Representatives of the global NTD community will gather in Geneva next week to participate in the Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme Partners' Meeting, which takes place in headquarters' auditorium on 12-13 June 2023.
The objectives of the meeting are to review progress on the WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 and generate a better understanding of global NTD operations from both disease-specific and cross-cutting perspectives, as well as to engage in wide-ranging discussions around the vision for One WHO delivering on one Global NTD Programme.
While previous global meetings of NTD partners were convened by WHO in 2007 and 2017, this third upcoming event is the first since the launch of the road map in January 2021.
The WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 is a comprehensive framework that outlines targets, mechanisms for alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and other global agendas and calls for strategic shifts in NTD approaches with the aim of ending the epidemic of neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
The meeting will focus on:
- reviewing current progress to achieving the 2030 targets;
- identifying the major gaps and challenges to reaching those targets;
- agreeing principles and practical steps for how to implement action towards the targets;
- galvanizing support and commitment from NTD partners to operationalize the shifts advocated in the road map and to achieve its targets; and
- planning together for a Global Action Plan 2025–2030.
Over 300 participants in the meeting are expected to attend, either in-person or online. They will include representatives of the global NTD community, from countries and donors to implementing and technical partners, from academia to patients' associations and all other entities and institutions involved in the fight against NTDs.
An exhibition on neglected tropical diseases will take place in the mezzanine of the B building, just above the cafeteria. A set of metal panels will illustrate the 20 conditions grouped under the NTD umbrella and provide information on actions implemented to tackle their burden.
