This Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) 2026-2030 strategy focuses on accelerating the elimination of the five most prevalent NTDs in the WHO African Region that are amenable to preventive chemotherapy —lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, and trachoma. In line with the WHO 2021–2030 NTD Roadmap, the strategy presents a comprehensive framework to advance elimination goals, strengthen national ownership, and support countries through coordinated, evidence-based action.
In 2024 alone, ESPEN helped enable access to treatment for 52.6 million people, coordinated the delivery of about 1.2 billion tablets, training over 580 country programme officers, and processing over 130,000 entomological and 2,000 epidemiological samples as part impact assessments and surveillance.
Currently, PC-NTDs under ESPEN's focus are not on track to achieve the 2030 WHO Roadmap targets. The sector is experiencing additional challenges following recent decreases in bilateral and multilateral aid, including the cessation of USAID funding. These changes are projected to impact the implementation, technical support, and capacity-building activities for PC-NTD control and elimination, potentially resulting in increased competition for resources among affected countries and further emphasizing the importance of ESPEN's role.
Strategic goal and pillars
This third iteration of ESPEN’s strategy, developed after its mandate was extended through 2030, provides a more focused and detailed plan to help countries meet the WHO 2030 NTD Roadmap goals. Drawing on experience from previous implementation cycles, the 2026–2030 strategy strengthens ESPEN’s position as a key partner for eliminating PC-NTDs in Africa. It puts country leadership at the forefront and prioritizes building sustainability into all aspects of program delivery.
The new strategy is designed to consolidate ESPEN’s position as a public–private partnership that facilitates integrated, country-led efforts toward the elimination of PC-NTDs. It emphasizes strengthening national systems, ensuring equitable access to diagnostics and medicines, and scaling up the use of data and digital innovation for programmatic decision-making and accountability.
The framework is structured around one goal, four thematic pillars and two cross-cutting pillars, each with a defined scope of activities and deliverables.
Vision
An Africa free of Neglected Tropical Diseases
Mission
To accelerate the elimination of neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy (PC-NTDs) in Africa by 2030, through country-led, data-driven and integrated public health interventions and promoting innovation, equity, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable and resilient health systems.
Goal
By 2030, support endemic countries in the WHO African Region to achieve their PC-NTD elimination targets by strengthening planning, coordination, and delivery of interventions through more responsive health systems and effective partner coordination
