African Union (AU) Commission’s Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the medical research nonprofit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi)
The agreement, signed on Monday, February 10, 2025, aims to enhance policy advocacy, research and development (R&D), and access to treatments for NTDs across the continent.
H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, emphasized the significance of the partnership in advancing Africa’s health agenda.
“We are committed to developing and delivering effective treatments to the most vulnerable, promoting R&D and innovation for new technologies for NTDs and climate-sensitive diseases in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063, Africa Health Strategy, and the Continental Framework on NTDs,” said Cessouma.
NTDs, which affect over a billion people worldwide, disproportionately impact Africa’s most vulnerable populations, hindering socioeconomic development and public health. Diseases such as leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness, and river blindness continue to pose significant challenges, requiring urgent intervention and innovation.
The MoU aligns with the Common African Position on NTDs, a strategic vision aimed at controlling, eliminating, and eradicating these diseases by 2030. This commitment underscores the AU’s dedication to improving health outcomes and enhancing Africa’s public health resilience.
DNDi, a leading nonprofit in medical research, has a proven track record of providing safe, effective, and affordable treatments for neglected patients. Since its inception in 2003, the organization has developed 13 treatments for six deadly diseases, saving millions of lives.
Dr. Luis Pizarro, Executive Director of DNDi, highlighted the importance of merging scientific research with policy advocacy to achieve meaningful progress in tackling NTDs.
“For too long, neglected diseases have caused immense suffering to vulnerable communities across Africa. This partnership with the African Union is about changing that by bringing science and policy action together to drive innovation and ensure that effective treatments reach patients in need and on time,” said Dr. Pizarro. “With this collaboration, we are shaping a healthier, more equitable world—one where no disease is too neglected to deserve attention, investment, and action.”
The partnership will focus on the discovery and development of new treatments for NTDs prevalent in Africa through collaborative R&D efforts. In addition, capacity building will be a priority, aiming to strengthen the capabilities of African health institutions and professionals in managing and researching NTDs.
Another key aspect of the collaboration is advocacy and policy development to support sustainable access to NTD treatments. By integrating NTD initiatives into national health agendas, the partnership seeks to ensure long-term impact and resilience in addressing these diseases.
By leveraging the strengths of both organizations, this collaboration aspires to make significant strides in reducing the burden of NTDs, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous Africa.
