The Last Mile
Approximately 1.4 billion people in the world are infected with one or more of the seven most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). NTDs have severe public health consequences, including: malnutrition, anemia, serious and permanent disability and disfigurement, illness, and even death. Not only do NTDs disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations, the public health consequences of these diseases threaten broader economic and social improvement in affected nations.
The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have recognized the threat from NTDs and have begun to unite to work to eliminate a number of these diseases from their region. The LAC countries, supported by multilateral organizations, are working to achieve the elimination of NTDs as a public health threat by 2015 through proven, cost-effective interventions.
Please join us for a public discussion that will highlight the progress and prospects for NTD elimination in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Speakers will include:
President Alvaro Arzú
Mayor of Guatemala City; Former President of Guatemala (1996-2000)
Mr. Carl Meacham
Director, CSIS Americas Program
Dr. Neeraj Mistry
Managing Director, Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases
Dr. Mirta Roses Periago
Former Director of the Pan American Health Organization (2003-2013)
Moderated by:
Dr. Katherine E. Bliss
Senior Associate, CSIS Global Health Policy Center
