Berlin, October 13, 2025 – At this year’s World Health Summit, the German Network against Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNTDs) hosted its annual workshop under the title “The Future of Combatting Neglected Tropical Diseases, Innovative Financing and Shared Global Responsibility” Speakers: Maria Rebollo, Lead, Global Program for Elimination of Onchocerciasis, WHO HQ; Laurent Fraisse, Research & Development Director, DNDi; Carol Karutu, Vice President, Programs, End Fund; Johannes Waltz, Head of Merck Schistosomiasis Franchise. Chairs: Achim Hörauf, University Hospital Bonn, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Director of the Institute, Germany; Carsten Köhler, University Hospital Tübingen, Center of Competence at the Institute for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Human Parasitology, Director of the Center of Competence, Germany.
Key Insights from the Session
Maria Rebollo (WHO) presented an up-to-date overview of how global funding shifts are affecting the field of neglected tropical diseases. She noted that while the WHO NTD Department has recently merged with the Malaria Division, dedicated technical units continue to operate for each disease-specific intervention. The central theme of her presentation was integration. Rebollo highlighted that by embedding NTD interventions into existing systems, mobilizing communities, and fostering multisectoral collaboration, countries are securing sustainability while continuing to innovate. Catalytic partnerships remain important, complementing national efforts with donated medicines, technical support, diagnostics, surveillance, and innovation, reinforcing the synergy between domestic leadership and global solidarity. Reflecting on recent progress, Rebollo remarked, “I was very impressed by how quickly some countries took ownership and implemented the necessary integration of NTDs into other health programs.”
Laurent Fraisse (DNDi) underlined the need for innovation to ensure that affected populations receive targeted treatment so that, as part of a broader strategy, NTD elimination can be achieved. He also emphasized that funding alignment and coordinated approaches for NTD drug development and access will bring solutions to those in need most rapidly and effectively. He stressed that “A patient-needs-driven alternative R&D model can bring medical innovation to vulnerable patient communities through public-private partnerships between scientists, donors, and national governments.”
Johannes Waltz (Merck) reaffirmed Merck’s commitment to continue donating medicines until schistosomiasis is successfully eliminated. At the same time, he noted: “Given shrinking budgets, it is crucial to explore new sustainable financing models.”
Carol Karutu (End Fund) called for collective action: “Everybody has a role.” She emphasized the importance of national and regional governments, stating: “Our experience as a donor organization shows that these institutions often have a more holistic perspective on health programs and strive to be more efficient in tackling NTDs.”
Karutu also highlighted the importance of trust and participation among all stakeholders: “Mutual trust and, above all, the involvement of patients are key prerequisites for effective collaboration.”
