Updates & events
Latest news
Senegal has successfully completed three years of post-treatment surveillance for onchocerciasis, with entomological indicators remaining below WHO thresholds and no Ov16-positive children detected in surveyed transmission zones. The National Elimination Committee has recommended finalizing and submitting the country’s elimination dossier to WHO for verification.
The UN Human Rights Council’s first-ever resolution on human rights and neglected tropical diseases elevates NTDs from a health issue to a matter of dignity, equality, inclusion and social justice. For Africa, where the burden remains greatest, the resolution strengthens the call for sustained political commitment, financing and rights-based action to reach affected and marginalized communities
Eswatini has cut schistosomiasis prevalence among schoolchildren from 15.7% to around 6%, while STH prevalence has fallen to 3.1% following repeated school-based treatment. Sustained treatment coverage and targeted action in remaining transmission hotspots will be essential to achieve elimination as a public health problem by 2030.
Upcoming events
The 2nd UGS Webinar will explore the current landscape of urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) and approaches to strengthening its integration within health systems in the WHO African Region.
The webinar will introduce the UGS Landscape Analysis Tool, developed to help countries identify gaps, assess existing services and explore opportunities for integration. Participants will also hear updates on UGS tools developed through the WHO AFRO Technical Advisory Group on UGS (TAG-UGS).
The 11th PC-NTD Regional Programme Advisory Group meeting will take place on 26–28 October 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The RPAG will review progress, gaps and risks across the five PC-NTDs and implementation of the ESPEN Strategy 2026–2030, while identifying priority areas for intensified support and recommendations to guide ESPEN and Member States in 2027.
The 11th ESPEN Steering Committee Meeting will take place on 29–30 October 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Committee will review the first year of the ESPEN Strategy 2026–2030, including programmatic and financial performance, country progress towards elimination, funding and partnerships, and provide strategic guidance on priorities and country support for 2027 and beyond.
These meetings are more than just a congregation of minds; they are a rallying point for action. The challenges of funding and resource allocation, especially in the wake of the pandemic, have brought to the fore the urgency of advocacy, innovative resource mobilization, and the criticality of country ownership.
These gatherings serve as a platform for sharing best practices, technical updates, and fostering cross-sectoral collaborations, crucial for sustaining momentum and adapting to evolving public health landscapes.
A dynamic platform bringing together Member States, partners, and donors every quarter to share progress, innovations, and lessons learned in the fight against NTDs across Africa. These webinars strengthen collaboration, visibility, and data-driven decision-making — fostering a connected community committed to achieving the 2030 NTD Roadmap targets.