In April, the 2026 Annual Meeting of National Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Programme Managers was held in Lilongwe, Malawi. The theme of this 7th annual meeting was “Leveraging innovative tools and sustainable financing to advance NTD elimination in Africa” and the goal was to strengthen collaboration and accelerate progress toward eliminating NTDs by 2030.1
NTDs, such as leprosy, Chagas disease and dengue fever, are a group of medical conditions caused by pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. They are most common among impoverished communities in tropical areas. The WHO estimated that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people, causing 120,000 deaths and responsible for 14.1 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) lost every year.2
NTDs have numerous severe consequences for those affected:2
- Financial strain caused by direct health costs
- Lost productivity
- Lower socioeconomic and educational success
- Disability
- Stigma, social exclusion and discrimination
Malawi has been successful in eliminating trachoma (2022), lymphatic filariasis (2020) and leprosy (1994) as public health problems in the country. Despite this impressive progress, several key challenges remain, including a decline in funding and gaps in water and sanitation.2
Malawi has been successful in eliminating trachoma (2022), lymphatic filariasis (2020) and leprosy (1994) as public health problems in the country. Despite this impressive progress, several key challenges remain, including a decline in funding and gaps in water and sanitation.2
Find out more about what was discussed at the 2026 Annual NTD Programme Managers Meeting.
References:
1. Malawi hosts Africa’s meeting on neglected tropical diseases. WHO Regional Office for Africa. Accessed April 28, 2026. https://www.afro.who.int/countries/malawi/news/malawi-hosts-africas-meeting-neglected-tropical-diseases-ntds.
2. Neglected tropical diseases. WHO. Accessed April 28, 2026. https://www.who.int/health-topics/neglected-tropical-diseases.
3. 2026 Annual NTD Programme Managers Meeting. African Union. Accessed April 28, 2026. https://au.int/en/newsevents/20260407/2026-annual-ntd-programme-managers-meeting.