Devex 33d ago

Neglected tropical diseases continue to affect more than 1 billion people globally — and efforts to eliminate them are increasingly being recognized as some of the most cost-effective investments in global health and health system resilience. In this session from Devex Impact House @ WHA, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, executive director, Sightsavers, and Dr. Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare, program manager for NTDs, Ghana Health Service, explore how NTD programs are helping strengthen community health systems, improve local ownership, and build more sustainable healthcare delivery models amid growing financial pressure on global health systems. The conversation examines how integrated disease programs, community-led delivery, and long-term system strengthening can help countries move beyond short-term interventions toward more resilient and locally driven health systems. Session highlights: 🔹 Why NTD Elimination Matters for Health System Resilience Dr. Sunday Isiyaku of Sightsavers discusses why investing in NTD elimination is not only a public health priority but also a foundational investment in stronger and more sustainable health systems. 🔹 Lessons in Local Ownership and Community Delivery Dr. Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare of the Ghana Health Service explores how community engagement, frontline health workers, and standardized delivery systems are strengthening long-term healthcare capacity. 🔹 The Investment Case for Integrated Health Programs The conversation examines how integrated approaches — including tackling multiple diseases through coordinated mass drug administration — can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen broader health system integration. Moderated by: Kate Warren, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor, Devex This conversation was hosted by Devex in partnership with Sightsavers. For more international development news, visit: http://www.devex.com Subscribe to the Devex YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=wwwdevexcom Follow us on: Facebook: @Devex Instagram: @devex_com LinkedIn: @Devex