For decades, the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has been shaped by international donors and development agencies. But now, the dynamic is shifting. Across Africa, local leaders, communities, and advocates are taking the lead to end these diseases.
NTDs are a significant burden on Africa, which carries 40% of the world’s NTD cases. These diseases, which include 20 different infections, thrive in areas with poor sanitation, unsafe water, and limited healthcare access. These same regions are now facing the added challenge of climate change, with rising temperatures and extreme weather events increasing the risk of NTD transmission. This is a health issue, but it also ties into broader challenges related to climate and development.
NTDs are more than just a health concern—they cause physical disabilities, cognitive issues, social stigma, and economic losses. Diseases like trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, and schistosomiasis, which can lead to infertility, affect millions, particularly women and children. These diseases also perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Despite these challenges, there are promising signs of progress. Several African countries are beginning to prioritize NTDs, and local efforts are gaining traction. Though local leadership is not yet universal, it is steadily growing stronger. The shift toward national ownership is underway, but there is still much to be done.
A New Generation of Champions
A new generation of leaders is emerging to tackle NTDs. These champions include women’s rights activists, youth leaders, doctors, journalists, athletes, and artists. Their efforts are changing the narrative around NTDs, bringing the voices of those directly affected and the leadership of local communities to the forefront.
At Speak Up Africa, we believe that change must come from within. In partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), we have worked to empower these leaders to influence policy, mobilize resources, and build national movements to eliminate NTDs.
Local Action for Local Impact
In countries like Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Senegal, national networks of champions, supported by Speak Up Africa and CIFF, are driving local advocacy efforts. These groups include youth leaders, health professionals, parliamentarians, journalists, and business leaders who are working to make NTDs a priority on national agendas.
In Senegal, local champions partnered with parliamentarians to raise NTDs in legislative discussions. In Burkina Faso, the Minister of Health publicly committed to increasing domestic funding for NTD programs. In Ethiopia, advocates helped organize a national research symposium and worked with government teams to amplify public messages. In Kenya, youth leaders revived the Kenya Youth Against NTDs network and engaged local officials to push for policy change and increased investment.
Strategic communications have amplified their impact. Through media outreach, including national TV coverage and articles, over 40,000 people have been reached. These efforts are helping to shift both public perception and national policy on NTDs.
Youth engagement has brought new energy to the movement. In Kenya, the World NTD Cup used football to promote health education and raise awareness. In Senegal, a partnership with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) led to the creation of the Young NTD Champions Club, a platform to empower young athletes to become leaders in advocacy.
These efforts are not isolated successes. They represent a broader shift toward national ownership, where local leaders are building momentum for long-term change.
Why Local Action Matters
NTDs may be neglected, but our response must not be. The progress made so far shows that with the right leadership, structures, and support, eliminating NTDs is possible. But we must accelerate our efforts and stay the course.
National health budgets must consistently allocate funding for NTD interventions, such as mass drug distribution, disability services, and vector control. We must ensure that NTDs are included in climate adaptation plans, particularly those related to water and sanitation. Regional procurement policies should be harmonized so that medicines and diagnostics can be quickly distributed to where they are needed most. Public-private partnerships must also be central to scaling up the impact of these efforts.
Our champions—courageous and deeply connected to their communities—are the heart of this movement. Their stories are changing perceptions, their actions are mobilizing resources, and their leadership is showing what is possible.
Together, we will eliminate NTDs in Africa.
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