at solving trachoma elimination challenges. Continue Reading Research to Solve Trachoma Elimination Challenges to Begin

Following decades of health interventions supported by USAID, the World Health Organization officially validated three new countries as having eliminated disabling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Continue Reading Join us in Tanzania to Discuss NTD Progress, Challenges, & Learning

Following decades of health interventions supported by USAID, the World Health Organization officially validated three new countries as having eliminated disabling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Continue Reading Three USAID-Supported Countries Successfully Eliminate Disabling Neglected Tropical Diseases

The World Health Organization announced Bangladesh has successfully eliminated lymphatic filariasis, a disabling and life-altering disease, as a public health problem. Continue Reading Leading Disabling, Infectious Disease Eliminated in Bangladesh

Today the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) recognizes Mali for eliminating the leading infectious cause of blindness as a public health problem. The World Health Organization has officially recognized the achievement.  Continue Reading Mali Ends Trachoma – A Blinding Disease

Today the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) recognizes a substantial public health achievement in Benin. The World Health Organization has announced the country successfully eliminated trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, as a public health problem.  Continue Reading Benin Eliminates Ancient Blinding Disease Following U.S. Support

The Government of Mali’s Ministry of Health and Social Development recently validated its NTD Sustainability Plan, an important step towards control and elimination of remaining NTDs and provision of health services for persons living with or at-risk of disease.  Continue Reading Mali Validates Sustainability Plan for NTDs

The USAID co-funded Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Disease (COR-NTD) recently announced the recipients of the 2023 African Researchers' Small Grants Program.  Continue Reading Announcement: Sixth Cohort of African Researchers’ Small Grant Program

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has granted costed extensions for three years to its two flagship Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) programs: Act to End NTDs | East and Act to End NTDs | West. Continue Reading USAID Extends Flagship Neglected Tropical Diseases Programs

USAID invites organizations with experience and interest in neglected tropical diseases (NTD) operational research to attend a pre-NOFO virtual conference to take place March 14 and 15, 2023. Continue Reading Request for Information and Pre-Notification of Funding Opportunity Conference

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health announced this week that it has achieved the criteria needed to stop treatment for onchocerciasis – also known as river blindness – in four states. Continue Reading Nigeria Achieves Record-Breaking Milestone in Effort to Eliminate River Blindness

Learn about World NTD Day from the Voice of America Continue Reading Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2023

Night blood surveys help Indonesia eliminate a disfiguring disease. Continue Reading Eliminating Disease By Night

Learn how USAID is leading the charge against elephantiasis, scabies, intestinal worms, and yaws in the Pacific Islands. Continue Reading Four Neglected Tropical Diseases That Shouldn’t Be

No one could have predicted that in less than 12 years one country in the world would be recognized by the World Health Organization for eliminating four neglected tropical diseases. Continue Reading Ending Neglected Diseases? One West African Country Has Done This Four Times.

The government of Uganda is using community-based health services to relegate a parasitic disease called river blindness. Continue Reading Uganda Sees River Blindness Fading Away

Niger’s Ministry of Public Health led the development of the sustainability plan with support from other government sectors and relevant stakeholders. The newly adopted plan emphasizes the Government’s key priorities, strategies, and provides benchmarks to help measure progress. Continue Reading U.S. Congratulates Government of Niger for Commitment to End Neglected Diseases

In November, countries joined together in Dakar to reflect on sustainability. To help governments with their efforts towards that goal, USAID has proposed five principles for donors and partners to consider while engaging with governments. Continue Reading Guiding Principles to Support Government Sustainability Planning

In mid-November USAID held a regional dialogue with 11 countries to recognize progress and discuss countries’ long-term plans for achieving sustainable health services for neglected tropical diseases. Continue Reading USAID Recognizes Progress and Urges Sustainable Solutions to Control and Eliminate Disabling Diseases

USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a new request for proposals for operational research for trachoma at the the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) 2022 annual meeting. Continue Reading COR-NTD 2022 Meeting Announcement

Recently the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon participated in a Mectizan drug administration campaign. Administration of this medicine to at-risk communities helps prevent river blindness. Continue Reading U.S. Ambassador Participates in the Mass Administration of Mectizan in Cameroon

When fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), simple, affordable tools help disease-affected countries in the fight. A dose pole or measuring stick is one such tool that is especially important in low-resource settings. Highly effective, the dose pole is powerful in its simplicity. Continue Reading The Simple Tool Used to Determine Dosage when Treating for NTDs

USAID signs the Kigali Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases—a ten-year tool aiming to mobilize political will and secure commitments that will help achieve global targets and goals from the WHO Road Map on NTDs. Continue Reading The U.S. Signs the Kigali Declaration on NTDs

Since 2014, USAID has worked in partnership with the US Pharmacopeial Convention in response to WHO’s call to increase the global supply of quality-assured NTD medicines. Continue Reading Togo Eliminates Trachoma as a Public Health Problem

Providing NTD services in the COVID-19 context? Check out these resources, stories, and best practices. Continue Reading USAID’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Program COVID-19 Resources

Since 2014, USAID has worked in partnership with the US Pharmacopeial Convention in response to WHO’s call to increase the global supply of quality-assured NTD medicines. Continue Reading Working to Increase Access to High Quality Neglected Tropical Disease Medicines

Today USAID through its NTD Program recognizes Dr. Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela for her lifelong service to improving health equity and ending poverty-associated diseases. Continue Reading Passing of WHO NTD Director Dr. Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela

COR-NTD and ARNTD have announced the latest recipients of the African Researchers’ Small Grants Program. Continue Reading Announcing the Fifth Cohort of the Small Grant Program

From the Voice of America, learn more about Neglected Tropical Diseases and how the U.S. through USAID, works alongside other countries to control and eliminate them. Continue Reading Neglected Tropical Diseases: An editorial from the Voice of America

USAID's Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Dr. Atul Gawande, recently spoke a the 100 Percent Committed Launch recognizing progress made on NTDs in the last decade. Continue Reading Remarks from Dr. Atul Gawande at the 100 Percent Committed Launch

Uganda is on a mission to eliminate NTDs, including one of the oldest, most disabling diseases on earth - lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis). Because of Uganda's success fighting this disease, future generations will not have to experience this devastating disease. Continue Reading Defeating a Disabling Disease: Uganda is succeeding against one of the world’s oldest illnesses

Learn more about how the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to help those with lymphatic filariasis. Continue Reading World NTD Day 2022: Care for the neglected—How CDC helps those with lymphatic filariasis

What are NTDs? What is being done to stop them? Your questions answered in just three videos. Continue Reading What are NTDs? Your Questions Answered in Just Three Videos

USAID congratulates the Government of Togo for adopting a strategic, sustainable plan designed to aid the country in its fight against NTDs. Continue Reading U.S. Congratulates Government of Togo for Commitment to End Neglected Diseases

Announcing two new requests for proposals to improve diagnostics and increase effectiveness of mass drug administration. Continue Reading Announcing Two Requests for Proposals

U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands Erin E. McKee announced U.S. government support to end neglected tropical diseases in PNG. Continue Reading U.S. Government Support to Boost Papua New Guinea’s Efforts Against Disabling Diseases

Missed the event? See the recordings online. See post for more info. Continue Reading Thank You for Joining Us for Our Fresh Takes Sustainability Webinar

Join us for a conversation on the roles of the NTD community in supporting progress towards sustainable national NTD programs. Continue Reading Join us October 6th: Webinar – Doing Things Differently to Secure Sustainable NTD Programs

Learn more about lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease that impacts millions around the world — and how USAID is supporting countries in their efforts to beat it. Continue Reading Countries Around the World are Working to Eliminate this Mosquito-Borne Disease

On the frontlines of the global fight against NTDs, these three women are working to end diseases of poverty. Continue Reading How Women are Leading the Fight to Beat NTDs

Learn more about new grants issued to support diagnostic innovation. Continue Reading Announcing Grant Recipients for Development of New Diagnostics for Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis

Advertisement of future USAID sustainability webinars. Continue Reading Sustainability Webinars

Today, delegates at World Health Assembly 74 officially designated January 30 as World Neglected Tropical Disease Day. Continue Reading World NTD Day Officially Recognized at WHA 74

Today, delegates at World Health Assembly 74 officially designated January 30 as World Neglected Tropical Disease Day. Continue Reading World NTD Day Officially Recognized at WHA 74

Join us for a discussion of the: Sustainability framework for action against neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030 June 8th, 2021  |  8:30 – 9:45 AM (EDT)  |  14:30 – 15:45 PM (CEST) >>> Learn more and register to join the event. >>> Learn more about the Sustainability Framework for Action.

India-based manufacturer Medopharm Pharmaceutical Private Limited is now the second manufacturer of quality-assured praziquantel 600mg film-coated tablets to receive WHO prequalification – a major accomplishment in broadening the drug’s reach. More than 52 countries are endemic for schistosomiasis, the disease treated by the drug. Continue Reading Pharmaceutical manufacturer achieves WHO prequalification for a drug that treats schistosomiasis

In Tanzania, local officials, schools, and parents are coming together to support the deworming of students with meals. Deworming treatments are better tolerated with a full stomach. Continue Reading ‘Take With Food’: How Parents In Tanzania Are Supporting National Deworming Efforts

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a disabling and disfiguring disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This blog highlights new technical and programmatic resources from the World Health Organization and USAID to strengthen service delivery of care for those suffering from LF. Continue Reading Leave No One Behind

Mali recently completed a two-year treatment study for morbidity associated with lymphatic filariasis. Learn more about this important milestone. Continue Reading Mali Site Reaches Clinical Trial Treatment Milestone in LEDoxy Study

As one of the first endemic countries to launch a sustainability plan for NTDs, Uganda is taking a major step to control and eliminate NTDs. Continue Reading Uganda Launches a National Sustainability Plan for NTDs

Since 2017, USAID has supported the African Researchers' Small Grants Program, which has provided modest grants of up to $25,000 to scientists interested in helping end NTDs in their countries. Alumni of the program have gone on to become thought leaders in their field —for example, Pelagie Boko-Collins, of Benin. Continue Reading Spotlight on the African Researchers’ Small Grants Program

USAID is proud to join governments around the world in celebrating World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day and the launch of a new global strategy for NTDs. Continue Reading USAID Recognizes World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day And A New Global Strategy

By bringing critical stakeholders together to establish a shared understanding of the barriers to NTD progress, agree on the need for collaboration, and coordinate action to continue Ghana’s path to NTD control and elimination, the sensitization meeting served as a catalyst for ramping up progress toward NTD sustainability in Ghana. Continue Reading A Catalyst for Ramping Up Progress on Sustainability in Ghana

Two decades ago, Indonesia started an ambitious public health journey — one that would improve the health of millions of poor and vulnerable people. Continue Reading Setting a Sustainable Course to Fight NTDs in Indonesia

In early 2021, the Government of Senegal validated a new, multi-sector sustainability plan for NTDs. Continue Reading Government of Senegal Validates NTD Sustainability Plan

A new cohort of grant program recipients was announced at this year’s Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases meeting. Learn more about the recipients. Continue Reading RFP Announcement: Optimizing NTD Diagnostics and Sampling

A new cohort of grant program recipients was announced at this year’s Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases meeting. Learn more about the recipients. Continue Reading Announcing the Fourth Cohort of African Researchers’ Small Grants Program

Today, governments around the world endorsed a new road map and targets for ending neglected tropical diseases. Learn more. Continue Reading An Endorsed Road Map to End Neglected Diseases

USAID’s NTD Division has a new Division Chief, Lisa Godwin, with more than 20 years of global health experience. Learn more about Lisa and her new role. Continue Reading Meet Lisa Godwin, USAID’s New NTD Division Chief

What does it take to distribute almost 20 million pills to over 4.4 million people in just 14 days? Planning, training, and mobilization of thousands of community drug distributors (CDDs)—key elements that programs targeting neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) must organize in a typical year. Continue Reading Guinea’s NTD Program Treats 4.4 million People in 14 days, Despite COVID-19

When Dr. Leda Hernandez began managing the Philippines’ lymphatic filariasis (LF) program more than 25 years ago, she was given just one piece of paper to work with: a prevalence survey from 1960 and reports of a “mysterious disease” coming from some districts. See Dr. Leda’s story for more... Continue Reading A Mighty Force: One woman sets her sights on the health of Filipino children

USAID's flagship implementing partner-led programs have released a resource to help countries safely restart NTD programs according to global guidance. Continue Reading New Resource: Practical Approaches to Implementing NTD Guidance

USAID awarded a five-year cooperative agreement to help achieve regional elimination of river blindness. Continue Reading New Award Announcement: Achieve Onchocerciasis Elimination in the Americas (Achieve OEA)

Learn more about the recently released document outlining considerations for mass treatment, case-finding, and surveys for NTDs in the context of the pandemic. Continue Reading Considerations for Treatment, Case-Finding, and Surveys

Dr. Ricardo Thompson of Mozambique passed away on June 21, 2020. Continue Reading Passing of Ricardo Thompson

In early May, the World Health Organization published updated guidance for neglected tropical diseases programs as well as other public health intervention programs. Learn more. Continue Reading Updated Interim Guidance for Community-Based Outreach

In early 2020, USAID participated in the first, annual World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day. Learn more about how we observed this important day. Continue Reading First-Ever World NTDs Day

The USAID co-funded Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) recently put out its third call for small grants for African researchers working to fight NTDs. They received an incredible increase in applications. Continue Reading “Abundant” Untapped African Research Expertise

In case you missed it, see the most recent announcement of honorees and finalists for the REACH award. Continue Reading NTD Leaders Being Recognized

Check out resources from USAID’s Morbidity Management and Disability Project, led by Helen Keller International. Continue Reading Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention Resources

This third edition of the Small Grants Program (SGP III) is to support African researchers in both early and mid/late career to undertake operational research aligned with the goals established in the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases. Continue Reading Interested in NTD Research? See Grant Opportunity.

See how USAID is working alongside the Government of Indonesia in their quest to eliminate the debilitating disease lymphatic filariasis Continue Reading The Best Medicine

This two-page fact sheet explains how the USAID Neglected Tropical Diseases Program tackles the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases. Continue Reading Fact Sheet: Working to Protect Against Neglected Tropical Diseases

USAID’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Division is pleased to announce new funding for research to support NTD programs through a five-year, nearly $30 million grant extension to the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD). Continue Reading More Resources for NTD Research

USAID, in collaboration with 13 ministries of health, formally launched a new program to control and eliminate five NTDs in Southeast Asia, East Africa and elsewhere. The five-year, USAID-funded Act to End NTDs | East program is successor to USAID’s ENVISION project. The launch of the new program took place April 29-30 in Kampala. Continue Reading USAID Launches Program, Highlights Ugandan Government Commitment to Fighting Disease

For people with disfiguring lymphedema, the hope that a drug may help reduce inflammation and swelling — potentially returning to them a life of dignity — is huge cause for celebration. USAID is supporting clinical drug trials in three countries to further this important work. Continue Reading USAID Supports Clinical Trials for Lymphedema Relief

World Lymphedema Day is an annual day of celebration held March 6th to educate the world about lymphedema and lymphatic diseases. Learn more how USAID and partners are keeping up the fight against lymphatic filariasis. Continue Reading #WorldLymphedemaDay

For the second year, USAID awarded a group of African researchers’ small grants for neglected tropical disease research. The 18 African Researchers’ Small Grants Program awardees hail from 10 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. Continue Reading Research for Africans, by Africans

Last year USAID’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Division announced two new five-year, flagship awards that will lead the Agency’s next generation of NTD programming. These two programs are now named Act to End NTDs | West and Act to End NTDs | East. Continue Reading Taking Action to End NTDs

The U.S. Agency for International Development, in collaboration with 11 ministries of health, launched a program to eliminate or control five neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan West Africa. Continue Reading USAID Launches New Award to End Neglected Tropical Diseases in 11 West African Countries

The World Health Organization announced the Republic of Vietnam has eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. USAID congratulates the Government of Vietnam and partners on this extraordinary, decades-long achievement. Continue Reading Vietnam Eliminates Lymphatic Filariasis as a Public Health Problem

The U.S. Agency for International Development applauds the appointment of Dr. Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela as the Director of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases of the World Health Organization. Continue Reading USAID Applauds WHO Appointment of Dr. Mwele Malecela

A recent article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy highlights the significant contributions USAID and pharmaceutical companies have made towards the global progress of neglected tropical diseases elimination and control. Continue Reading Drug Makers Give Billions to Fight Neglected Tropical Diseases

USAID’s Bureau for Global Health, Office of Infectious Disease, Neglected Tropical Diseases Division is pleased to announce the award of the Control and Elimination Program for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Element Two. Continue Reading Notice of Award: Control and Elimination Program for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Element Two

Once refugees cross the Ugandan border, crowded living conditions, limited access to clean water, and poor sanitation in settlements can lead to other threats such as infection and disease. Assessing the burden, providing treatment and preventing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) among refugees is essential to improving the health of refugees and a key part of Uganda’s strategy to eliminate NTDs. Continue Reading Seeking Refuge: Improving the Health of Refugees in Uganda’s West Nile

USAID’s Bureau for Global Health, Office of Infectious Disease, Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, is pleased to announce the award of the Control and Elimination Program for Neglected Tropical Diseases Element One. This award builds on the success of previous USAID investments in NTD programs to achieve the WHO 2020 NTD goals. Continue Reading Notice of Award: Control and Elimination Program for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Element One

Quietly, in the shadow of fights against better-known diseases like Ebola, AIDS and malaria, the 20-year battle against trachoma is chalking up impressive victories. Those successes, experts say, show the wisdom of advocating and enforcing basic public health practices, rather than waiting for a miracle cure or a new vaccine. They are also a testament to the unheralded but steady generosity of Americans. Continue Reading Now in Sight: Success Against an Infection That Blinds

In May, the World Health Organization declared that Ghana and Nepal achieved the milestone of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Their success demonstrates that sustained commitment and global partnership can lead to significant reductions in neglected tropical diseases. Continue Reading Nepal and Ghana Exemplify the Journey Toward Self-Reliance in Eliminating Trachoma

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health has interrupted transmission of river blindness in two large states and as a result will stop mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin (Mectizan®) in 2018. Continue Reading Two States in Nigeria Interrupt Transmission of River Blindness

In recognition of the 10-year anniversary of the USAID NTD program, the Agency commissioned an independent evaluation to better understand how the program has contributed to achieving the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 NTD goals and inform the future direction of the Agency NTD Program. Continue Reading USAID Neglected Tropical Disease Program 2016 Evaluation

The donor landscape has been initiated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.K. Department for International Development (DFID), both supporters of the World Health Organization’s 2020 goals to control or eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This document was developed in response to the growing number of requests from the global NTD community to better understand the focus of donor contributions. Continue Reading NTD Donor Landscape 2017

USAID looks forward to collaborating with the newly launched Fund to advance the elimination agenda, coordinating and co-investing in countries where USAID is currently providing support. Continue Reading His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Launches Reaching the Last Mile Fund to Raise $100 Million to End River Blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis

Bill Gates visits Tanzania to find out about how they mobilized their health systems to support mass drug administration to combat neglected tropical diseases. Continue Reading Bill Gates Visits His First MDA in a USAID Supported Area of Tanzania

U.S. Agency for International Development recognizes the distinguished career of Dr. Dirk Engels and in particular his enormous contribution and service in the fight against neglected tropical diseases. Dr. Engles retired on September 29, 2017. Continue Reading U.S. Agency for International Development Recognizes the Distinguished Career of Dr. Dirk Engels

On September 19th, The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulated the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Continue Reading Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Wipe out Trachoma—Leading Infectious Cause of Blindness

On May 9th, 2017, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) hosted over 50 public, private, and nonprofit organizations working or interested in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in a daylong technical consultation meeting organized by USAID’s NTD Division. Please read the executive summary of the technical consultation. Continue Reading Neglected Tropical Diseases Technical Consultation Executive Summary

New data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) show a remarkable 63% increase in the number of people treated with an antibiotic for trachoma during the period 2014–2016, considerably improving prospects for the global elimination of the disease. Continue Reading 85 Million People Treated for Trachoma through Expanded Access to Medicine

By training and deploying surgical supportive supervisors, the USAID-funded MMDP Project helps trichiasis surgeons continually improve, and ensures that patients receive the highest quality services possible. It’s just one way the MMDP Project supports countries in meeting their trachoma elimination goals. Continue Reading Supervising Trichiasis Surgeons: It’s All About Support

The first-ever grantees of the African Researchers' Small Grants program were announced; winners will receive support to conduct NTD research in their home countries of Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Togo. Continue Reading Six African Scientists Receive Inaugural Grants for Operational Research on NTDs

CAPT Stephanie R. Bialek, Chief of the Parasitic Diseases Branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says we are closer than ever to beating NTDs. Continue Reading Closer than Ever

WHO releases Fourth report on neglected tropical diseases: Integrating neglected tropical diseases in global health and development Continue Reading Unprecedented Progress against Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO Reports

The UK announces a doubling of support to fight Neglected Tropical Diseases, such as trachoma, Guinea worm and river blindness, over the next 5 years. Continue Reading UK to Protect 200 Million People from Tropical Diseases

After over a decade of persistent efforts, Togo has eliminated lymphatic filariasis – also known as elephantiasis – as a public health problem. Continue Reading Elephantiasis is no longer a public health problem in Togo: WHO commends Togo for Historic Achievement

Through village-based, quality-focused surgery campaigns, the USAID-funded MMDP Project is bringing trichiasis sufferers relief, joy, and a new chance at life. Some might even call it magic. Continue Reading “It’s Magical” – Halimata’s Story

USAID was among the original endorsers of the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs. This global declaration marks a key moment in USAID’s 10-year history in tackling NTDs. Continue Reading The Fifth Anniversary of the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases

With support from USAID, the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases is collaborating with the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases to initiate the African Researchers’ Small Grants Program. A formal call for proposals is available here. Continue Reading Announcing the African Researchers’ Small Grants Program

After over a decade of efforts, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Niue and Vanuatu have eliminated lymphatic filariasis—also known as elephantiasis—as a public health problem. Continue Reading NTD Donor Landscape 2016

Rob Henry, a senior public health adviser with USAID's Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) program, shares Drazen's outlook: "I think 2016 was an excellent year," he says. Continue Reading Wins And Losses In Global Health In 2016

Earlier this year, the U.S. Agency for International Development marked 10 years of work on NTDs and launched a new five-year strategy to eliminate trachoma, the world's leading cause of preventable blindness, and lymphatic filariasis, a painful and disfiguring parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Continue Reading USAID’s Plan to Eliminate NTDs: What You Need to Know

The UK launched two reviews on December 1, 2016, that establish how the UK will champion an open, modern and innovative approach to development that will effectively tackle the global challenges of the 21st century while delivering the best results for the world’s poorest: Raising the standard: The Multilateral Development Review 2016 and Rising to the challenge of ending poverty: The Bilateral Development Review 2016. Continue Reading Reviews Set Out UK Vision for an Open, Modern Development System

Neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, are a group of debilitating illnesses that affect the poorest and most marginalized communities in the world. They can kill -- NTDs cause about 150,000 deaths every year -- but their main impact is to sicken and disable. Approximately 1.6 billion people are affected by one or more NTD. Continue Reading We Must Finish Fight against Diseases We’ve Overlooked for Too Long

On November 15, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Morocco. Continue Reading Morocco Eliminates Trachoma – the Leading Infectious Cause of Blindness

Across the globe, there are 200 million people at risk of trachoma, a preventable, blinding infectious disease. More than three million people are in need of immediate surgery to avoid blindness due to trichiasis, a manifestation of trachoma that causes eyelashes to turn inward, scraping the cornea with each blink. We blink 19,000 times a day. Continue Reading “It’s When the Sun Rises and the Wind Blows.” On World Sight Day, Let’s Recommit to Ending Trachoma By Emily Troubali

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced new partnerships to help countries eliminate and control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Continue Reading Cambodia, Cook Islands, Niue and Vanuatu Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis as a Public Health Problem

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced new partnerships to help countries eliminate and control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Continue Reading USAID & Partners Announce $6 billion to Expand Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases

Wita Larasati and her husband ventured to their local mosque. They were answering their mayor’s personal call for all eligible residents to take treatment for lymphatic filariasis (LF), a painful and disfiguring parasitic infection. Continue Reading Women and NTD Elimination in Indonesia: Wita’s Story

Customs officials in Africa may be a bit surprised when they look inside several boxes due to arrive soon from the United States But the unusual cargo – a life-size model of a man's groin – is for a good cause. Continue Reading A Mannequin Named FAST Joins the Fight against Lymphatic Filariasis

The result was HEAD START, a brown-eyed, silicone mannequin that gazes patiently upward as students swath it in sterile drapes and cut into its orbicularis muscle, tarsal plate and conjunctiva. Crucial to the design are the dummy’s removable eyelids, which allow trainees to examine the precision of their work. Continue Reading For Trichiasis Surgeons, It Helps to Learn from a Dummy

In Mozambique, almost 7 million people are at risk of losing their sight from trachoma, an eye infection that is the world’s leading cause of blindness. Continue Reading Q&A: How We Are Working to Rid Mozambique of a Blinding Disease

USAID joins the Kuwait Fund, the U.K. Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank, the END Fund, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, MSD, Sightsavers, and other organizations, which are together providing a cumulative $11.4 million in seed funding. Continue Reading USAID Announces $4 Million Contribution in Support of ESPEN

Preschool-aged children like Anwar, who often live in extreme poverty, are most at risk of contracting Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium that spreads through eye and nose discharge, hand contact and flies. With repeated episodes of infections over many years, it causes the eyelashes to turn inward, scraping the cornea, causing great pain and eventually leading to blindness. Continue Reading Meet the Team Working to Eliminate One of the World’s Leading Causes of Blindess

The USAID-funded Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) Project, managed by Helen Keller International, has a new website aimed at providing information on the program’s goals and objectives as well as highlighting progress. Continue Reading USAID-funded MMDP Project Launches New Website

The problem in middle-income countries — many which have the resources to treat NTDs — is that there can be a lack of political will to extend those resources to people most in need, according to Angela Weaver, senior technical adviser at USAID’s NTD program. Continue Reading Time to Draw a New Map for NTDs?

You won't be able to see any of the 20 million or so creatures in the National Parasite Collection for a while because displays take a few years to create. In the meantime, here are some of the collection's most fascinating creepy-crawlies, chosen by Anna J. Phillips, research zoologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Continue Reading Meet the National Parasite Collection’s Most Fascinating Creepy-Crawlies

Dr. Kumaraswami influenced so much and meant a lot to so many in the NTD community, from the young students he mentored to leading researchers in the global NTD arena. He no doubt made a huge impact on the poorest and most vulnerable populations, particularly those suffering from lymphatic filariasis. Continue Reading In Fond Memory of Dr. V. Kumaraswami

TRICHIASIS, the last stage of an infection called trachoma, rarely hits the headlines. That is because it does not kill. It does, however, blind. More than 2million people suffer, half of whom have lost their vision. Continue Reading Now Is the Time to Say “Goodbye”

A ground breaking 3-year disease-mapping project has shown that 100 million people are at risk of blindness from trachoma. Continue Reading Global Disease Mapping Identifies 100 Million People Living at Risk of Blindness from Trachoma

The Global NGO Deworming Inventory complements the WHO Preventive Chemotherapy Databank by collecting district-level data on NGO-administered deworming treatments. The Inventory is a collaborative project of WHO, the STH Coalition, and the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, in partnership with Children Without Worms (CWW). Continue Reading Participate in the Global NGO Deworming Inventory

The Third Progress Report of the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) "Country Leadership and Collaboration on Neglected Tropical Diseases," released June 25, 2015, notes that significant global progress has been made in raising the visibility of NTDs and in introducing and expanding national NTD programs. Continue Reading Domestic Financing Critical to Achieving the NTD 2020 Goals

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Adrian Hopkins, Mectizan Donation Program Director, has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his humanitarian service in Africa. Continue Reading Dr. Adrian Hopkins Appointed to Order of British Empire

USAID's NTD team, key partners, and representatives from NTD programs of 10 USAID-supported countries recently met to discuss critical strategies to eliminate neglected tropical diseases. Continue Reading German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina Calls for Action on Tropical Diseases

The national science academies of the G7 countries are urging their respective heads of government to take action on neglected tropical diseases. Continue Reading Planning for Elimination within the USAID NTD Portfolio

For almost a decade, USAID has supported the delivery of preventive drug treatments for neglected tropical diseases around the globe. Continue Reading Ending the “Neglect” in Neglected Tropical Diseases

[post_published] For almost a decade, USAID has supported the delivery of preventive drug treatments for neglected tropical diseases around the globe. Read the full article here

[post_published] End in Africa Logo Are there opportunities out there for public-private collaboration on NTDs? The Ghana NTD Programme certainly thinks so. Learn how it’s working with the country’s Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners (SPMDP) to collaborate more effectively. Read the full article here

Indonesia honored two unsung heroes as part of the USAID One Billion Celebration during their 2014 Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 11, 2014. Continue Reading Indonesia Honors Two Unsung Heroes as Part of USAID’s One Billion Campaign

A Photo Gallery was launched in recognition of USAID’s One Billion and Counting Campaign: Accelerating Action to Eliminate NTDs at the American Cultural Center in Maputo, Mozambique. Continue Reading Photo Gallery Launch at the American Cultural Center, Maputo, Mozambique, in Recognition of USAID’s One Billion and Counting Campaign

The government of Nepal joined the global community to celebrate USAID’s landmark achievement in supporting 1 billion treatments for NTDs in 2014. Continue Reading Nepal Joins USAID’s NTD Program in Celebrating the Support of the One Billionth Treatment

USAID logo USAID celebrates its support of the delivery of 1 billion NTD treatments that are helping more than 465 million people in 25 countries. Read full Release here