The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases’ (NTDs) “End the Neglect” blog features two posts discussing the first anniversary of the London Declaration and two recently released reports on progress against NTDs.

• Simon Bush: Discussing the new NTD Scorecard (.xls) and the “From Promises to Progress” report from Uniting to Combat NTDs, Bush, director of NTDs at Sightsavers, writes, “We are now seeing promises turn into action which will make a colossal difference to the lives of over a billion people who are affected by NTDs.” He concludes, “Game-changing success against NTDs can only happen with the collaboration of all sectors. Seeing the NTD community make this enormous effort to come together to achieve the scale-up in treatments required gives me hope that we’ll be able to rid the world of some of its worst diseases” (1/16).
• Johanna Harvey: Harvey, a communications officer with the Sabin Vaccine Institute, also discusses the scorecard and the report, and she describes a publication from the WHO, which “notes that support from countries endemic for NTDs and partners have helped fast-track actions and initiatives that are now having a measurable impact.” She notes WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said, “The challenge now is to strengthen capacity of national disease programs in endemic countries and streamline supply chains to get the drugs to the people who need them, when they need them” (1/16).