The WHO Regional Office for Africa and the African Union Commission have reaffirmed their partnership to strengthen coordinated action against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which affect over one billion people globally, with Africa bearing around 35 percent of the burden. The renewed commitment was highlighted during the 2026 NTD Programme Managers Meeting held in Lilongwe, bringing together more than 140 experts and officials to review progress and strengthen collaboration between political leadership and technical implementation.
NTDs remain widespread across Africa, which is home to 20 of the 21 WHO-recognized diseases, including river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, and leprosy. While 24 countries in the region have successfully eliminated at least one NTD by December 2025, all countries remain affected by at least one form of the disease, which continues to disproportionately impact poor and vulnerable communities through disability, stigma, and in some cases death.
Discussions at the meeting focused on strengthening integration of NTD services into primary health care systems, expanding the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence for programme delivery, increasing domestic financing, and promoting local production of medicines and diagnostics. Participants emphasized that innovation and stronger national ownership are essential to accelerating progress toward elimination targets set for 2030.
A key area of focus was cross-border collaboration, with participants reviewing a proposed agreement to improve joint action on NTDs and malaria. The framework aims to enhance surveillance, data sharing, and coordinated interventions, particularly in border regions where disease transmission and reintroduction risks are higher. This is seen as especially important as countries transition from mass treatment campaigns to surveillance-based control strategies.
Health leaders acknowledged that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain, including limited domestic investment, fragmented service delivery, and the need for stronger integration of NTD programmes into primary health systems. There was broad agreement that sustainable progress will require improved governance, accountability, and consistent reporting mechanisms at national and regional levels.
The African Union Commission emphasized the need for stronger political commitment and long-term system strengthening. It called for a shift from fragmented efforts toward coordinated continental action and more resilient health systems capable of sustaining gains beyond short-term programme cycles.
Moving forward, WHO and the African Union will continue supporting member states throughout 2026 to translate these commitments into action. Priority areas include strengthening surveillance systems, improving governance and reporting structures, enhancing cross-border coordination, and maintaining momentum toward the elimination of neglected tropical diseases across Africa.
