Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), a global advocacy organisation dedicated to eradicating neglected tropical diseases, has named Dr. Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho its new Board Chair.
Dr. Mpanju-Shumbusho, a highly respected leader in the field of global health, brings over 20 years of experience to this crucial role.
Previously, she served as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Assistant Director General for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and NTDs until her retirement in 2016.
In this role, she led WHO’s efforts in prevention, control, mitigation, country support, international collaboration, and global partnerships related to these diseases.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases that affect over one billion people worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Approximately 40% of impacted people live in the WHO African Region. The household income lost from out-of-pocket health expenditures and the wages lost due to NTDs is estimated to be at least $33 billion (USD) per year.
Dr Mpanju-Shumbusho has also played a key role in mobilising political commitment, resources, and action against HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and NTDs.
She has contributed significantly to building resilient health systems, including involvement in the founding, governance, and effectiveness of the Global Fund.
Passionate About Ending NTDs
Expressing her honour at the appointment, Dr Mpanju-Shumbusho stated her belief in the possibility of overcoming the burden of NTDs, which affect over a billion people globally, many in Africa.
“This is a really exciting time to be joining the organisation with a newly refreshed strategy focused on resource mobilisation and a busy year ahead to capitalise on opportunities for sustainable financing for NTDs,” says Dr Mpanju-Shumbusho.
Thoko Elphick-Pooley, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs, expressed the organisation’s delight in welcoming Dr. Mpanju-Shumbusho as Board Chair.
“Her experience will be invaluable as she leads us in our mission to end NTDs by 2030. Having Dr Winnie’s vision and drive at the forefront will be fundamental as we look to explore new partnerships and unlock sustainable financing to reach all who are still affected by NTDs. I am excited for what is to come working with Winnie.”
In addition to her current role, Dr. Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho serves as the Co-Chair of the Lancet Commission on Malaria Eradication, a member of the Panel for Global Public Health Convection, and a board member of the University of California in San Francisco Institute for Global Health Sciences, MEI.
