Introduction And Background

Introduction and background

Building local research solutions to improve global health

TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, is a global programme of scientific collaboration that helps facilitate, support and influence efforts to combat diseases of poverty. It is co-sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and World Health Organization (WHO). This report highlights the impact of research supported by TDR to improve the health and well-being of people burdened by infectious diseases of poverty. This body of research is leading to new solutions for implementation and improved access to existing health solutions.

Vision

The health and well-being of people burdened by infectious diseases of poverty is improved through research and innovation.

Mission

To support effective and innovative global health research, through strengthening the research capacity of disease-affected countries, and promoting the translation of evidence into interventions that reduce the burden of infectious diseases and build resilience in the most vulnerable populations.

TDR’s unique value

TDR’s focus on supporting implementation research and strengthening research capacity in low- and middle-income countries, combined with our position in the United Nations through our co-sponsors – the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO) – is our unique value. This gives TDR direct access to our co-sponsors’ health programmes and country and regional offices, as well as convening power to ensure key stakeholders from health and related sectors, national governments and academia share their expertise, experience and resources. Our unique position within the United Nations family allows us to create a bridge from local communities and researchers in countries to the World Health Assembly, enabling the broadest possible scope of dialogue and debate across the spectrum of health research.

Introductory messages

Dr John Reeder, TDR Director

We will continue to work with researchers, implementers and social innovators to help democratize research and demonstrate that it is a useful and practical tool for people tackling health issues on the ground.

Dr Sunil De Alwis, Chair of TDR's Joint Coordinating Board

In 2024, we have continued to support innovative research that addresses the most pressing health issues.

Dr Jeremy Farrar, TDR Special Programme Coordinator, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization

In 2024, TDR continued to build on a strong foundation, established over its 50-year history, advancing research that addresses the health challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations

Introductory message from TDR Director

Dr John Reeder

It is with great pride that I present the TDR 2024 Annual Report, reflecting back over the last year. The year marked a significant milestone for TDR as we celebrated our 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, TDR has been at the forefront of advancing global health through research and innovation. While celebrating our rich history, we have our eyes firmly on the present and the future. The achievements of 2024 have continued the proud tradition but show us stepping confidently towards the next phase.

Our work this past year has been guided by the TDR Strategy 2024–2029, which focuses on addressing four critical global health challenges: the control and elimination of diseases of poverty, the impact of climate change on health, epidemics and outbreaks, and resistance to treatment and control agents.

Below are just a few highlights of activities in 2024 addressing these challenges.

Control and elimination of diseases of poverty

TDR’s long involvement with the development of drugs for neglected diseases took another positive step forward when Ghana approved moxidectin for the treatment of river blindness. This first-of-its-kind approval paves the way for a TDR-supported pilot implementation programme, which demonstrates our continued commitment to eliminating neglected tropical diseases and improving the health of vulnerable populations.

Climate change’s impact on health

The TDR-led Early Warning and Response System for climate-sensitive diseases (EWARS-csd) is a key approach to mitigating the impact of climate change on health in low- and middle-income countries. In 2024, we successfully piloted EWARS-csd in three additional countries in West Africa: Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Senegal. This is just one example of our efforts to strengthen the resilience of health systems so that they can respond effectively to climate-related health threats.

Epidemics and outbreaks

The best way to support countries to prepare for and address epidemics and outbreaks is to build sustainable, flexible and responsive public health research capacity. In pursuit of this, we have developed and piloted a research package for conducting root cause

analysis of yellow fever outbreaks in Cameroon, Central African Republic and Guinea. In this way, we are contributing to country preparedness and response to emerging health threats, whatever they may be.

Resistance to treatment and control agents
Antimicrobial resistance is a huge global threat, but often this focuses just on antibiotics and neglects other treatment and control agents crucial to the response to diseases of poverty. TDR-supported studies have led to national policy changes in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador, where short all-oral regimens for drug-resistant TB patients have been adopted. This development highlights the impact of TDR-supported research on national health policies.

In addition to these achievements, we have continued to invest in capacity building and training. In the words of WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus: “In many ways, TDR’s support started me on a career that has led me to where I am. And I know I’m not the only one. TDR has played an influential role in building research leadership across the world.”

Last year, capitalizing on the great success of our Clinical Research and Development Fellowship programme, the first cohort of our new Clinical Research Leadership programme fellows, comprising six men and 14 women, was placed with their training hosts. Our postgraduate training scheme partner universities enrolled 37 new master’s students from 22 countries, further strengthening the global health research workforce.

As we reflect on the impact TDR has had on the field of global health over the past 50 years, we remain committed to advancing inclusive internationalism in health research. An opinion article published in the BMJ on this occasion highlighted our progress and dedication to this cause. I hope that you are able to read it.

As always, we thank all of our donors for their continued support and their recognition that research is one of the best ways to combat infectious diseases of poverty. We also take this opportunity to thank the many organizations and individuals around the world who work with us towards universal health care and better health outcomes for all.

Introductory message from Chair of TDR's Joint Coordinating Board

Dr Sunil De Alwis

Taking on the role of Chair of TDR’s Joint Coordinating Board is both a privilege and a responsibility. I am dedicated to building on the work of my predecessors and guiding our efforts towards meaningful impact. The JCB plays a crucial role in coordinating the interests and responsibilities of all parties involved with TDR, ensuring that our strategies and actions are aligned with our overarching goals.

This year, we have seen progress in our mission to empower countries to lead their own health research agendas. TDR’s emphasis on enabling country leadership is not just a strategic priority; it is a fundamental principle that underpins our approach to addressing infectious diseases of poverty. By supporting country-led research, we are fostering sustainable solutions that are tailored to the unique needs and contexts of the communities we serve.

The importance of a health systems approach cannot be overstated. Strengthening health systems is crucial for the effective prevention, detection, and response to infectious diseases. TDR’s work in building research capacity within health systems ensures that countries are better equipped to tackle current and emerging health challenges. Our efforts in implementation research have

demonstrated the value of integrating research findings into health policies and practices, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.

In 2024, we have continued to support innovative research that addresses the most pressing health issues. In exploring the challenges of implementing new tools and strategies for addressing diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, TDR is making a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by these conditions. The success of our initiatives is a testament to the dedication and expertise of all stakeholders.

As we look to the future, I recognize that the path ahead is fraught with challenges. TDR will need to navigate the complex landscape of global health with a continued commitment to equity, collaboration, and scientific excellence. Together, we can strive to improve the health and well-being of people burdened by infectious diseases of poverty.

Thank you for your support and partnership. I look forward to working with all of you to advance our shared goals and make a lasting impact on global health.

Introductory message from TDR Special Programme Coordinator and WHO Chief Scientist

Dr Jeremy Farrar

As TDR Special Programme Coordinator, I am honoured to present the TDR annual report 2024. This past year has been marked by significant progress and innovation, driven by our collective commitment to improving global health through research and capacity building.

TDR’s mission to foster an effective global research effort on infectious diseases of poverty remains as critical as ever. In 2024, TDR continued to build on a strong foundation, established over its 50-year history, advancing research that addresses the health challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations. Its work is guided by the principles of equity, collaboration and scientific excellence, ensuring that the benefits of research reach those who need them most.

The past year marked a strong start to the implementation of the TDR Strategy 2024-2029. This strategy emphasizes the importance of local research solutions, empowering communities to take charge of their health challenges.

By supporting country-led research initiatives, we are not only addressing immediate health needs but also building sustainable research capacity for the future. This approach has proven to be effective in generating innovative solutions that are tailored to local contexts and needs.

As we look ahead, the challenges we face are formidable, but so are the opportunities. The intersections between climate change, global migration and health present challenges that require innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. TDR is well positioned to lead the way in addressing these complex issues through strategic partnerships. Our commitment to the principles of universal health coverage will continue to guide our efforts in ensuring that no one is left behind.

In closing, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the TDR team and the global health community for their tireless efforts and contributions. Together we have made significant strides in advancing global health, and I am confident that we will continue to achieve even greater impact in the years to come.