Devex: BRICS champion the fight to end neglected tropical diseases
Mirta Roses Periago, special envoy for the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases and former director of the Pan American Health Organization

“…The BRICS deserve credit for the progress they have made in fighting NTDs at home, and I am confident they will continue to lead by example. They can also help knock out diseases in other countries with quick action to transform their knowledge and resources into policy and implementation. One key mechanism could be the formation of an NTD Working Group, which would be tasked with developing a concrete action plan for cooperation against NTDs. Here are a few more ways that the BRICS can take action: 1. Replicate successful south-south cooperation models. … 2. Explore innovative financing mechanisms. … 3. Maximize impact through cross-sectoral approaches. … The year 2016 is a critical time in moving forward the NTD agenda to see the end of these diseases by 2020. With new allies like the BRICS coming on board, I am optimistic that this renewed sense of energy and commitment can help us bring one step closer to that goal” (1/6).