Webinar | Breaking the Cycle of Neglect: The far-reaching impact of a worm free world
The END Fund invites you to join a deep dive into groundbreaking research from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), highlighting the macro-economic impact of ending sickness from parasitic worms in four sub-Saharan countries. This research was commissioned by the END Fund, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to eliminating the five most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The conversation will convene experts to dissect the findings of this report, which show that treatment and prevention of parasitic worm infections is transformative for individuals and communities, and can lead to significant economic productivity gains for entire nations.
As the report highlights, preventing sickness from just two NTDs, bilharzia (also known as schistosomiasis) and soil-transmitted helminths, allows children to be more energized, attend and focus in school, and lead healthier and productive lives as adults. This in turn boosts adult productivity resulting in significant economic gains. The EIU economic modeling of Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe found that productivity gains of US$5.1bn in purchasing power parity (PPP) could be realized between 2021 and 2040 if WHO targets are met for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths. During this conversation, we will explore the nuances and implications of this research and examine how enabling people to live lives free from the burden of disease ladders up in a transformative way for countries that end these preventable diseases.
Confirmed speakers:
- H.E. Toyin Ojora-Saraki, Founder-President, Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA)
- Alicia White, Health Research Analyst Manager, The Economist Intelligence Unit
- Moderated by: Vincent Okungu, Senior Health Financing Advisor, The END Fund