The World Health Organization (WHO) and Bayer AG, a pharmaceutical company based in Germany, have extended their partnership to aid countries affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through the provision of free treatments.

Since 2002, Bayer AG has contributed medicines to WHO’s NTD efforts, now overseen by the Department of Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (MNT). The agreement, renewed for another five years from 2025 to 2030, will continue supplying certified medicines and financial resources to support global initiatives addressing Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), and taeniasis/cysticercosis (linked to pork tapeworm infections).

The partnership includes the donation of 18 million units of suramin, nifurtimox, and niclosamide, drugs used to treat the aforementioned diseases—valued at US$15.5 million. Alongside the medicines, Bayer AG has committed US$9.45 million to help WHO advance its work at all levels during the critical 2025–2030 period. This contribution will help drive progress toward the 2030 targets set out in the WHO’s 2021–2030 NTD road map.

“On behalf of WHO and its Member States, I sincerely thank Bayer AG for their enduring commitment in combating neglected tropical diseases,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care. “This 20-plus-year collaboration is built on longstanding trust and shared purpose between the public and private sectors.”

Maintaining progress against sleeping sickness

The updated agreement ensures the continued donation of suramin and two types of nifurtimox tablets for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis, together with funds to aid in elimination strategies.

Bayer AG’s contribution has played a crucial role in paving the way toward eliminating sleeping sickness. From 2020 to 2025, ten countries—Benin, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Rwanda, Togo, and Uganda—have achieved WHO validation of disease elimination as a public health issue. In 2024, despite extensive screening programs, only 546 cases of the gambiense form and 37 cases of the rhodesiense form were reported, indicating significant progress.

In particular, Bayer AG has notably supported efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country most affected by sleeping sickness. This support will continue, with enhanced activities focused on detection, building local expertise, public awareness, and monitoring.

Claus Runge, Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ Chief Health Equity Officer, stated: “Our mission, ‘Health for All, Hunger for None,’ guides our work in neglected diseases. Bayer remains steadfast in our efforts to manufacture and supply essential medicines that help eliminate sleeping sickness and control Chagas disease and taeniasis.”

Progressing in the fight against Chagas disease

Bayer has donated nifurtimox for Chagas disease since 2004. A more accessible pediatric version of the drug was introduced in 2020, improving treatment access for children. Moving forward, the primary focus will be on strengthening early diagnoses and treatment to reach those in need promptly.

With vector transmission of the disease declining in Latin America, attention has turned to preventing congenital Chagas disease. Bayer’s ongoing support aims to prevent mother-to-child transmissions through education, screening, and treatment for women of reproductive age within high-risk populations.

Between 2025 and 2030, additional efforts will include enhancing health data systems, enabling digital tools for disease tracking, and supporting collaborative groups, advocacy organizations, and networks centered around Chagas care.

Combating taeniasis/cysticercosis and epilepsy

Since 2020, Bayer has provided niclosamide to treat taeniasis, caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. As of October 2025, more than one million tablets have been distributed for use in individual treatment and mass health campaigns. Managing infections in humans is vital to reducing the risk of cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis—an often-preventable condition linked to epilepsy in low- and middle-income regions. From 2020 to 2024, niclosamide donations were supported by additional contributions of praziquantel.

In the 2025–2030 period, Bayer’s focus will shift to expanding disease control in the most affected nations through a One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health practices.

Neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases comprise a group of 21 conditions commonly found in underdeveloped areas where sanitation, water access, and healthcare services are limited.

In addition to severe health impacts, NTDs contribute heavily to the economic and social hardships of affected populations. They cause billions of dollars in losses annually, through healthcare expenses, lost income, reduced schooling, and the harmful effects of disability and social stigma.

Over the years, donations of essential medicines have allowed WHO and its partners to significantly scale up their work. Thanks to such efforts, 700 million fewer people needed treatment for NTDs from 2010 to 2023. So far, 58 nations have successfully eliminated at least one NTD, with some achieving elimination of several.

The 2021–2030 NTD road map sets bold targets to end or control many of these diseases by the decade’s end. To reach these goals, WHO emphasizes the need for durable support at the country level—through sustained drug and diagnostic supplies, targeted assistance from partners, and increased domestic investments. This collective approach is essential to ensure broader health coverage for all.