The key actors and initiatives supporting Sierra Leone's fight against NTDs

THE KEY ACTORS AND INITIATIVES SUPPORTING SIERRA LEONE'S FIGHT AGAINST NTDS GLOBAL AGREEMENTS AND INITIATIVES Private-public partnerships with pharmaceutical companies: global pledge to donate drugs worth $1billion - the largest drug donation in history $1 BILLION: THE LARGEST DRUG DONATION IN HISTORY Guidelines and recommendations for tackling NTDS developed by WHO (2008-2015) 2012 London Declaration on NTDS: increased profile of NTDS and political commitment to eliminate 10 of the 17 NTDS by 2020 DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES IN SIERRA LEONE SIERRA LEONE GOVERNMENT USAID, Helen Keller International WHO-APOC and Sightsavers provided technical assistance and funds Pioneer in NTD research since 1920s Provided staff and institutional structures $27 $1 million in drug donations 2008 to 2011 (creating an NTD focal point in every district and a National NTD Task Force Group) million per year for operational activities Launched two five-year National Strategic plans on NTDS (2006-2011 and 2011-2015) COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES LEADING TO... Evidence-based planning Adaptation of international guidelines to local context Gradual transfer of knowledge leading to government ownership +. CREATION OF BOTTOM-UP PROGRAMME TO TACKLE NTDSS REDUCE BARRIERS IN TREATMENT UPTAKE Community ownership Planning and advocacy meetings with community members Local and national commitment Social mobilisation with community leaders Self-worth and pride among community drug distributors Creation of 29,000 community drug distributors Sources: Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (2014); IFPMA (2014); END (2008 - 2011)