Researchers in Africa are set to receive financial support aimed at advancing research and innovative solutions to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) on the continent.

This follows the signing of a cooperative agreement between the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) and the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) – a program of the Task Force for Global Health.

The five-year collaboration comes in the wake of Ghana recording at least 11 novel cases of dengue fever and the prevalence of other tropical diseases in the country.

Over 500 million poor people in sub-Saharan Africa are reported to be affected by various neglected tropical diseases.

Ghana, for instance, recently recorded novel cases of dengue fever.

The diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and toxins are associated with devastating health, social, and economic consequences.

Research into eradicating NTDs remains a challenge, considering the lack of interest and funds in addressing the diseases of the poorest and most neglected populations.

The African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases has signed a partnership agreement with the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases to facilitate NTD elimination across Africa.

Dr. John Amuasi is the Executive Director of the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

“We still do struggle with a lot of NTDs in Africa. We have a lot to address including filariasis, onchocerciasis, snake bites, etc. The situation is dire. We have the solutions. We just haven’t found the best way to deploy them,” he said.

The agreement is funded under the newly signed United States Agency for International Development (USAID) cooperative agreement, “Ending Tropical Diseases through Operational Research”.

Director of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center at The Task Force for Global Health, Dr. Patrick Lammie, is optimistic about the potential of the collaboration.

“This strategic alliance is designed to increase the number of African researchers and the amount of African lead research on NTDs, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for pressing health issues as well as providing professional development opportunities for scientists in endemic countries,” he said.

The 5-year partnership agreement is hosted at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicines at the KNUST.

Pro-VC of the KNUST, Professor Ellis Owusu Dabo believes the partnership would augment the research capacity of scientists.

“We are delighted. We desire to see our young faculty research in neglected tropical diseases to ensure that they build their own capacity and support the next generation of researchers,” he gladly said.

The project is expected to support national governments in the creation of robust NTD programs through the introduction of endemic country program managers and researchers to align their efforts.

The Board Chair of ARNTD, Prof. Gertruida Hester O'Neill highlights how the grant would support members of ARNTD and ultimately contribute to public health.

“By engaging with stakeholders, involving communities, and generating high-quality scientific research, these organizations will contribute significantly to the development of effective public health programming and policy in the region,” she said.