International Health: NTDs and Conflict Special Issue

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of conditions that affect more than 1 billion people, mainly among impoverished communities in tropical areas, with devastating health, social and economic consequences. In 2021, the World Health Organization launched the 2030 road map, setting ambitous targets for the control, elimination and eradication of NTDs. However, conflict and humanitarian emergencies pose significant obstacles to achieving these goals. 

In the last decade, the world has seen a multiplication of conflicts and violence. 2024 marked a new record: the highest number of state-based armed conflicts in over seven decades. Africa remained the most conflict-affected region. Armed conflict causes disruption of health systems and interruption of essential interventions tackling NTDs. These disruptions increase disease transmission risks and threaten hard-won progress toward elimination.

Despite these challenges, progress is possible. Experiences from conflict-affected regions demonstrate adapted methodologies and partnerships with humanitarian actors that enable continued interventions under extraordinary circumstances. These examples underscore the resilience and adaptability of NTD programmes when supported by flexible operational strategies.

This virtual issue brings together evidence and lessons learned from diverse conflict settings. It illustrates that while conflict complicates the path to 2030 targets, it does not make them unattainable. To accelerate progress, there is an urgent need for more research, dedicated funding, and practical guidelines to support countries facing these complex emergencies. By sharing experiences and fostering collaboration, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the global fight against NTDs.

Papers

Neglected tropical diseases in conflict zones: devastating consequences of a lack of inclusion 
Margriet den Boer and Koert Ritmeijer
International Health, Volume 18, Issue 3, May 2026, Pages 313–315, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf165

First ever programmatic implementation of triple drug therapy in the prevention of lymphatic filariasis in Haiti: lessons learned in improving the quality and coverage of locally led programming in lymphatic filariasis-persistent and conflict-affected endemic communes 
Katina Sommers, Wedsanley Jean Philippe, Gianni C Decastro, Merilien Jean-Baptiste, Farah-Nelhy Momprévil
International Health, Volume 18, Issue 3, May 2026, Pages 316–319, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihag042

Neglected tropical diseases elimination activities in South Sudan’s largest refugee camp: lessons from 2 years of work 
Jimmy Idraku, John Chol Ajack, Simran Budhwar, Mabeny Thiik, Sérgio Lopes, Sashi Leff, Yak Yak Bol, Xavier Badia-Rius
International Health, Volume 18, Issue 3, May 2026, Pages 320–323, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf156

Lessons from the field: adapting lymphatic filariasis morbidity mapping and patient care amidst conflict in Ethiopia 
Fikre Hailekiros, Mebratu Mitiku, Merga Mekonnon, Tesfahun Bishaw, Adisu Abebe, Louise A Kelly-Hope
International Health, Volume 18, Issue 3, May 2026, Pages 324–327, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihag035

Neglected tropical diseases in conflict-related humanitarian emergency settings: a systematic review of the literature 
Charlotte Bestwick, Xavier Badia-Rius, Sergio Lopes, Louise A Kelly-Hope, Emma M Harding-Esch
International Health, Volume 18, Issue 3, May 2026, Pages 328–336, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf148

Inclusion under fire: lessons from neglected tropical disease programming in the Kanyaruchinya Internally Displaced Persons Camp, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo 
Michel N Mandro, Kelly Zongo, Jean Lebon M Safari, Martha Mberu, Girija Sankar, Naomi A Uvon
International Health, Volume 18, Issue 3, May 2026, Pages 337–339, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf152

Challenges, barriers and opportunities for neglected tropical disease programs of conflict-affected African countries 
Emma M Harding-Esch, Francesca Bird, Ambreen Bashir, Louise A Kelly-Hope
International Health, Volume 18, Issue 3, May 2026, Pages 340–351, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf149