Global partners gather in India to address the challenges of neglected diseases

International experts and representatives of the Government of India along with global health organisations gathered in New Delhi for a high level conference: “Partnering for Success – Reducing India’s Burden of Neglected Diseases.” Reportedly, a variety of experts participated in panels that examined and explored the need to better understand the economic and social burden of neglected disease, how to reach the poorest and most marginalised and how to increase research and development capacity.

In 2012, the World Health Organization established targets for the control and elimination of 10 neglected tropical diseases by 2020. Governments around the world – working in partnership with civil society organisations, and the pharmaceutical industry – have joined in a global coordinated effort to meet this challenge.

The Government of India, with the support of international partners, has made significant progress tackling lymphatic filariasis, yaws, leprosy and other NTDs in recent years. But India’s massive population, widespread poverty and malnutrition still present challenges in controlling neglected diseases. Continued progress against neglected diseases in India is crucial to achieving the WHO’s goals by 2020.

Commenting on the continuing need to address neglected diseases and the importance of multi-lateral partnerships in meeting the WHO targets, Anshu Prakash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family welfare, Government of India said, “India recognizes the challenges posed by NTDs and is committed to fight and eliminate each one of them. This meeting is a laudable initiative. All stakeholders must work together to implement strategies and initiatives for success in our fight against NTDs.”

Speaking on behalf of Global Health Progress, Andrew Jenner, of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Associations (IFPMA) noted, “Coordination between the government and the network of medicine and vaccine producers lends critical momentum to this process. With 55 health partnerships benefiting people in India, our industry is committed to working hand-in-hand with governmental and other stakeholders and is bringing concrete results to the way we fight these diseases now and in the future.”

Highlighting the impact of NTDs on poor and hard to reach populations and the need to take action, Dr CP Thakur, Member of Parliament, Former Union Health Minister, Government of India & Chairman, Balaji Utthan Sansthan, Kala-azar Research Centre noted, “Stopping visceral leishmaniasis – or kala-azar – which is transmitted by the bite of a sand fly and without proper treatment is almost always fatal, is a challenge we must unite behind. Through early detection, and prompt and proper treatment we can help save lives in the poorest and most marginalised communities from kala-azar and other neglected diseases.”

Ranjana Smetacek, the incoming Director General of the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India added, “NTDs affect one sixth of the world’s population and many among the world’s poorest. We must address this scourge through collaboration that extends across research, drug supply and implementation capability. The Indian Government has made progress in eliminating leprosy and run a successful project in Bihar, where 17 million children were de-wormed over a period of three months. These examples demonstrate the importance of public-private partnerships and our ability to lead in the global fight against neglected diseases.”

The conference “Partnering for Success – Reducing India’s Burden of Neglected Diseases” was convened by Global Health Progress (GHP), Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) and International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA).

EH News Bureau