In the April 2012 issue of PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, a peer-reviewed access journal published by the Public Library of Science, the Disease Reference Group on Helminth Infections (DRG4) compiled an outline of compelling research and development for the control and elimination of helminth diseases of humans.

Dr. Mistry speaks at Global Philanthropy Forum

Last week, the Global Network’s Managing Director, Dr. Neeraj Mistry, participated in a panel at the Global Philanthropy Forum, called “Scaling Solutions in Global Health Diversity.”

Fellow panelists included Barbara Bush, Founder of the Global Health Corps, and Bill Campbell, Senior Advisor, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Chair of the END Fund’s International Advisory Board.

During the session, Dr. Mistry spoke about how many issues in global health, particularly the work to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), must be brought to scale to be truly effective.   He said, “[Treating NTDs] is like building a road.  You either build a road or you don’t.  You can’t build it mile-by-mile.”

Dr. Mistry also noted that not all complex problems require complex solutions. “I’m on a quest to find simple solutions with complex implications,” he said.  Mass drug administration (MDA) is one such solution for controlling and eventually eliminating all seven NTDs. During an MDA, everyone in the community receives treatment once or twice a year until the transmission of the diseases is interrupted.

Campbell spoke about how investors should look for where they can get the most “bang for the buck,” when investing in global health.  He said, of his role in the END Fund, a private philanthropy dedicated to reducing the prevalence of NTDs in sub-Saharan Africa: “I wanted to be an activist in philanthropy. I didn’t just want to give my money, I wanted to follow it.”

Bush also shared some insight on how her work with Global Health Corps has helped to bring more young people into positions in global health programs.

Watch the full video by clicking the link below.

Video: Scaling Solutions in Global Health Diversity at Global Philanthropy Forum

On April 11-12, 2012, G8 Foreign Ministers met in Washington, D.C. in preparation for the upcoming G8 summit, which will be held at Camp David at the end of May. During the meeting, the ministers expressed their continued support for global health.

We were glad to see that in the Chair’s message, the G8 urged “continued collaboration to accelerate progress on controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases,” alongside calls for eradicating polio and improving access to routine immunization.

Since global health has not been widely promoted as a top issue for the G8 at this year’s summit, this reaffirmation of past promises is encouraging.

The G8 members have pledged support for NTD control since the 2008 summit in Hokkaido, Japan, when they first recognized NTDs as a problem plaguing the world’s poor.According to the Chair’s message, the ministers concluded the meeting with a call to all nations to collaborate with others to “develop and strengthen core public health capacities to prevent, detect, report and respond to these public health emergencies of international concern.”

Read the full G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting Chair’s Statement here.

Dr. Neeraj Mistry, John Kufuor and Dr. Ciro de Quadros at the luncheon to welcome Kufuor as NTD Special Envoy

We’re pleased to announce that the Honorable John Kufuor, president of Ghana (2001-2009), has joined the Global Network as our new neglected tropical disease (NTD) Special Envoy.

As a part of this new role, Kufuor will travel internationally to help educate development partners on the global NTD burden and encourage them to incorporate NTD control into existing global health or cross-sectoral development programs, as well as emphasize the need for investment in research and development efforts for NTDs.

The Global Network and the African Union honored Kufuor at a luncheon yesterday that was attended by members of the U.S. government and diplomats from several African countries.

In his remarks, Kufuor spoke about the impact of neglected tropical diseases in Ghana, particularly guinea worm, which has come close to elimination.

“Controlling NTDs is a major factor in improving health systems and reducing poverty in endemic countries,” he said. “I am delighted to apply my experience in improving health, nutrition, and food security programs in Africa to work with governments around the world to increase the funding and public awareness necessary to eliminate these devastating diseases.”

Kufuor is well known for his incredible success in reducing hunger and poverty in Ghana during his time in office.  Under his leadership, Ghana received a $500 million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which they swiftly put to use in furthering their development efforts.

To learn more, check out our press release.