The Reaching the Last Mile Fund is a global coalition of countries, donors, and partners working to accelerate the elimination of two neglected tropical diseases from Africa and Yemen.
We support country-led efforts to control and end onchocerciasis – also known as river blindness – and lymphatic filariasis, two neglected tropical diseases that threaten the health of millions of people across Africa. We do this by collaborating with governments, donors, pharmaceutical, and global health partners to advance national elimination programs, foster innovation, and mobilize resources and alliances towards our shared vision.
Together, we aim to better lives today, while also building a legacy of investments and partnerships to serve communities well beyond the lifetime of the fund.
M
committed in funding across
the lifetime of RLMF
countries and territories
served by RLMF
million+
lives would be improved by ending LF and river blindness in Africa
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over 1 billion people globally, causing blindness, disability and disfigurement.
These devastating diseases are found in the world’s most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach communities. They keep adults out of work and children out of school, and cost endemic countries billions of dollars each year. Yet they can be prevented, controlled, and eliminated.
RLMF prioritizes two NTDs that affect the health and livelihoods of millions of people across Africa. Lymphatic filariasis, or LF, is spread by mosquitoes and causes severe swelling of body parts and long-term disability. River blindness is a eye and skin infection spread by blackflies. It causes painful itching and vision loss, and – if untreated – irreversible blindness.
Africa has made enormous progress against NTDs, with 22 nations eliminating at least one. Building on this momentum, we strive to make measurable progress towards our shared vision: an Africa free of NTDs.
countries across Africa
are endemic for LF
countries across Africa are
endemic for river blindness
African countries have
eliminated at least one NTD
RLMF is a response to the call of African countries for greater resources to defeat NTDs and improve the health of millions.
RLMF was established in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the Gates Foundation. Its aim was to support elimination efforts in seven countries, and accelerate global progress against LF and river blindness.
In 2023, the founders announced the expansion of RLMF to an ambitious, continent-wide program, supported by a diverse coalition of countries, funders, and global health partners.
Today, RLMF seeks to accelerate the elimination of river blindness and LF in 39 countries in Africa and Yemen. Together, with endemic countries and partners, we believe we can achieve our joint vision of an Africa free of these devastating diseases.
RLMF works hand-in-hand with countries to fast-track national NTD programs and make sustainable progress towards elimination goals. Building on domestic investments, we provide additional funding, tools, and technical expertise to help overcome barriers, strengthen capacity, and accelerate progress.
With support from this model, Niger was verified as the first African country to eliminate river blindness. Senegal has also halted nationwide treatment of the disease and is shifting to a surveillance phase.
RLMF works with trusted partners The END Fund, The Carter Center, and Sightsavers to facilitate program delivery across its target countries. All are expert and established implementers in the fight against NTDs.
Our partners
RLMF is supported by a diverse group of funders including more than 20 philanthropic organizations and foundations.
Contact us
For media enquiries, please contact: media@reachingthelastmilefund.org
For all other queries, please contact: partnerships@reachingthelastmilefund.org
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