WHO Strengthens Global Coordination to Improve NTD Medicine Supply Chains

The World Health Organization (WHO) convened three high-level back-to-back meetings aimed at strengthening the supply chain systems for neglected tropical disease (NTD) medicines, bringing together over 150 stakeholders representing governments, donors, implementing partners, logistics providers, and technical platforms.

The gatherings—the NTD Supply Chain Forum (NTD-SCF), Supply Chain Technical Support Mechanism (SCTSM), and the Global Coordination and Stewardship Committee (GCSC)—underscored WHO's pivotal role in convening global and national actors to drive collaboration, accountability, and innovation across NTD programmes.

The discussions centered on medicine forecasting, logistics management, sustainable financing, and last-mile delivery, all critical to ensuring that life-saving medicines reach the communities most affected by NTDs. The meetings reaffirmed global commitment to achieving the 2030 NTD Road map targets, which call for eliminating or controlling 20 NTDs through equitable access to safe, quality-assured health products.

"The NTD partnership is one of the most remarkable in global health. Built on trust, accountability and collaboration, it brings together public and private actors in a way that is truly unique," said Dr Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Director a.i. for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO, in his opening remarks. "Let us set clear priorities, align mechanisms, and show renewed determination to deliver for those who need us most."

NTD Supply Chain Forum: Strengthening Collaboration and Innovation

Held on 23–24 September, the NTD Supply Chain Forum (NTD-SCF) brought together more than 100 global stakeholders, including representatives from health ministries, pharmaceutical donors, NGOs, and logistics providers. The forum reaffirmed its role as the central coordination platform for data-driven supply chain collaboration across the NTD ecosystem.

Key areas of discussion included:

• Innovation in forecasting and planning: Updates were shared on the NTDeliver platform, including integration with Power BI dashboards to improve real-time visibility, and enhancements to the Joint Application Package (JAP) process for forecasting medicine needs.

• Country ownership: India's NTD programme was highlighted as a model of success in strengthening national supply chain systems through data-led decision-making and digital integration.

• Logistics and coordination: DHL's Control Tower presented updates on global shipping coordination, addressing challenges related to customs delays and backward planning to minimize wastage.

• Governance alignment: WHO emphasized that global forecasting and logistics tools should be treated as shared global resources, ensuring equitable access beyond pilot settings.

The forum concluded with a renewed focus on integration, transparency, and collective accountability as key principles to strengthen global and national supply chain resilience.

Supply Chain Technical Support Mechanism: Building National Capacity

The Supply Chain Technical Support Mechanism (SCTSM) meeting on 25 September evaluated progress made in strengthening country-level forecasting and supply planning. Case studies from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania revealed substantial improvements in data systems and coordination, alongside remaining challenges in data quality and logistics.

Among the most notable outcomes were:

• Forecasting tools: Refinements to the Multi-Year Forecasting (MYF) tool, including new modules for ivermectin and paediatric praziquantel, as well as predictive signals for more accurate order timelines.

• Data quality and validation: In Ethiopia, improved inventory monitoring led to the correction of a 5 million tablet discrepancy, showcasing the importance of post-mass drug administration (MDA) data validation.

• Integration with national systems: Countries reported progress in aligning NTD processes with national medical stores' SOPs and electronic logistics management information systems (eLMIS).

• AI-assisted data verification: WHO and the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) are exploring artificial intelligence tools to strengthen validation and inventory accuracy.

Action items included expanding peer learning beyond the initial eight pilot countries, refining tools for reverse logistics, and producing training manuals and video resources to strengthen workforce capacity.

Global Coordination and Stewardship Committee: Oversight and Accountability

The Global Coordination and Stewardship Committee (GCSC) meeting, co-chaired by WHO and Merck, took place on 26 September, bringing together over 50 partners from global health agencies, donors, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The GCSC reaffirmed its strategic oversight mandate for NTD supply chain governance, ensuring that global coordination mechanisms operate with clarity, accountability, and transparency.

Key topics and commitments included:

• Governance and accountability: The GCSC will intensify monitoring of systemic risks, such as product expiries and customs delays. A case study from Uganda, where 3.3 million tablets expired, emphasized the need for stronger escalation protocols and real-time visibility tools.

• Forecasting readiness: WHO committed to finalizing the MYF tool and its accompanying training package by early 2026. The International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) will review the SCTSM forecasting model to ensure consistency across NTD programmes.

• Platform coordination: To prevent duplication, the committee agreed that all forecasting and planning tools must be standardized and accessible globally.

• Country ownership: Participants reiterated that scalable, country-driven innovations should be prioritized, with enhanced visibility via the NTDeliver platform.

The committee outlined follow-up actions, including clarifying JAP approval processes, defining stakeholder responsibilities, and strengthening systemic risk tracking to improve end-to-end accountability.

A Unified Vision for 2030: Strengthening the NTD Ecosystem

The three meetings collectively marked a turning point in efforts to unify and strengthen global NTD supply chain systems. WHO and partners committed to embedding innovation, transparency, and country-led governance into all stages of medicine delivery—from forecasting to last-mile distribution.

These efforts are central to achieving the 2030 NTD Road map goals, which aim to eliminate at least one NTD in 100 countries and reduce the number of people requiring interventions by 90%.

"What we are building is not just a supply chain—it's a life chain," said one participant. "Every system we strengthen means a child, a family, a community gains access to treatment and hope."

Looking ahead, WHO and its partners will continue refining tools and expanding technical assistance to ensure NTD supply systems are data-driven, sustainable, and inclusive. Progress on these commitments will be reviewed at the next global coordination sessions in 2026, maintaining the spirit of collaboration and accountability that defines the NTD partnership.

Towards Equity, Resilience, and Impact

By aligning innovation, governance, and country ownership, WHO and the global NTD community are building a resilient, efficient, and equitable supply chain ecosystem that bridges the gap between medicine donation and patient access. This collaborative model not only strengthens NTD programmes but also serves as a blueprint for health systems strengthening worldwide.

As countries continue their march toward the 2030 elimination targets, these collective efforts ensure that no one—no matter how remote or marginalized—is left behind in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.