The ninth meeting of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases (STAG) took place on 12–13 April 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland. Main issues discussed included:
- status, progress and challenges of NTD control;
- process of adoption of additional diseases as NTDs;
- systematic, technically driven process for the adoption of additional diseases as NTD;
- progress and challenges for the eradication of dracunculiasis;
- report on the verification of interruption of transmission of yaws in India and deliberated on a process for future verification in other countries;
- need to build capacity in medical entomology skillsets globally as part of current vector control efforts in the wake of Zika virus disease outbreak.
Read the 2016 Report.
A systematic technically driven process for the adoption of additional diseases as NTDs
In January 2016, the 138th session of the WHO Executive Board requested the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) for Neglected Tropical Diseases to develop a 'systematic, technically driven process for the adoption of additional diseases as NTDs.'
The proposed criteria for classifying a condition as an NTD and the process for review of the list of NTDs can be accessed here.
The STAG is the principal advisory group to WHO for the control of NTDs and reports directly to the Director-General of WHO. Its mandate is to advise WHO on overall global policies and strategies, ranging from monitoring of implementation to delivery and linkages with other health interventions. Its remit is to facilitate and monitor the coverage of control interventions and to provide WHO with high-quality, well considered advice and recommendations on matters described in its terms of reference.