Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of preventable and treatable diseases that cause
immeasurable suffering for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.These diseases can cause severe disability, disfigurement, and death; the burden they place on countries prevents their citizens from reaching their shared potential. The impact of NTDs extends beyond
health, limiting the economic growth of nations and costing billions of dollars in lost productivity every year. Of the more than 1.6 billion people worldwide that require interventions against NTDs every year, a significant percentage reside in Francophone countries that are concentrated in regions heavily burdened by these diseases, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
This report focuses on the Francophonie as a critical platform for addressing these diseases. Francophone countries share unique linguistic, cultural, and historical ties that can facilitate powerful collaboration and collective action. By leveraging a common language and existing political and organisational platforms, Francophone countries can work together to more effectively combat NTDs. In particular, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is a unified institution for advancing advocacy efforts, strengthening political commitment, and boosting cross-border collaboration to help end NTDs.

Link: https://www.speakupafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TAP5550_Neglected_Tropical_Diseases_Report_ENG.pdf