Fourteenth report of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases (STAG-NTDs)

Overview

In 2019, for the fifth consecutive year, more than one billion people had been treated. Five countries had been validated for eliminating one disease, including Gambia for trachoma (2021); and Togo (2020) and Côte d’Ivoire (2021) for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). The lowest number ever – 876 – cases of gambiense HAT had been reported. Some 95% of implementation units (IUs) in the South-East Asia Region had eliminated visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as a public health problem.

In 2020, only 27 human cases of dracunculiasis had been reported, with 5 to date in 2021 (4 in Chad and 1 in Ethiopia); animal infections continued to be addressed. There had been progressive uptake by countries of the Global vector control response 2017–2030; WHO guidance on aircraft disinsection had been updated, and arbovirus surveillance in West Africa completed. A One Health approach was the focus of a number of initiatives: a United Against Rabies Forum had been launched to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030; and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, would support human rabies vaccines for postexposure prophylaxis. Donations had been secured for medicines for improved control of taeniasis and cysticercosis. Four guidance documents had been published on mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on NTDs, and WHO had worked with countries, programmes and implementing partners on adapting field interventions to the new pandemic context. In the year under review, nine road map-related webinars had been completed within 6 months.

Development and validation of new diagnostics were being stimulated through the Diagnostic Technical Advisory Group (DTAG). New biomarkers and specific tests were being identified to support decisions on stopping mass drug administration (MDA). A foundation for postvalidation surveillance of lymphatic filariasis (LF) was being created. In the year under review, 16 memoranda of understanding had been signed for donated medicines and health products valued at US$ 70 million; 2.7 billion tablets had been supplied and the medicines donated to 119 countries; in addition, half a million diagnostic tests for 23 countries had been procured. The second World Chagas Disease Day had been observed on 14 April. Also in 2020, 241 media enquiries, 48 web releases, 82 published documents and 36 scientific articles had been managed. All 20 NTD websites had been migrated to Sitefinity and were being evaluated. The NTD department was committed to offering the best possible guidance and support to Member States and the global community in progressing towards the milestones and targets set by the road map and in overcoming the challenges presented by COVID-19.