Act to End NTDs | East Program Stops Activities Due to COVID-19

A Message from Program Director, Lisa Rotondo

To our friends and colleagues in the fight against NTDs,

On April 1, in recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization issued interim guidance to neglected tropical disease programs, recommending that community-based surveys, active case-finding activities and mass treatment campaigns be postponed until further notice. Read the WHO interim guidance for NTD programs.

After consideration of this guidance, and in discussion and agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Act | East resources can no longer be used for such activities until further notice. We urge all countries to carefully consider the WHO guidance.

USAID’s Act to End NTDs | East program is proud to partner with 13 countries in Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Together, we have made great progress toward fighting the most prevalent NTDs. COVID-19 will inevitably impact our progress in the short-term but we remain committed to continued collaboration on NTDs, an effort that has resulted in much success to date.

We support the global community in working together to stop the spread of the virus and send solidarity and strength to those in each country affected by or on the front lines battling this disease.

We are dedicated to our NTD goals and are prepared to support countries when NTD programs fully resume regular activities.

Stay strong. Thank you for your partnership as we persevere through these difficult times together.

Sincerely,

Lisa Rotondo

Director, USAID’s Act to End NTDs | East program

RTI International