Eighty-four African nations and organizations have reaffirmed commitments to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on the third anniversary of the Kighi Declaration.
Endorsements have grown from 57 in 2022, securing over $1.8 billion in financial and in-kind support. These diseases affect over one billion people globally, with Africa bearing nearly 40% of the burden.
Pharmaceutical partners have delivered critical resources, including more than 28 billion medicine units pledged through 2030. Recent milestones include Merck’s five billionth dose of Mectizan and GSK’s 12 billionth dose of albendazole. The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership also allocated €46 million for NTD research this year.
Progress faces significant challenges as major cuts to official development assistance threaten treatment programs. Over a million donated drugs risk expiration within nine months without urgent intervention. Dr. Isatou Touray, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs, acknowledged gains while stressing the need for sustained commitment: “Every endorsement represents a step toward eliminating devastating diseases.”
Global elimination efforts continue achieving milestones. Mauritania and Papua New Guinea recently eliminated trachoma, bringing the total to 56 countries that have eradicated at least one NTD. Eleven countries reached this goal since 2024. The Kigali Declaration Commitment Tracker remains the only public platform monitoring financing and progress toward the 2030 targets.
