Partnerships and progress in tackling neglected tropical diseases
Reaching the 2030 road map targets for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) will only be possible through strong, sustained partnerships. The WHO has repeatedly emphasised that collaboration is not optional, but fundamental. Partnerships can increase access to treatment, embed NTD services within existing health systems, and ensure that interventions are effective.
Progress depends on many groups working together, including health professionals, policymakers, educators, researchers, funders, and community leaders, to name a few. But above all, real people affected by NTDs must remain at the centre of every effort. Their experiences, priorities, and leadership are essential to designing solutions that truly work.
“For RSTMH, partnerships have always been vital in achieving our goals. In light of changes to the funding environment for global health, equitable partnerships are more important than ever,” Tamar Ghosh, Chief Executive of RSTMH.
In this Q&A as part of World NTD Day 2026, our joint-president Professor Margaret Gyapong reflects on why partnership is so critical to approaching NTDs, and the essential role community plays in making progress equitable and built to last.
1. Why is partnership so central to progress against NTDs, and how has this become even more important in recent years?
With less than five years to meet the 2030 targets in the NTD roadmap, NTDs can no longer be considered just as a health issue. It is developmental. The conditions are debilitating, stigmatising, affect households socially and financially, and can be clinically challenging to manage.
In tackling these conditions, the community members, several ministries, departments and agencies – such as water and sanitation, environment, education, finance and economic planning, social mobilization, gender, mental health, academia – to mention a few, need to work together to make the difference needed to reach the end game.
2. From your perspective, what does an effective NTD partnership look like in practice? What qualities or structures make collaboration truly work?
An effective NTD partnership is when all partners have mutual respect for each other, irrespective of the role each partner can or has to play. Every partner must have an equal chance of being heard and their inputs and contributions on issues must be respected.
3. Which emerging or under-recognised partners – such as youth-led groups, local NGOs, or technology organisations – do you believe should be more involved in NTD efforts?
Apart from what you have listed, the community continues to be left out in NTD efforts. They should be seen as the pivot around which efforts to tackle NTDs revolve.
4. Community engagement is essential for long-term success. What examples have you seen where community-led approaches have transformed NTD outcomes?
The use of the Community Directed Approach, where the community decided when and how MDA [Mass Drug Administration] should be implemented. They should not only be engaged, but they should also be involved.
5. What steps can partners take to ensure affected communities are not only beneficiaries but co-creators of solutions?
Partners should have a different mindset about endemic communities and recognise them as equal partners in the fight against NTDs.
6. As we move closer to the 2030 NTD road map targets, what collaborative approaches give you the most optimism?
Any approach that puts the community at the centre of a plan and tackles NTDs in a wholistic manner gives me most optimism.
7. How do you envision RSTMH strengthening or expanding partnerships in the coming years to support innovation and equity in NTD work?
RSTMH has made a mark with its Early Career Grants Program where across many countries, young scientists are tackling various health issues through research. I look forward to seeing the results of these grants being shared with National programs and contributing to making an impact at country level, no matter how small.
