Alwaleed Philanthropies (AP), chaired by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, has announced its new collaboration with the END Fund to help end the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect over 1.6 billion people. Over the next three years (2017–19), Alwaleed Philanthropies will provide $3 million to support the END Fund's activities in controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases globally, with an emphasis on Africa and the Middle East. The announcement comes as part of a high-level convening hosted by the END Fund in Davos to showcase how the private sector is uniquely contributing to improving economic productivity and overall health in developing countries through investing in NTD control and elimination programs. Leaders from pharma, academia, and philanthropy join this convening which will ensure the NTD cause is represented at the highest level in a sanctioned side event at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Princess Lamia Bint Majed, Alwaleed Philanthropies secretary general, stated: "As philanthropists, it is critical that we make sure every dollar we invest in tackling disease, poverty and injustice delivers the greatest possible social return. At Alwaleed Philanthropies, we choose to support projects and partners that do the most good possible. This is why we are proud to partner with the END Fund in the fight to tackle the scourge of neglected tropical diseases, which affects over 1.6 billion people around the world." NTD efforts are also being backed by the largest-ever drug donation program, valued at $4 billion annually with 5.5 billion tablets of NTD medicines donated by pharmaceutical companies. The business case is compelling: for every dollar invested in NTD control, at least $50 is returned in increased economic productivity over time. The efficacy and impact of NTD programs have been further improved in recent years. This has mostly been achieved through advances in big data and technological innovations, such as disease mapping systems and tools for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. For over 37 years, Alwaleed Philanthropies has supported and initiated projects in over 124 countries regardless of gender, race, or religion. We collaborate with a range of philanthropic, government, and educational organizations to combat poverty, empower women and youth, develop communities, provide disaster relief and create cultural understanding through education. Together, we can build bridges for a more compassionate, tolerant, and accepting world.
