Global update on implementation of preventive chemotherapy against neglected tropical diseases in 2024

Overview

Preventive chemotherapy (PC) is defined as the largescale distribution of safe, quality-assured medicines, either alone or in combination, at regular intervals, to entire population groups through community- and school-based interventions. WHO recommends PC against 5 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) and trachoma, which are the subject of this report. PC is also used against other NTDs, including foodborne trematodiases, taeniasis and yaws, for which the PC approach is currently applied on a much smaller scale; reported data are still fragmented and are not included in this report. Other interventions (individual disease management, vector control, veterinary public health and water, sanitation and hygiene) may also be required for the control, elimination and eradication of these NTDs. WHO Member States submit reports relevant to the diseases targeted with PC using PC Joint Application Package which helps to facilitate the process of application for medicines, review and reporting on interventions, as well as to improve coordination and integration among different programmes.