Anesvad Foundation

The Anesvad Foundation is an independent, non-denominational non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 1968 and headquartered in Bilbao, Spain. It focuses on tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with skin manifestations, such as Buruli ulcer, leprosy, yaws, and lymphatic filariasis. These diseases predominantly affect impoverished communities and often receive limited global attention.

Anesvad operates primarily in sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Liberia, and Cameroon. In these regions, the foundation collaborates with local governments, public health systems, and community organisations to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, provide medical assistance, and support research initiatives aimed at controlling and eliminating NTDs.

In February 2025, Anesvad extended its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) through a €1.4 million agreement to support activities targeting skin-related NTDs in several sub-Saharan African countries. This partnership focuses on global coordination, procurement of health commodities, and operational research to enhance surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation of these diseases.

Beyond its work on NTDs, Anesvad is committed to promoting disability inclusion by working closely with organisations of people with disabilities and those affected by NTDs to ensure equal access to healthcare services and reduce barriers faced by these individuals.

Through these efforts, the Anesvad Foundation strives to improve health outcomes and uphold the right to health for some of the world's most vulnerable populations.