About

The Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) NGO Network is a global forum for NGOs to contribute to the global control, elimination, and management of consequences of NTDs outlined within the internationally agreed World Health Organisation NTD Roadmap. 

NTDs are a group of treatable and preventable diseases that continue to affect over one billion of the world's most impoverished, marginalized people living in remote communities. Non-governmental organisations play a key role in the fight against these diseases, they share common strategies including community-based health interventions that can be integrated to strengthen health care systems. 

NNN was established in October 2009 to create a global forum for non-governmental organisations working to control onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths, and trachoma. Many other diseases including leprosy and podoconiosis have since joined the forum. You can read about all WHO recognised NTD diseases here.

Our vision is a world free of NTDs.

Our purpose is to enhance the contribution of NGOs and their partners toward that vision.

Our objectives to achieve our vision and purpose are: 

  • Present a unified network voice on common issues to advance NTD goals through evidence-informed advocacy and innovative approaches in collaboration with WHO and Ministries of Health. 

  • Enhance our community of practice through inclusive membership engagement, learning, and knowledge sharing grounded in lived experience.

Our Values

Three core values guide our work:

  • Engagement and Participation - Widening participation—especially from NTD affected country organizations—and shared leadership responsibilities across the network.
  • Collaboration and Sharing - Open knowledge exchange without replacing members’ work; NNN adds value by convening; it does not replace members. 
  • Inclusion and Equity - Authentic leadership from  NTD affected country partners, smaller organizations, persons affected by NTDs, and youth.

Our membership is open to any NGO or academic institution that is engaged in the fight against NTDs. Other organisations are welcome to join our work as active observers. Join NNN here. 

NNN is governed by an Executive Committee, comprised of representation of various NGO disease-specific groups and working groups that will enable the network to successfully meet the objectives of NNN.