New global initiative to maximize efficiencies of medicine donation programmes for neglected tropical diseases launched

The World Health Organization's Global NTD Programme has launched a Global Oversight Committee to address longstanding challenges in the donation and supply chain management of medicines for the treatment of NTDs. This committee is expected to play a crucial role in coordinating efforts and improving the efficiency of drug distribution to those in need.

"This Committee exemplifies WHO's commitment to strengthening leadership of global efforts and enhancing the effectiveness of NTD interventions," said Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director, WHO Global NTD Programme.

Dr Benido Impouma, WHO African Regional Director of the communicable and non-communicable diseases cluster, emphasized the WHO African Region’s support to the Global Oversight Committee, stating “The WHO African Region is committed to providing the required technical support to member states to enhance efficient delivery and accountability for NTD medicines, reaching all communities that need them, leaving no-one behind”.

Established through close collaboration between WHO, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, GSK, Eisai, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), this landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in the global fight against NTDs.

Donations of medicines for the treatment of NTDs represent one of the largest public health initiatives globally. Between 2011 and 2023, over 27.7 billion tablets and vials of medicines have been delivered to countries for the implementation of NTD treatment interventions such as mass drug administration and case management, through different donation mechanisms. In 2023 alone, approximately 2.1 billion tablets and vials were delivered, of which over 994 million were managed by WHO and made available to 112 Member States free of charge.