Senior representatives from Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) have engaged in high-level discussions in Japan to strengthen collaboration on global health priorities ahead of the upcoming Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), scheduled for August 20-22, 2025, in Yokohama.
Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation, and Marc Wormald, Senior Policy Advisor, along with Rieko Suzuki Kitaoka chair of SDG Promise Japan held meetings with Honourable Akihisa Nagashima, special adviser to PM Ishiba; Mr. Hideo Suzuki, Ambassador for Global Health at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Dr. Hajime Inoue, Japan’s Assistant Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. The discussions centred on accelerating efforts to eliminate NTDs, advancing Japan’s leadership in universal health coverage (UHC) and highlighting the importance of incorporating NTDs within the TICAD 9 agenda.
Photo left to right: Marc Wormald, Senior Policy Advisor, Honourable Akihisa Nagashima, special adviser to PM Ishiba; Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation, Rieko Suzuki Kitaoka chair of SDG Promise Japan
Japan has long been a champion of global health and NTD elimination, and its commitment to UHC aligns closely with the mission of Uniting to Combat NTDs. As a key platform for African development, TICAD 9 will offer an opportunity to further galvanise support for sustainable health initiatives, including the fight against NTDs that affect over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
“Japan’s dedication to global health equity has been instrumental in advancing efforts to eliminate NTDs,” said Stuart Halford. “We are eager to continue collaborating to ensure NTDs remain a priority on the global health agenda during TICAD 9 and beyond.”
Photo left to right: Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation, Dr. Hajime Inoue, Japan’s Assistant Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, and Mrs Rieko Suzuki Kitaoka, chair of SDG Promise Japan
During the meetings, the importance of multisectoral collaboration was emphasised, recognising the pivotal role of Japanese leadership in mobilising resources, fostering innovation, and supporting country-led efforts to combat NTDs. The engagement with SDG Promise Japan also highlighted opportunities for strengthening partnerships between governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
Uniting to Combat NTDs looks forward to further collaboration with Japan’s government and its partners at TICAD 9, driving progress towards a future free from NTDs and achieving health equity for all.
Photo left to right: Mrs Rieko Suzuki Kitaoka, chair of SDG Promise Japan, Stuart Halford Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation, Mr Hideo Suzuki, Ambassador for Global Health at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marc Wormald Senior Policy Advisor.
