Category: Media coverage

The RLMF Country Consultation on Laboratory Capacity Strengthening in Abuja, Nigeria, convened 46 key stakeholders committed to eliminating river blindness and lymphatic filariasis across Africa. With over 1 million samples expected to be analyzed in 2026, the meeting focused on identifying challenges and solutions in sample analysis, addressing critical gaps in laboratory capacity, and generating actionable recommendations for RLMF.

Participants included representatives from national laboratories, Ministries of Health from Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Cameroon, Mali, Uganda, the DRC, and Ethiopia, and RLMF partners such as The Carter Center, the END Fund, Sightsavers International, WHO Afro’s Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM).

In a powerful display of national unity and commitment, Senegal is on the cusp of eliminating river blindness—an achievement driven by the dedication of its leaders, health workers, and communities. Since 2018, the country has reported no transmission of the disease, marking a significant step toward a future free from river blindness.

In August, a high-level event in Dakar, Senegal, brought together key partners to celebrate this progress. Hosted by the Ministry of Health and Social Action in collaboration with the END Fund and the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity through RLMF, the gathering highlighted Senegal’s leadership and the collective efforts that have made this success possible.

Among the distinguished guests were Serigne Mbaye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Social Action; H.E. Saeed Hamdan Alnaqbi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal; and Dr. Solomon Zewdu, Chief Executive Officer of the END Fund—each offering reflections on the journey so far and the road ahead. 

Uganda is making significant strides in the fight against NTDs, moving steadily toward its elimination goals. A recent report by New Vision highlights the country’s progress and growing momentum in line with the WHO 2030 roadmap.

With the backing of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund and strong collaboration from local and global partners, Uganda is demonstrating what sustained commitment and strategic investment can achieve.

“With the support of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund and our dedicated partners, we are optimistic that Uganda will have eliminated this disease in line with the WHO 2030 roadmap.” Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health. 

WHO Afro’s Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) convened a strategic workshop with key partners from the Reaching the Last Mile Fund—including the Gates Foundation, CIFF, and the END Fund—to align on its 2026–2030 Strategic Framework. Partners played a pivotal role in shaping ESPEN’s six strategic pillars, endorsing its leadership in country support, access to medicines, data systems, and regional coordination. The meeting reinforced ESPEN’s central role in driving cost-effective, integrated approaches to NTD elimination and emphasized the urgent need to translate strategy into action. A joint plan was initiated to expand ESPEN’s support across more countries and domains, with a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and equity.