About
More than a billion people around the world are affected by one or more neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These preventable parasitic and bacterial diseases cause severe disability among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. With affected countries leading the way, progress against NTDs has been remarkable over the past decade — hundreds of millions are no longer at-risk and many countries are on track to control or eliminate these diseases.
The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) Act to End Neglected Tropical Diseases | East program supports countries to reach their NTD control and elimination goals. Building on experience, platforms, and progress gained through more than a decade of USAID investment in NTDs, Act | East uses proven and cost-effective public health interventions to support the:
- Elimination of lymphatic filariasis and trachoma, and of onchocerciasis where feasible;
- Strengthening of national health systems to deliver NTD services; and,
- Building of country-owned and sustainable platforms for disease control and surveillance.
Our efforts focus on 13 countries in Africa, the Americas, and Asia, providing critical support to governments to create sustainable platforms for NTD services within robust and resilient health systems.
RTI International leads Act | East with a consortium of partners including The Carter Center, Fred Hollows Foundation, Light for the World, Results for Development, Save the Children, Sightsavers, and WI-HER.
