S2.11 To finally defeat neglected diseases, the EU needs to really lead in global health

To finally defeat neglected diseases, the EU needs to really lead in global healthBy Lisa Goerlitz and Rosa CastroThe EU’s ambitions must be supported by adequate resources. This is particularly true for global health, where uncertainty stemming from the new US administration and other geopolitical shifts highlight the urgent need for the EU to step into the leadership role it has long sought.Neglected diseases (or ‘NDs’) present a strategic opportunity for the EU to make a smart investment that could have a real impact on global health. NDs impact around 1.6 billion people globally, causing devastating health and socioeconomic consequences. Since those affected primarily live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited ability to pay, there has been little to no commercial incentive for developing new medicines and vaccines targeting NDs.Both the spread of NDs as well as their global health security significance are shifting. Climate change is facilitating the (re-)emergence of vector-borne diseases in other regions; linked challenges such as rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are increasing the disease burden; and some NDs have epidemic or even pandemic potential. As we’ve seen for Ebola or mpox, NDs tend to be neglected – until they come (close) to us. But at that point, it may already be too late for many to benefit from a new vaccine or medicine.Watch more here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.