Berlin, 25 June 2025 – At the summer reception of the German Network against Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNTDs), Dr. Georg Kippels, Member of the German Bundestag and Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health – formerly Chair of the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Neglected Tropical Diseases – welcomed numerous guests from politics, science, and civil society.
In his address, Dr. Kippels emphasized the importance of combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), especially in the context of limited public budgets. In his new role as State Secretary, he aims to ensure that global health remains a part of interministerial discussions within the federal government, alongside domestic health policy. He stressed the need for committed parliamentarians in the current legislative period to continue supporting the Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development in this field. The economic benefits of effective NTD programs also deserve greater recognition. While no longer formally responsible for development policy, Dr. Kippels reaffirmed his personal commitment to advancing the fight against NTDs.
A special guest at the summer reception was Professor Francisca Mutapi, who since March 2024 has served as Deputy Chair of the Board at Uniting to Combat NTDs. She is Professor of Global Health Infection and Immunity, Deputy Director of the TIBA (Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa) partnership, and Co-Director of the Global Health Academy at the University of Edinburgh.
Prof. Mutapi has made significant contributions to global efforts against NTDs through her scientific work and close collaboration with the WHO and national governments. Her research on paediatric schistosomiasis was instrumental in the WHO’s 2012 recommendation to test and treat preschool children. In Zimbabwe, she played a leading role in developing the country’s national deworming program for schoolchildren. Today, she coordinates the continent-wide TIBA partnership (Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa) – an African-led network active in nine countries.
In Berlin, Prof. Mutapi drew attention to the consequences of USAID’s withdrawal from NTD funding in many African countries. Already overstretched health systems now face the challenge of integrating NTD control more efficiently. She called for a paradigm shift: while some NTDs, e.g. trachoma, are treated with antibiotics, it is crucial to reduce unnecessary mass drug administration and instead focus on identifying and treating those actually infected. She praised the German government’s support, particularly its commitment to addressing female genital schistosomiasis, and highlighted progress within the African Union, where UTC is working to sensitize policymakers to the issue.
Matthias Seiche, new Head of the Division for Pandemic Prevention and One Health at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), emphasized the development policy relevance of fighting NTDs. The goal, he said, is to enable affected individuals – often the poorest in the world – to live in dignity. The development principle of Leave no one behind is more relevant than ever. Seiche pointed to close cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), particularly in supporting product development partnerships (PDPs). These are complemented by BMZ programs that help bring medicines to market and ensure their distribution. In light of stagnant budgets, it is essential to strategically integrate NTD control into broader health and development policies – especially within the One Health framework.
The evening was moderated by Prof. Dr. Achim Hörauf, spokesperson for the DNTDs and Director of the Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology at the University Hospital Bonn.
