Global update on implementation of preventive chemotherapy against neglected tropical diseases (‎NTDs)‎ in 2023 and status of donated medicines for NTDs in 2024

Overview

Summary of preventive chemotherapy (PC) in 2023

PC is defined as large-scale delivery of safe, single-administration, quality-assured medicines, either alone or in combination, at regular intervals, to entire population groups in communities and schools. WHO recommends PC against the following diseases: lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH). PC is also a component of the strategy of surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvements for elimination of blinding trachoma. Data reported for these 5  diseases are the subject of this report. PC is also recommended against other NTDs, including foodborne trematodiases, taeniasis and yaws, although applied on a much smaller scale; furthermore, the reported data are still fragmented and therefore are not included in this article. Other interventions not reported here (individual disease management, vector control, veterinary public health and water, sanitation and hygiene) may also be required for the control, elimination and eradication of these NTDs. WHO Member States submit reports relevant to diseases targeted with PC using a set of forms, which facilitate the process of application for medicines, review and reporting on interventions, and improve coordination and integration among different programmes.