(An excerpt from the Mectizan Donation Program Annual Highlights for 2021)
MDP is 100% committed to providing Mectizan for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis elimination in Africa—as much as needed, for as long as needed.
We also remain committed to fulfilling our obligations for the ongoing IDA strategy to accelerate elimination of lymphatic filariasis in eligible countries.
Coming up in 2022, a new agreement to receive Mectizan will be shared for ratification by our country partners. The agreement, to be renewed every five years, clarifies the donation conditions and responsibilities of signatory parties.
The release in early 2021 of the World Health Organization’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Road Map provided new targets and milestones for the elimination of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. A community drug distributor in Cameroon spreads the word about Mectizan mass treatment. We look forward to celebrating more countries as they eliminate these debilitating diseases. Stamping out oncho and beating LF will free people from unnecessary suffering so that they can live healthy, productive, and prosperous lives. We will continue to work alongside our partners, collaborating to identify and address problems, develop innovative solutions, create new synergies, and work together to achieve equitable and sustainable access to medicines and health care across the globe.