Over 1.7 billion people are affected by neglected tropical diseases worldwide. This January, the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD) and the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD) will host the International Conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases Research (InCORNTD) from January 20-22, 2025, at the Kigali Convention Center in Kigali, Rwanda.

This landmark event provides a unique opportunity for media to capture key moments and engage with global health leaders as they convene in Kigali to tackle this urgent challenge. This event is the largest, specifically targeting NTDs in Africa.

Media are welcome to attend photo and video opportunities at the Kigali Convention Center, 23VV+MQ9, Convention Centre Roundabout, Kigali, Rwanda. To schedule a time for media interactions or interviews, please contact members of our communications team (listed below). 

Times of Media Interest:

• Opening Plenary: January 20, 9:00 AM

• Press Engagement: January 20, 10:00 AM

• Innovation Lab: January 21, 1:30 PM

• Scientific Rapid Fire Presentations: January 22, 8:30 AM

• Closing Plenary: January 22, 4:00 PM

The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, program implementers, and donors to advance operational research to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa, thanks to the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development’s Ending Neglected Diseases through Operational Research Program and the Gates Foundation.

Advancing NTD Research and Implementation in Africa

Building upon the success of the inaugural conference in Nairobi, Kenya (2019), InCORNTD 2025 will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and strategic planning. 

Key Conference Objectives

• Showcasing research that informs and enhances NTD program implementation. 

• Prioritizing operational research to drive targeted funding and policy action for NTD elimination. 

• Fostering partnerships between African researchers, global health institutions, and donors.  

Conference Agenda 

The three-day conference will include plenary sessions, technical symposia, breakout discussions, workshops, an innovation lab, and a poster tour. Areas of focus include integrating NTD programs for sustainability, advancing trachoma and onchocerciasis elimination, and research progress on skin NTDs like Buruli ulcer and leprosy. Other focus areas are one health approach for human and animal health, geostatistical tools, and artificial intelligence for better surveillance and intervention.

A dedicated Innovation Lab will showcase emerging tools, technologies, and strategies potentially transforming NTD program implementation, such as Multiplexing AI-microscopy. Additionally, workshops will focus on mental health integration, program implementation research, data visualization using GIS for better decision-making, grant writing, and others. These sessions will equip participants with skills to improve decision-making and program effectiveness.

Keynote speakers will include representatives from the Africa CDC, Rwanda Ministry of Health, and USAID, alongside leading experts from research institutions in Africa and around the globe. These speakers represent leading voices in global health and NTD elimination in Africa

Follow the conversation on social media using #InCORNTD2025 and stay updated with the latest conference highlights.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please contact: 

ARNTD:

Neta Parsram (MBChB) 

Communications Officer 

African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD)

Mobile: +233504260896

Email: neta.parsram@arntd.org

COR-NTD:

Vanessa Scholtens (MSc, MA)

Director of Communications and Events

Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD)

Mobile: +18433042487

Email: vscholtens@taskforce.org

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