The U.S. Government and Global Neglected Tropical Disease Efforts – KFF

Report: Neglected Tropical Diseases and Sustainable Development Goals

Key Facts

• Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a set of infectious diseases grouped together due to their often chronic, disfiguring, and stigmatizing impact; their close association with poverty; and their geographic overlap.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified over 20 NTDs that particularly affect poor, marginalized populations, cause significant morbidity and mortality, are neglected by research, and can be controlled using effective methods.
• The U.S. government has increased its support for global NTD goals, including the eradication, elimination, and control of several NTDs.
• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched its first NTD program in 2006, focusing on five prevalent NTDs that can be controlled and eliminated with low-cost interventions.
• Total U.S. funding for NTDs has increased from $15 million in FY 2006 to approximately $115 million in FY 2024.

Global Situation

NTDs have gained attention from the U.S. government and other global donors in the past two decades due to their potential threat to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Integrated NTD treatment approaches have also contributed to increased global efforts.

NTDs are among the top 12 major communicable disease causes of ill health globally, with a significant impact on individuals and communities.

Impact

NTDs have low mortality rates but high morbidity rates. Approximately 1.6 billion people, or one-fifth of the world’s population, require NTD interventions. Each year, around 200,000 people die as a result of NTDs. NTD infections can lead to severe disability, disfigurement, blindness, and malnutrition. The health impact of NTDs negatively affects economic development, education, agriculture, and food security.

NTDs are prevalent in 179 countries, with the majority of the burden concentrated in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. People living in areas with limited access to clean water, health services, and adequate housing and sanitation are most affected by NTDs. Women and children, especially those in remote areas, are at higher risk of infection and face barriers to accessing treatment.

Major NTDs

The WHO has identified 21 NTDs that particularly affect poor, marginalized populations, cause significant morbidity and mortality, are neglected by research, and can be controlled using effective methods. Five “tool-ready” NTDs, which can be controlled and eliminated with low-cost interventions, receive significant donor efforts.

Interventions

Successful strategies for NTD control and elimination include integrated approaches targeting multiple NTDs simultaneously through mass drug administration (MDA) and community-level transmission control measures. MDA involves distributing medicines to entire at-risk populations, regardless of infection status. Other measures such as promoting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), good veterinary public health, and vector control also play critical roles in addressing the underlying causes of NTDs.

Global Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include a target of ending the epidemic of NTDs by 2030 as part of SDG 3. The WHO Roadmap for NTDs 2021-2030 and the Kigali Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases outline targets, strategies, and commitments for global NTD control, elimination, and eradication efforts.

U.S. Government Efforts

The U.S. government has increased its attention to and funding for NTDs over the past two decades. USAID serves as the lead implementing agency for U.S. NTD efforts, with other agencies such as NIH, CDC, DoD, and FDA also involved. USAID’s NTD Program targets five “tool-ready” NTDs and has expanded to 26 countries. Other agencies support NTD control efforts through implementation assistance, technical assistance, and research and development activities. U.S. NTD efforts are coordinated with international partners, regional strategies, and funding mechanisms.

Funding

Congress first appropriated funding for NTDs in FY 2006. Total U.S. funding for NTDs has increased over the years, reaching approximately $115 million in FY 2024. The Biden Administration has requested level funding for NTDs for FY 2025.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Related to Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

The article mentions that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include a target of ending the epidemic of NTDs by 2030 as part of SDG 3. This indicates that SDG 3 specifically addresses the issue of NTDs and aims to improve global health and well-being.

2. Specific Targets Under SDG 3 Based on the Article’s Content

• Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases

The article mentions that the target of ending the epidemic of NTDs by 2030 is part of SDG 3. This target specifically focuses on addressing NTDs as one of the epidemics to be eliminated by 2030.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress towards the Identified Targets

• Number of countries reporting cases of NTDs
• Reduction in the number of people requiring interventions for NTDs
• Reduction in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to NTDs
• Number of countries eliminating at least one NTD

The article mentions that 179 countries reported at least one case of NTDs in 2021. This indicates that the number of countries reporting cases of NTDs can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards the target of ending the epidemic of NTDs. Additionally, the article mentions the overall targets outlined in the WHO Roadmap for NTDs, which include a 90% reduction in the number of people requiring interventions for NTDs and a 75% reduction in DALYs related to NTDs. These targets can be used as indicators to measure progress towards the target of ending the epidemic of NTDs. Furthermore, the article mentions the goal of at least 100 countries eliminating at least one NTD, which can also be used as an indicator to measure progress towards the target.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kff.org