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EOB 2022 2023
IMPACT INDICATOR
Elimination of neglected infectious diseases in countries and territories
24. Elimination of neglected infectious diseases in countries and territories

SDG Indicator 3.3.5

Number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical diseases

SHAA2030 Target 10.7

Eliminate neglected infectious diseases as public health problems 

Trachoma
Baseline 2019: 1 of 5 countries // Target 2025: 3 of 5 countries
Rating
Trachoma
In progress (1 of 5 countries achieved; 2 in progress)
Chagas disease
Baseline 2019: 17 of 21 countries // Target 2025: 21 of 21 countries
Rating
Chagas disease
Progress not sufficient to reach the target (17 of 21 countries achieved, 4 not showing sufficient progress)
Dog-mediated human rabies
Baseline 2019: 32 of 35 countries // Target 2025: 35 of 35 countries
Rating
Dog-mediated human rabies
In progress (31 of 35 countries achieved, 4 in progress)
Leprosy
Baseline 2019: 17 of 23 countries // Target 2025: 23 of 23 countries
Rating
Leprosy
Progress not sufficient to reach the target (17 of 23 countries achieved, 6 not showing sufficient progress)
Human taeniasis/ cysticercosis
Baseline 2019: 0 of 16 countries // Target 2025: 3 of 16 countries
Rating
Human taeniasis/ cysticercosis
Progress not sufficient to reach the target (0 of 16 countries achieved, 3 not showing sufficient progress)
Lymphatic filariasis
Baseline 2019: 3 of 7 countries // Target 2025: 5 of 7 countries
Rating
Lymphatic filariasis
In progress (3 of 7 countries achieved, 2 in progress)
Onchocerciasis
Baseline 2019: 4 of 6 countries // Target 2025: 6 of 6 countries
Rating
Onchocerciasis
Progress not sufficient to reach the target (4 of 6 countries achieved, 2 not showing sufficient progress)
Schistosomiasis
Baseline 2019: 3 of 10 countries // Target 2025: 5 of 10 countries
Rating
Schistosomiasis
Progress not sufficient to reach the target (5 of 10 countries not showing sufficient progress)
Analysis:

The goal of eliminating neglected infectious diseases (NID) has been established both through global and through regional mandates. Overall, there has been progress toward meeting the 2025 targets, particularly regarding for trachoma, dog-mediated human rabies, and lymphatic filariasis. Efforts picked up with the revamping of the Disease Elimination Initiative by the Director of PASB in 2023. However, some countries remain at risk of not meeting the target, and 5 diseases are considered at risk: Chagas disease, leprosy, human taeniasis, onchocerciasis, and schistosomiasis. 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the efforts of countries to achieve their targets for eliminating NIDs, delaying at least two years of progress in public health interventions in this program area. Community-based activities like mass drug administration, surveys, and active NID case searches were canceled in 2020. They gradually resumed in the second half of 2021 and picked up during the 2022–2023 period. 

 

Nonetheless, financial and human resources were redirected from NID programs to support the pandemic response, affecting NID control efforts. Mobility restrictions and screening disruptions during the pandemic hampered early NID diagnosis and disrupted the continuous NID surveillance that is crucial for NID control. 

 

Recommendations 

• Through the Disease Elimination Initiative, intensify technical cooperation for NID elimination, in collaboration with Member States and partners. 

• Provide strategic guidance to support the renewal of political commitments to disease elimination.