World NTD Day 2026

To mark World NTD Day 2026, Kikundi co-hosted a high-level webinar with the African Union Commission, African Leaders Malaria Alliance, WHO ESPEN, The END Fund, and Speak Up Africa, focusing on integrating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) into primary health care and strengthening sustainable domestic financing.

The session brought together a diverse range of high-level representatives and technical experts from the African Union Commission, ALMA, WHO ESPEN, Speak Up Africa, The END Fund, and national ministries of health.

A clear message emerged: integration is essential. Embedding NTD services within primary health care strengthens health systems, improves efficiency, and builds resilience. Domestic financing was highlighted as critical, with governments urged to establish dedicated NTD budget lines and prioritize national funding.

Country experiences demonstrated that integration is achievable by improving coordination, unified planning, and data systems. With 2026 marking the midpoint toward the 2030 elimination targets, participants called for urgent, more coordinated action.

The overarching message was clear: Africa has the solutions—what is needed now is sustained political will, domestic ownership, and decisive action to achieve NTD elimination by 2030.

Please find the recording here