Meeting of the WHO Global Coordination and Stewardship Committee (GCSC)

On September 24, 2024 the WHO NTD Department convened the first meeting of the Global Coordination and Stewardship Committee (GCSC). The GCSC was set up to strengthening global management, coordination and stewardship of donated neglected tropical disease (NTD) medicines.  The committee facilitates transparency, accountability, and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the NTD medicine donation process, including WHO, pharmaceutical companies, non-governmental organizations, donor organizations, implementing partners, ministries of health, tech companies, and logistics providers.

The meeting focused on introducing and reviewing the GCSC's Terms of Reference, including purpose and priorities.

Purpose:

• Set Strategic Direction: Outline the GCSC's objectives, terms of reference, and overarching goals to align all stakeholders on the committee's mandate and purpose.
• Promote Transparency and Accountability: Emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in managing NTD programs, ensuring that all efforts are in line with global health goals and funding requirements.
• Address Key Challenges: Identify and discuss critical challenges in the NTD donation, such as forecasting, supply and demand practices, and inefficiencies, to develop actionable solutions.
• Foster Collaboration: Strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, including WHO, country representatives, pharmaceutical companies, and other partners, to share best practices and coordinate efforts effectively.
• Review Progress and Set Priorities: Evaluate the progress of current initiatives, identify gaps, and set priorities for the coming year, ensuring that all actions align with the GCSC's strategic framework.
• Innovate and Adapt: Introduce new strategies and methodologies, such as the theory of change, to adapt to evolving challenges and ensure sustainable improvements in NTD supply chain management

Find out more here.