Global Network Congratulates President-Elect Obama and the New Congress, and Urges Them to Continue

The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases released the following statement today on the 2008 election results.

Published on 11.5.08

November 5, 2008

Every day, more than one billion people across the globe are suffering from disfiguring, debilitating and deadly neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) – even though treatment is available for the seven most common NTDs for a cost as low as 50 cents per person, per year.

NTDs are widespread among people in poor, rural communities—the majority of whom live on less than $2 per day. NTDs impair physical and cognitive development, cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, and limit adult productivity in the workforce. As a result, they cause billions of dollars in lost wages, all but ensuring that those at risk of infection remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and disease.

Fortunately, the world has begun to recognize that it is time to end the neglect. On the campaign trail, President-elect Obama put forth a global development strategy “premised on the recognition that the security and well-being of each and every American is tied to the security and well-being of those who live beyond our borders.” He pledged to partner with poor countries to break the cycle of poverty to “attain sustainable health and economic outcomes, and to move towards peace and security.”

The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases congratulates President-elect Obama and the new Congress, and looks forward to working with them in advancing efforts to combat NTDs. NTD control is one of the best buys in public health, as well as an effective tool to promote medical diplomacy and to restore America’s standing in the global community. This summer, for the first time ever, G-8 leaders recognized the importance of eliminating NTDs as a means to reduce global disease and poverty; we must now turn this recognition into continued action.

With President-elect Obama at the helm, we know we can.