Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. NTDs are mainly prevalent among impoverished communities in tropical areas, although some have a much larger geographical distribution. It is estimated that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people, while the number of people requiring NTD interventions (both preventive and curative) is 1.6 billion.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to address neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with a more comprehensive and integrated approach. The London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases, launched in 2012, marked a significant milestone in global efforts to combat these diseases. However, as the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by NTDs, there is a pressing need for a new approach that goes beyond traditional strategies.

One such approach is the concept of “Building Back Better,” which emphasizes the importance of not just rebuilding infrastructure and systems after a crisis, but also making them stronger and more resilient than before. In the context of NTDs, this means adopting a hybrid approach that combines traditional disease-specific interventions with broader efforts to strengthen health systems and address the social determinants of health.

The Kigali Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases, signed in 2019, represents a key step forward in this direction. By mobilizing political will, community commitment, resources, and action, the declaration aims to end the suffering caused by NTDs once and for all. However, achieving this goal will require a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach that addresses the underlying factors driving the spread of these diseases.

One of the key elements of a hybrid approach to NTDs is the integration of disease-specific interventions with broader health systems strengthening efforts. This includes investing in infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and improving access to essential medicines and technologies. By strengthening health systems in this way, countries can not only improve their ability to combat NTDs but also enhance their overall capacity to respond to a range of health challenges.

Another important aspect of a hybrid approach is addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to the spread of NTDs. This includes factors such as poverty, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, and limited education. By addressing these underlying drivers, countries can create environments that are less hospitable to the transmission of NTDs and other infectious diseases.

In addition to these efforts, it is also crucial to engage communities and empower them to take ownership of their health. This can involve educating people about the causes and consequences of NTDs, promoting healthy behaviors, and involving community members in decision-making processes. By working in partnership with communities, governments and organizations can ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate, sustainable, and effective.

Building back better in the fight against neglected tropical diseases requires a hybrid approach that combines disease-specific interventions with broader efforts to strengthen health systems and address the social determinants of health. By adopting this approach, countries can not only improve their ability to combat NTDs but also create healthier, more resilient communities for the future.

The Role of Innovation in Building Back Better

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), there is a growing recognition of the need for innovation in our approach to combating these diseases. In recent years, significant strides have been made in the development of new tools, technologies, and strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing NTDs. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that these innovations reach those who need them most.

One area where innovation has the potential to make a significant impact is in the development of new diagnostic tools for NTDs. Traditional diagnostic methods for many NTDs are often time-consuming, costly, and invasive, making them impractical for use in resource-limited settings. However, advances in technologies such as point-of-care testing and molecular diagnostics hold promise for improving the speed and accuracy of NTD diagnosis, enabling more timely and targeted interventions.

In addition to diagnostics, there is also a need for innovation in the development of new treatments and vaccines for NTDs. While progress has been made in this area, many NTDs still lack effective treatment options, and there are currently no vaccines available for the majority of these diseases. Investing in research and development for new drugs and vaccines is therefore critical to improving outcomes for those affected by NTDs and ultimately achieving the goal of disease elimination.

Furthermore, innovation is needed in the delivery of NTD interventions to ensure that they reach those who need them most. This includes exploring new delivery platforms and strategies, such as mobile health technologies and community-based approaches, to overcome barriers to access and improve the reach and effectiveness of interventions. By harnessing the power of innovation in this way, countries can ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against NTDs.

However, innovation alone is not enough. To truly build back better in the fight against NTDs, it is also essential to address the underlying factors that contribute to the spread of these diseases. This includes tackling issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services, which can create environments that are conducive to the transmission of NTDs. By addressing these root causes, countries can create healthier, more resilient communities that are better able to withstand future health threats.

Innovation has a crucial role to play in building back better in the fight against neglected tropical diseases. By investing in new diagnostic tools, treatments, and delivery strategies, countries can improve outcomes for those affected by NTDs and move closer to the goal of disease elimination. However, innovation must be coupled with efforts to address the underlying drivers of NTDs to create lasting change.

Mobilizing Resources for Sustainable Impact

Building back better in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) requires not only innovation but also significant financial resources. While progress has been made in securing funding for NTD programs in recent years, sustained investment is needed to ensure that these efforts continue to have a meaningful impact. Mobilizing resources for NTDs is therefore a critical priority for governments, donors, and other stakeholders around the world.

One key challenge in mobilizing resources for NTDs is the competing priorities faced by governments and donors. In many cases, NTDs affect the poorest and most marginalized communities, making them a lower priority for investment compared to other health issues. Additionally, the long-term nature of NTD programs can make it difficult to attract funding, as donors may prefer to support projects with more immediate and tangible results.

To overcome these challenges, it is essential to make the case for investment in NTDs based on their potential for high impact and cost-effectiveness. Studies have shown that investments in NTD control and elimination can yield significant returns in terms of improved health outcomes, economic productivity, and poverty reduction. By highlighting these benefits, countries and donors can make a compelling argument for continued investment in NTD programs.

In addition to making the case for investment, it is also important to explore innovative financing mechanisms for NTDs. This includes initiatives such as impact bonds, social impact investing, and public-private partnerships, which can help leverage additional resources and ensure that funding is used efficiently and effectively. By harnessing the power of innovative financing, countries can maximize the impact of their NTD programs and accelerate progress towards elimination goals.

Furthermore, it is crucial to build strong partnerships and collaborations to mobilize resources for NTDs effectively. This includes engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, donors, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to coordinate efforts and pool resources. By working together towards a common goal, countries and organizations can amplify their impact and achieve greater sustainability in their NTD programs.

it cannot be overstated how crucial mobilizing resources for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is in our quest to build back better and achieve sustainable impact. The success of NTD programs hinges on our ability to secure the necessary funding, and without it, progress will be severely hindered. Therefore, it is imperative that we make a compelling case for investment in NTDs, highlighting their potential for high impact and cost-effectiveness.

Moreover, we must actively explore innovative financing mechanisms to supplement traditional funding streams. Initiatives such as impact bonds, social impact investing, and public-private partnerships offer promising avenues for leveraging additional resources and ensuring that funding is utilized efficiently and effectively. By embracing these new approaches, we can maximize the impact of our NTD programs and accelerate progress towards our elimination goals.

Additionally, fostering partnerships and collaborations is essential for mobilizing resources effectively. By engaging with governments, donors, civil society organizations, and the private sector, we can coordinate efforts, pool resources, and amplify our impact. Together, we can harness the collective power of our resources and expertise to make significant strides towards ending the suffering caused by NTDs.

Finally, mobilizing resources for neglected tropical diseases is not just a matter of securing funding it is a critical imperative for building a healthier, more equitable world for all. By rallying behind this cause, we can ensure that NTD programs have the support they need to succeed, bringing us closer to our ultimate goal of creating a world free from the burdens of these devastating diseases.