As part of the World NTD Day 2026 celebrations, this webinar will explore the experience of different strategies for collecting, managing, and disseminating data on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with the collaboration of health systems, civil society organizations and researchers that can help address critical data gaps and support more informed public health responses. This webinar seeks to highlight best practices and challenges in NTD data management.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases that affect millions of people globally, often in regions with limited resources and infrastructure. They cause significant public health challenges, associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. Effective data management is critical for improving the understanding, control, and treatment of NTDs, as well as for advocating for better policies and increased investment in research and healthcare services. However, collecting and managing data on these diseases has been a major challenge for Ministries of Health. In most cases, countries have struggled to gather and manage sufficient, high-quality data, which results in a lack of visibility and understanding of the true impact of the disease. This, in turn, makes it difficult to design and implement effective public policies.
Details
10:00 A.M. (EST)
Languages: Spanish, French, Portuguese and English
Agenda
10:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.
Introduction
Chagas Coalition
Welcome Remarks
Ana Lucianez, NTDs Regional Advisor, PAHO
10:05 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Session 1 - The Need to Know & The Challenge to Get Accurate Data on NTDs.
Explore from MoH representatives the institutional challenges and priorities in NTD data management, while hearing from a patient advocate why having accurate data is essential to ensuring recognition, care, and equitable health responses.
-The Need To Know. NTD Patient Association. Elvira Hernandez. (FINDECHAGAS representative).
-To address the Challenges on NTDs Data Collection at National Level.
10:20 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
Session 2: Addressing Challenges on Data Collection and Management.
Showcase innovative and alternative approaches to NTD data management and dissemination that help both governments and patient communities to better understand the progress made and challenges ahead.
-PAHO How the Dashboard to Monitor Progress Toward the Elimination of Communicable Diseases can contribute to the countries’ progress management. Martha Saboya.
-Data verification and case review of reported yaws cases to strengthen data quality and support elimination efforts. MoH Colombia.
-DNDi/Chagas Coalition. Chagas Observatory and New Global Estimates: Data, Evidence and Collaboration for Impact. Diogo Galvao, Regional Access Consultant for DNDi Latam
10:40 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Session 3: Looking outside: Good Alternatives to Count Everyone.
Addressing the Never treated
-Addressing the Never treated; Canadian Network of NTDs, Dr. Alison Krentel (University of Ottawa)
-Novel initiatives to address the never treated in selected areas in Guyana. Dr. Annastacia Sampson ( Ministry of Health Guyana)
11:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
Session 4: Question and Comments
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a collaborative discussion with the speakers.
11:20 a.m. - 11:35 a.m.
Next Steps
Summary of key points discussed, action items, and future collaborative opportunities.
11:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Closing Remarks
Sylvain Aldighieri; Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control and Elimination; Director.