Additional Information
Framework for the establishment of the ExpandedSpecial Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases
Related Health Topics
About ESPEN
The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) is a five year project which was launched by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) in May 2016 to provide national NTD programmes with technical and fundraising support to help them accelerate the control and elimination of the five Neglected Tropical Diseases amenable to Preventive Chemotherapy (PC-NTDs) with the greatest burden on the continent, namely Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthes and Trachoma, which collectively affect hundreds of millions of people.
ESPEN will contribute to ensuring that national NTD programmes have the data, expertise and financial resources they need to accelerate the fight against these diseases by coordinating Partners and providing technical support. ESPEN was established following the closure of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), which during its 20-year mandate made a major contribution to the reduction in onchocerciasis (river blindness) in Africa. ESPEN will maintain the gains made over the past two decades by integrating this approach across the five PC-NTDs.
Contact
Dr. Maria REBOLLO POLO
Team Leader
Email: rebollopolom [at] who.int
Related Link
Neglected Tropical Diseases can be eliminated in our lifetime: A Call for Action
Featured publications
WHO African Region Communicable Diseases Cluster Annual Report 2016
This is the first annual report produced by the newly established Communicable Diseases Cluster (CDS) of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa.
The overwhelming majority of deaths in the WHO African Region are caused by HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB). Along with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), these infections are diminishing Africans’ quality of life as individuals and thwarting entire countries’ ability to develop vibrant and productive communities, stronger economies and safer societies.
The AFRO and WHO country offices – working in partnership with governments, United Nations agencies and other global and regional partners, non-governmental organizations and the private sector – have been behind dramatic reductions in illness and deaths from these diseases.
We know how to reduce their impact – proven policies and strategies for prevention, treatment and for some diseases, elimination, are available, but there is much yet to be done.