The financing of programs to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) faces significant challenges. Recent developments in the United States, particularly the dissolution of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have had serious consequences for NTD programs worldwide. Research into new drugs, diagnostics, and interventions has been curtailed, and clinical trials abruptly halted. Health authorities and civil society organizations in endemic countries struggle to sustain essential health programs, while donated medicines from the private sector no longer reliably reach those in need. Compounding these issues, other countries are also reducing or eliminating international cooperation and health programs, and World Health Organization (WHO) funding faces dramatic cuts. As a result, the WHO roadmap for NTDs encounters considerable obstacles, and the window of opportunity to achieve its 2030 goals is narrowing. This discussion brings together high-level experts from research, civil society, and the private sector to develop practical solutions for sustainable financing and the long-term success of NTD efforts.

13.10.2025

Prof. Achim Hoerauf, Director IMMIP and Speaker of the DNTDs, together with Dr. Carsten Köhler, University of Tübingen, co-chaired the session on "The Future of Combatting Neglected Tropical Diseases- Innovative Financing and Shared Global Responsibility", at the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin.

World Health Summit 2025: Link

About Speakers: Link to PDF

Summary NTD Roadmap

About the Session:

The financing of programs to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) faces significant challenges. Recent developments in the United States, particularly the dissolution of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have had serious consequences for NTD programs worldwide.

Research into new drugs, diagnostics, and interventions has been curtailed, and clinical trials abruptly halted. Health authorities and civil society organizations in endemic countries struggle to sustain essential health programs, while donated medicines from the private sector no longer reliably reach those in need. Compounding these issues, other countries are also reducing or eliminating international cooperation and health programs, and World Health Organization (WHO) funding faces dramatic cuts. As a result, the WHO roadmap for NTDs encounters considerable obstacles, and the window of opportunity to achieve its 2030 goals is narrowing.

This discussion brings together high-level experts from research, civil society, and the private sector to develop practical solutions for sustainable financing and the long-term success of NTD efforts.

Video to the session is available on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCvSyDhTfs4