United to end neglected tropical diseases by 2020
30.01.12
Today, according to our sister association IFPMA, the research-based pharmaceutical industry announced donations of 14 billion treatments this decade to support the elimination of nine key neglected diseases (NTDs) that represent more than 90% of the global NTD burden.
Neglected tropical diseases affect more than 1 billion people, primarily poor populations living in tropical and subtropical climates. These illnesses affect both children and adults for life, often lead to stigmatisation, and can prevent children from developing to their fullest potential.
Partners in the initiative, including thirteen pharmaceutical companies, WHO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and governments, pledged to come up with new products and infrastructure to improve the lives of 1.4 billion people affected by nine illnesses such as:
- Human African trypanosomiasis (Sleeping sickness)
- Chagas disease
- Lymphatic filariasis
- Soil-transmitted helminthiases
- Onchocerciasis (River blindness)
- Schistosomiasis
- Leprosy
- Fascioliasis
- Blinding Trachoma
Speaking on behalf of the CEOs of the thirteen pharmaceutical companies involved, Sir Andrew Witty, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline and EFPIA President, said:
“Many companies and organisations have worked for decades to fight these horrific diseases. But no one company or organisation can do it alone. Today, we pledge to work hand-in-hand to revolutionize the way we fight these diseases now and in the future.”
Uniting to combat neglected tropical diseases, the video:
To complete your knowledge on this initiative, visit also the IFPMA website and the Uniting to combat neglected tropical diseases website on the London Declaration.
