Aparna Barua-Adams Appointed as Vice-Chair of the NTD NGO Network

The NTD NGO Network (NNN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Aparna Barua Adams as its new Vice-Chair. With more than 15 years of experience in global health public affairs, advocacy, and coalition building, Aparna brings a strong track record of influencing policy platforms across the UK, the European Commission, the G7, the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

In her current role with Unlimit Health, Aparna leads advocacy efforts targeting the UK Government’s global health and development priorities, and works closely with Ministries of Health to strengthen advocacy capacity and prioritisation—expertise that aligns closely with the NNN’s strategic direction and the implementation of the network’s new Blueprint for Action, emerging from the recently concluded Strategic Review.

Aparna has been deeply engaged in the NNN for over a decade, bringing extensive insight into the network’s evolution, governance and membership. Her leadership experience spans service on the Executive Committee (ICTC alternate, 2018–2024), as a former Co-Chair of the Ensuring Sustainable Systems cross-cutting group, and active participation in the Conflict & Humanitarian Emergencies and Communications groups. In 2025, she also co-led the NNN’s Strategic Review process alongside representatives from The END Fund and The Carter Center.

Reflecting on her appointment, Aparna shared: "As NNN Vice Chair, my commitment is simple but deliberate: to connect people, ideas, and opportunities so that we can deliver on the full potential of the NNN as a global network of NTD stakeholders. We're at a pivotal moment as we work toward the WHO NTD Roadmap 2030 goals and beyond. This is our opportunity to build on our rich history while embracing what's next, to strengthen partnerships while forging new ones, and to amplify our unified voice."

Aparna’s longstanding involvement in the NNN Conference Committee since 2016 equips her well to Chair the committee and to lead the organisation of the 17th Annual NNN Conference in 2026. Her strong relationships across the membership and multi-sectoral experience in NTDs, TB, HIV, malaria, nutrition and health systems will further strengthen the network’s collaborative impact.

The NNN warmly welcomes Aparna into this leadership role as the network moves into its next chapter of growth and strategic implementation.