Neglected Tropical Diseases
Guided by the vision and passion of Carter Center founders Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, The Carter Center is a recognized leader in the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), focusing efforts to build health and hope in some of the poorest and most isolated places on earth.
The Center is a pioneer in the elimination and eradication of NTDs, beginning with the bold move in 1986 to tackle Guinea worm eradication and followed by innovations to safely deliver medicines for several diseases at one time. Additionally, The Carter Center uniquely integrates malaria and mental health work into one or more of its NTD programs. The Center’s operational advances have been recognized through hundreds of published articles in peer-reviewed publications. This work has opened the window to progress, innovation, and development in more than 30 African and Latin American countries.
The Center-led Guinea worm eradication campaign has averted at least 80 million cases of this devastating disease among the world's poorest people.
The Carter Center has assisted distribution of more than 950 million doses of medicine to prevent NTDs.
The Center has assisted 22 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to eliminate at least one neglected disease and secure official WHO recognition.
Carter Center NTD programs fill vacuums in global health, helping to prevent needless suffering and build hope for millions of the world’s poorest people. Learn more below.
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A leading U.S. health journal honors the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter with a special supplement. Read the article »
Eradication: Reduction of the worldwide incidence of a disease to zero so no further control measures are needed.
Elimination: Transmission of a disease is halted in a single country, continent, or other limited geographic area, rather than global eradication.
Control: Reduced incidence or prevalence of a disease or condition; control measures are still required.