WS 11 - NTDs and Challenges of the COVID-19 Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the progress towards elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in a dramatic way: Following the initial recommendations of WHO, the implementation of NTD-programs had been suspended but a differentiated decision-making framework for recommencing mass treatment and other NTD interventions is now in place. This means that annual mass drug administration cycles were interrupted, no monitoring and evaluation was done, and little to no operational research implemented. If COVID-19 disrupts NTD-interventions for a longer period, the likelihood that the burden of NTDs will increase again and many years of efforts will be lost, is high. The NTD-community has to adapt programs and guidelines facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue the pathway to elimination of NTDs at the same time. Since NTD-programs are providing unique platforms that are reaching out to all communities in their target areas, assuring prevention and treatment including to those who often don't have access to health care can also benefit the fight against COVID-19.