Funding for neglected diseases reached a record high of $3.5 billion in 2017, driven mainly by increased investments from the UK, European Commission, Germany, and India. Despite progress, overall funding falls short of global targets, with many countries struggling to meet even 50% of the recommended 0.01% of GDP allocation.
The African Leaders Malaria Alliance added neglected tropical diseases to its annual scorecard, revealing progress and gaps across five diseases that affect countries' poorest communities. Most data points to progress, but areas of concern include nearly two-thirds of countries having a NTD coverage index of less than 50%.
A new report by Global Health Strategies highlights the dramatic health and economic benefits from investing in combating neglected tropical diseases. Countries are increasingly taking ownership of NTD programs, achieving substantial progress with innovative approaches. To reach WHO's 2020 targets, further scale-up is necessary.
A new international study has pinpointed the main causes of childhood diarrheal diseases, identifying rotavirus as the leading cause among infants. The Global Enteric Multicenter Study found that targeting just four pathogens could prevent most cases and save hundreds of thousands of lives through vaccines and treatments.
Seven pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, AstraZeneca, and Sanofi, have joined forces with four research institutions to accelerate the development of new tuberculosis (TB) drugs. The TB Drug Accelerator aims to shorten treatment regimens from six months to one month, reducing mortality rates and combating drug resistance.