ESPEN’S DIGITAL TOOLS : How data will help win the fight against neglected tropical diseases

The ESPEN Portal is unique in its conception for it is the first ever continental online atlas on the most prevalent NTDs (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trachoma) as well as loiasis and WASH, and provides treatment and endemicity indicators at sub-national level, unlike any other global database. This vital tool enables data analysis to support smart, targeted investments and efficient use of donated drugs supplied by pharmaceutical companies.

ESPEN has trained several hundreds of data managers to use the portal efficiently. More than 12,000 maps and data sets of 45 countries are available to date which are planned to be extended to HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and COVID-19. Via this openly accessible online platform countries share data on historical and contemporary distributions of NTDs, including disease specific epidemiological surveys, treatment coverage and other programmatic data. Since the portal launch, more than 30,000 users have visited the ESPEN Portal from 175 countries.