The END Fund

Our Mission: To control and eliminate the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) among the world's most vulnerable communities and people.

NTDs are a group of parasitic and bacterial diseases largely prevalent in tropical regions, responsible for blindness, severe disfigurement, stunted cognitive and physical development, malnutrition, and anemia, among several other issues. Despite having a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of the 1.6b individuals affected, these diseases currently receive little attention on the global health agenda. Their comprehensive impact on all aspects of daily life means that the presence of NTDs costs affected countries billions of dollars per year in lost productivity, out-of-pocket expenses, and reduced socioeconomic and educational attainment.

However, the treatments and knowledge required to eliminate these diseases are readily available. Due to generous donation programs from the pharmaceutical industry, the annual cost of treatment per individual is, on average, 50 cents per year. Demonstrating the uniquely cost-effective impact of NTD treatment, a Nobel Prize-winning study showed that deworming is the most efficient means of improving children’s school attendance and capacity to learn. At a national level, a recent report by Deloitte on Nigeria showcases the significant gains affected economies stand to make should NTDs be eliminated, with Nigeria’s economy estimated to receive an $18.9b boost from now until 2030.

The END Fund is helping to accelerate the elimination of NTDs to support affected individuals and communities in living healthier, more prosperous lives and fulfilling their vast potential. Working in close partnership with stakeholders across the global NTD community, we build and distribute a pool of funding to support local partners in eliminating NTDs. To ensure maximum impact for investments, we provide technical and strategic assistance and increase coordination and awareness across the broad range of stakeholders.

Our work helps children stay healthy and in school, adults to fulfill their productive potential and earn a living, and communities to thrive. Since our founding in 2012, we have distributed more than 2b treatments, trained more than 7m health workers, and performed more than 180k disability-preventing surgeries, with 152m individuals treated in 2024 alone.