In a landmark partnership to bolster Africa’s fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), the African Union (AU) Commission’s Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the medical research nonprofit organisation Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi).
The collaboration aims to advance policy advocacy, research and development (R&D), and access to treatments for NTDs across the continent.
NTDs affect over a billion people globally, with Africa bearing a significant portion of this burden.
Diseases such as leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness, and river blindness disproportionately impact the continent’s most vulnerable populations, hindering socioeconomic development and quality of life.
The MoU aligns with the Common African Position on NTDs, which outlines a strategic vision to control, eliminate, and eradicate these diseases by 2030. This position reflects the continent’s dedication to improving public health outcomes.
Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, underscored the significance of this partnership as a pivotal step towards eradicating neglected tropical diseases in Africa.
“We are committed to developing and delivering effective treatments to the most vulnerable, promoting R&D and innovation for new technologies for NTDs and climate-sensitive diseases in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063,” she said.
New treatments
Dr Luis Pizarro, the Executive Director of DNDi asserted how for too long neglected diseases have caused immense suffering to vulnerable communities across Africa.
“This partnership with the African Union is about changing that by bringing science and policy action together to drive innovation and ensure that effective treatments reach patients in need and on time,” said Dr Pizarro. “With this collaboration, we are shaping a healthier, more equitable world—one where no disease is too neglected to deserve attention, investment, and action.”
The partnership will focus on jointly advancing the discovery and development of new treatments for NTDs prevalent in Africa through collaborative R&D efforts.
It will also prioritise capacity building by strengthening the capabilities of African health institutions and professionals in managing and researching NTDs.
Additionally, the collaboration aims to promote advocacy and policy development to support sustainable access to NTD treatments and integrate NTD initiatives into national health agendas, ensuring long-term impact and resilience in addressing these diseases.
By leveraging the strengths of both organisations, this collaboration aspires to make significant strides in reducing the burden of NTDs, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous Africa.
DNDi has a strong track record of providing safe, effective, and affordable treatments for neglected patients.
Since its establishment in 2003, DNDi has developed 13 treatments for six deadly diseases, saving millions of lives.
By Margaret Kalekye
