The climate crisis is among the greatest health challenges facing the world today. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, water- and vector-borne diseases are spreading further and faster, fueling outbreaks and straining health infrastructure and workforces. Climate change threatens to undo decades of progress in global health—and the world’s ability to achieve health for all.
Millions of people remain trapped in a cycle of poverty in countries that are most vulnerable to disease and climate change. While we are closer than ever to overcoming some of the world’s most deadly and debilitating diseases, there is still more to be done.
Our work focuses on areas where we believe we can make the maximum impact, prompt others to act, or chart a new path. To catalyze faster change, the approach across our portfolio incorporates active partnership, innovative financing, and the development of new areas of expertise.
Our Work
Guinea worm disease is on the threshold of becoming the second disease to be eradicated in human history and would be the only disease to be eradicated without the use of drugs or vaccines.
The last mile of eliminating Guinea worm disease may prove to be the most difficult. Since 2015, the number of cases has fluctuated between 15 and 30, and the emergence of infections in dogs presents new challenges related to transmission and contamination of water sources. Achieving eradication of Guinea worm disease will require a sustained commitment from donors and partners to bring the number of cases to zero.
River blindness and lymphatic filariasis (LF): The Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF) is paving the way to end two devastating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) – river blindness and lymphatic filariasis (LF).While NTDs are rare in wealthy countries, they pose an ever-present threat in poor countries, where people often suffer from more than one NTD at once. These countries face poor access to clean water, limited healthcare services and environmental changes due to climate change – challenges that exacerbate the spread of those diseases while also keeping communities trapped in poverty.
NTDs affect the poorest of poor
NTDs are responsible for thousands of preventable deaths each year and cause impairments that perpetuate the cycle of poverty by keeping millions of adults out of work and children out of school.
While effective treatment methods are available, communities threatened by NTDs are often difficult to reach with preventative medicine. At the same time, limited access to basic clinical care means that NTD symptoms can go untreated, causing devastating disabilities, such as blindness and disfigurement.
A unique approach to disease elimination
The Fund focuses on elimination of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in seven countries. When successful, it will be a pioneer in providing a proof of concept for eliminating these diseases in Africa.
Working in partnership with local governments and the WHO, the RLMF supports delivery of mass drug administration (MDA), working with pharmaceutical companies to provide the drugs for prevention and treatment free of charge. The Fund also supports disease elimination mapping, training for lab technicians, and other technical assistance and capacity building efforts.
More information at: https://www.reachingthelastmile.com/