ESPEN Statement on the NNN Conference
The WHO Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) roadmap’s three core pillars—accelerating programmatic action, intensifying cross-cutting approaches, and transforming operational models for stronger country ownership—are central to our collective efforts to eliminate NTDs. The NTD NGO Network (NNN) plays a critical role in advancing these pillars, working in partnership with countries on the front lines of NTD elimination. NNN is uniquely positioned to amplify the goals of the roadmap and foster lasting change through collaboration and community-driven efforts.
Accelerating programmatic action is key to reaching our elimination goals. The NNN community has the expertise, resources, and the networks to support countries to scale up interventions where they are needed, even in hard-to-reach areas.
However, as the roadmap emphasizes, we must go beyond individual efforts and adopt cross-cutting approaches. NNN is pivotal in integrating NTD efforts with broader health and development programs—such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, mental health services, and vector control strategies. Your ability to coordinate across sectors enhances the efficiency and impact of interventions, ensuring that communities not only receive treatment but are supported in breaking the cycle of infection. This cross-sectoral approach is crucial to improving health outcomes, advancing social equity, and building resilience in vulnerable populations.
Transforming operational models and fostering country ownership are also essential to making these changes sustainable. NNN is playing a vital role in supporting national health systems and empowering communities to take ownership of NTD programs. By supporting capacity building at local levels, training health workers, and advocating for the inclusion of NTD interventions in national health budgets, we ensure that these efforts are embedded in national health plans. We urge you to continue your advocacy for domestic funding and policy support and amplifying community voices which is crucial to sustaining the gains we make.
We want to express our deepest appreciation to NNN for the tireless efforts in this global mission. The countdown to 2030 is well underway, and with your partnership, we are well-positioned to achieve our shared goals of freeing communities from the burden of neglected tropical diseases. As the NNN is one of the Key constituencies represented in the ESPEN Steering Committee, we look forward to seeing you soon in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo in October for the 2024 SC meeting. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and engage communities, so that together, we can foster global equity and create sustainable change in the fight against NTDs.
Finally, ESPEN takes this opportunity to wish President Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday, and to send our warm regards to his family and the Carter Foundation.