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New report highlights progress and challenges in fighting neglected tropical diseases in Francophone countries

03 October 2024

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Advancing the fight against NTDs in Francophone countries

On 03 October 2024, a new report 'Advancing the Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Francophone Countries: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward for Sustainable Action' was released that assesses the collective burden and progress fighting NTDs in Francophone countries.

Developed in collaboration between ALMA, Speak Up Africa, and Uniting to Combat NTDs, the report serves as a powerful advocacy tool to raise awareness about the ongoing burden of NTDs in Francophone countries, where some of the world’s most vulnerable populations are concentrated. The report highlights the unique opportunities within the Francophonie to leverage linguistic, cultural, and historical ties for collective action and cross-border collaboration to combat NTDs more effectively.

This report also benchmarks the progress and challenges since the 2018 Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) Resolution on NTDs, which called for increased funding, integrated health strategies, and strengthened health systems to eliminate these diseases. Over the past six years, significant strides have been made in countries like Togo, Benin, and Chad, but the report also emphasises the need for innovative financing and stronger political will to sustain these efforts. Climate change, emerging patterns of disease transmission, lack of sustainable financing, and health system gaps are highlighted as critical challenges that must be addressed to meet the WHO NTD Road Map 2021-2030 targets.

The report is a call to action, urging Francophone nations to renew their political commitments, strengthen cross-border partnerships, and boost resource mobilisation to eliminate NTDs. By uniting and acting now, Francophone countries can lead the global effort to end these preventable diseases, improving health and quality of life for millions and contributing to broader global development goals.