How We Work | A Blueprint for Action

The Neglected Tropical Disease NGO Network (NNN) stands at a pivotal moment. The NNN is a global platform that unites NGOs — including academic and research institutions — and networks working across disease-specific NTDs and cross-cutting thematic challenges, while amplifying the voices of NTD-affected communities. NNN plays a unique and essential role in the fight against diseases that affect over one billion of the world's most vulnerable people.

Read the NNN Blueprint for Action, our Strategic Plan for 2026-2030

This strategic plan, developed through extensive consultations with members and a wide range of other stakeholders across all WHO regions, charts a course for NNN to continue evolving, building on its annual global conference while expanding to a structured, yearround plan of action that integrates learning, advocacy, and community engagement.

Unlike other global health gatherings that center on discovery or basic science, the NNN’s space is distinguished by its focus on implementation science — how to translate research into practice, scale innovations equitably, and share lessons from country-based programs to influence policy and accelerate elimination efforts. Our vision remains unchanged: a world free of NTDs. Our approach is transforming to meet this challenge through authentic inclusion, evidence-based advocacy, and innovative collaboration.

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

Our objectives 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.

This Blueprint for Action goes straight to the heart of what’s new — how NNN will operate over the next five years through four strategic pillars that guide our collective action and accountability.

These four strategic pillars for 2026-2030 are:

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.