Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) prevail among the hard-to-reach populations in the world. To protect them from NTDs, developing good health products is necessary, but is not sufficient without creating access to them. Access is a complex matter: no single organization can create it successfully. This webinar series will clarify some conceptual aspects about access, discuss key access challenges from different perspectives and how these can be overcome. The webinar series also considers how Japanese actors might be able to contribute to addressing some of those access challenges.

[Language] English. Simultaneous translation into Japanese will be provided.

[Fee] Free

[Organizer] Japan Alliance on Global Neglected Tropical Diseases (JAGntd)

[Sponsor] GHIT Fund

Session 3: Country's Perspective: Introduction of Pediatric Praziquantel for Schistosomiasis in Tanzania

Session 3 examines challenges to introduce a new NTD drug from a country perspective. Pediatric praziquantel, though it is not yet approved by health regulatory authorities, is expected to provide a solution to treat children infected with schistosomiasis. This session will first invite Dr. Steinmann from the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium to review the consortium’s global access strategies. Then, we focus on Tanzania. Dr. Yahya-Malima and Dr. Kazyoba will explain a project to get this country ready for the future introduction of pediatric praziquantel. This project in Tanzania is supported by the Access and Delivery Partnership, funded by the Government of Japan. This session will deepen your understanding of the preparations that can be made in a country level for accepting new drugs prior to their approval, focusing on the necessary communications and community engagement.

[Date/Time] Thursday, November 18, 2021 16: 00-17: 00 (Japan time)

[Speakers] 

• Peter Steinmann; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium

• Khadija Innocensia Yahya-Malima; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania

• Paul Erasto Kazyoba; National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania

[Registration] https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YCJsOqczQE6d7sRAipUyDQ

Future events

• Session 4: "WHO's Perspective: Strengthening National NTD Programs in Africa" December 2021

• Session 5: "Nudging the Industry (1): Visualizing Pharmaceutical Companies' Efforts" January 2022

• Session 6: "Nudging the Industry (2): Patent as a Barrier or Leverage?" February 2022

• Session 7: "Financing: Who Pays for What?" March 2022

Replay past webinars on the JAGntd Youtube channel.

Session 1: "Concepts and definitions: What is access?"

Session 2: "Developer’s perspective: Fexinidazole for African Trypanosomiasis"