Details
10:00 A.M. (EST)
General Objectives
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.
1. To share best practices and challenges in collecting and disseminating data for NTDs (improving the advocacy for resources for NTDs, including the need to ensure full funding for data collection organizations/initiatives and the need for advocacy with the community to mobilise resources).
2. To foster collaboration among institutions working on NTD data management, ministries of health and the advocacy community to mobilise resources.
3. To enhance understanding of the role of data in improving access to health (diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of NTDs) and supporting decision-making.
4. To provide quality content for the celebration of World NTD Day.
Justification and Context
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.
This webinar seeks to highlight best practices and challenges in NTD data management, showcasing innovative and complementary efforts led by governments, civil society, and research institutions. It aims to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to ensure adequate funding for data collection initiatives, reinforce the role of data in expanding equitable access to health services, and enhance the advocacy landscape for NTDs. Additionally, the event will contribute to the global celebration of World NTD Day, amplifying voices and evidence that underscore the value of data as a catalyst for action and accountability.
Target Audience
Public health professionals and researchers working on NTDs;
Policy makers and healthcare providers, including representatives from Ministries of Health, PAHO, WHO and other multilateral orgs.;
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and coalitions dedicated to the fight against NTDs;
Students and academics interested in global health and NTD research;
Advocacy groups, patients and community representatives involved with NTDs.
Institutions Involved in the Organization and Responsibilities:
PAHO: co-organizer, technical issues, agenda, and dissemination
COR-NTD (Task Force): Co-moderators and speaker, agenda and dissemination.
Chagas Global Coalition + DNDi + WHF: overall organization, technical issues and agenda + dissemination
Agenda
10:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.
Introduction and Welcome Remarks
10:05 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.
The Need to Know & The Challenge to Get Accurate Data on NTDs.
10:25 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Initiatives to address the Challenges in Data Collection and Management.
10:50 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
Looking outside: Good Alternatives.
11:10 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
Question and Comments
11:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Next Steps and Closing Remarks - Video