A new era of action and accountability against NTDs:

Two transformative tools are continuing to galvanise progress: the Kigali Declaration on NTDs and its accompanying Commitment Tracker. These dynamic instruments are not just symbols of ambition; they are vital mechanisms designed to mobilise political will, community commitment, resources, and action, ensuring that commitments translate into tangible progress on the ground.

Through collective global effort, the Commitment Tracker now records over $1.8 billion in financial commitments, alongside an unprecedented 28 billion units of medicines generously pledged by pharmaceutical partners, propelling us closer to the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) 2030 NTD road map goals.

A quick look back at the Kigali Declaration

Born from the urgent need to accelerate progress towards the WHO's 2030 NTD Roadmap, the Kigali Declaration builds on the 2012 London Declaration's legacy, injecting fresh political impetus and fostering greater country ownership. Since its 2022 launch, it has garnered global support, now proudly counting 84 signatories from a diverse set of partners, whose unique contributions are collectively driving remarkable strides in NTD elimination.

The power of transparency: The Commitment Tracker as a financing tool

The Kigali Declaration is underpinned by the Commitment Tracker – a first of its kind online system designed to capture, track, and monitor commitments for NTDs by providing an unparalleled level of transparency and accountability for the global NTD community.

The Commitment Tracker serves as an indispensable tool in the complex landscape of NTD financing. By clearly articulating and publicly displaying commitments, it fosters confidence among donors and implementers, illustrating where resources are being directed and where gaps remain.

This data-driven approach is crucial for strategic planning and resource mobilisation, allowing stakeholders to identify needs, and advocate for sustainable funding models. It further shows that while the burden of NTDs remains significant, the global commitment to address it is growing, making it a powerful resource for those seeking to invest in this impactful health initiative.

How commitments are evolving

The Commitment Tracker's strength lies in its comprehensive approach to what constitutes a "commitment." While financial commitments are critical, the Tracker recognises and quantifies a broader spectrum of contributions that are equally vital for NTD elimination. With financial commitments, these include:

• Policy changes: Governments making legislative or regulatory reforms to prioritise NTDs.
• Technical assistance: Organisations providing expertise, training, and capacity building.
• Research & development: Investments in new diagnostics, treatments, and vector control tools.
• In-kind contributions: Such as Governments support for NTD programmes including infrastructure and community healthcare workers.
• Advocacy & awareness: Efforts to elevate NTDs on national and international agendas.

By quantifying these commitments, the Commitment Tracker provides a holistic and accurate representation of the global effort, demonstrating that progress is driven by a variety of essential contributions beyond monetary figures alone. This integrated view ensures that every form of support, whether financial or non-financial, is recognised and celebrated, fostering a stronger, more inclusive partnership.

Why it matters: The pillars of the Commitment Tracker

• A tracker: The Commitment Tracker is a powerful monitoring tool. It provides a real-time snapshot of global commitments, allowing partners to track progress against ambitious targets. This data-driven transparency is vital for understanding where we are, what has been achieved, and what more needs to be done.
• An accountability mechanism: The Commitment Tracker serves as a crucial accountability mechanism. By publicly recording commitments, it fosters a shared responsibility among signatories to fulfil their commitments. This transparency encourages action and helps ensure that promises translate into tangible impact on the ground.
• Country-owned: The Commitment Tracker champions country ownership. Endemic countries are empowered to lead the process, enter their own commitments and manage their data directly. This ensures that national priorities and strategies drive the global response, tailoring efforts to specific local needs and contexts.
• Supports domestic funding requests: Perhaps one of its most vital functions, the Commitment Tracker equips country governments with the data and evidence required for domestic resource mobilisation. By tracking internal investments and external support, countries can build compelling cases for increased national funding, demonstrating the economic and social benefits of investing in NTD elimination to their parliaments and ministries.

What's next

To date, global progress in the fight against NTDs has been remarkable, with a total of 56 countries having successfully eliminated at least one NTD, pushing the world more than halfway toward the WHO roadmap target of eliminating NTDs in 100 countries by 2030. This collective effort across donors, countries, research institutions, and implementers is creating a tangible pathway to a healthier future.

The Kigali Declaration and Commitment Tracker have played a major role in this global momentum. We are seeing increased political will, especially within the African continent, where leadership and commitment have been pivotal. And more countries are integrating NTD programmes into their national health strategies, bolstered by the data and advocacy opportunities provided by the Tracker.

But we must not slow down. Recent cuts to foreign aid pose urgent threats to the continued progress of global NTD elimination and could jeopardise WHO’s Roadmap goals.

The Kigali Declaration and Commitment Tracker are more than just platforms; they are mechanisms for change, rallying the global community around a shared vision: ending the suffering caused by NTDs. They offer a concrete framework for action, accountability, and sustainable financing. By showcasing progress and highlighting ongoing needs, these tools inspire current and future partners and donors to commit their resources and expertise.

We urge everyone committed to global health equity to engage with these vital initiatives, support their continued evolution, and help us collectively achieve the WHO’s 2030 elimination goals. Together, we can turn the tide on neglected tropical diseases and build a healthier, more equitable world.