Supporting neglected tropical disease programmes

CBM Global supports neglected tropical disease (NTD) programmes in areas where these diseases are identified as a public health problem. By building on our long experience and existing strengths we aim to achieve a programme that is inclusive, comprehensive, integrated, cross-cutting, holistic, person-centred and country-led, following the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021-2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and CBM Global’s Vision.

How do we tackle neglected tropical diseases?

Breaking the infectious cycle through mass drug administration

This is done through curative medicines that are donated by major pharmaceutical companies, such as Merck & Co., Inc and GSK. Through development of sustainable projects, CBM Global works with communities to deliver these medicines to all those at risk. We regularly perform surveys to ensure that we’re on the right track to achieving our goals and to make sure that where we have been able to eliminate these diseases, that they do not come back.

Helping those already affected by infectious diseases

Several NTDs, if left untreated, can lead to debilitating, disfiguring medical conditions with severe psychosocial consequences for patients and their families. CBM Global is a leader in the provision of mental health support to people with disabilities caused by NTDs, through our community mental health programmes. Further, through our inclusive eye health work, we seek to prevent blindness for those with trichiasis; the end stage of trachoma that leads to blindness.

Preventing these diseases through Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

WASH provision is the basis for the prevention of several NTDs and a crucial element to ensuring sustainable control or elimination. Although CBM Global is not directly involved in WASH program delivery, we work closely with partners that do and to ensure that WASH programming provides inclusive access to people with disabilities.

Leaving no one behind in Trachoma and other NTD-eradication

It is increasingly clear that a medical-only approach to NTD programming falls short of addressing equally contributing factors to poverty and disease. CBM Global considers how holistic and inclusive programming can address some of the multiple vulnerabilities experienced by people affected by NTDs at the “End of the road”. CBM Global’s NTD approach addresses intersectional issues by improving morbidity management including economic empowerment, reducing stigma, increasing access to WASH regardless of people’s physical or cognitive abilities, responding to climate change, and improving mental health, and including community stakeholders more effectively in all stages of NTD programming.

Learn more about our impact