[post_published]
In a continuation of the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), diseases that burden over 1 billion people globally, the U.S. government joined stakeholders in November 2020 to support the launch of the WHO strategy: Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030.
“Many countries will achieve these targets for some diseases over the next five years if we stay the course.” – USAID
USAID supported the road map publicly at its international launch, providing statements on behalf of the U.S. government on the importance of partnership and the history and future of support.
USAID’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Kerry Pelzman, delivered a statement of support at the road map launch.
The road map highlights the continued need for sustaining momentum in the global fight against NTDs. It provides global targets to prevent, control, and eliminate NTDs, while incorporating cross-cutting strategies that align these efforts with achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In order to achieve these targets, the road map outlines three pillars that will support ongoing efforts to control and eliminate NTDs: 1) Accelerating programmatic action; 2) Intensifying cross-cutting approaches; and 3) Changing operating models and culture to facilitate country ownership.
Senior NTD Advisor for Global Leadership and Coordination Emily Wainwright spoke to the importance of partnership to achieve global NTD goals.
“The single most important partnership to expand is the one with endemic countries. This is the most underutilized partner and resource.” – USAID
USAID supports the WHO road map in its call for sustainable NTD programs that reinforce country leadership, strengthen health systems in order to deliver critical NTD services, and improve multi-sector collaboration. Alongside the road map, WHO simultaneously released a sustainability framework for action against NTDs. This companion document provides a guide for country governments, partners, and other stakeholders to develop, prioritize, and align strategies to identify sustainable pathways to the 2030 NTD targets.
The WHO road map underscores that now is the time to end the neglect and accelerate the fight against NTDs. Learn more about the WHO road map.