WHO and The Carter Center Join Forces to Accelerate the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Madagascar

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (Jan. 13, 2026) — The World Health Organization (WHO) and The Carter Center have signed a partnership agreement to collaborate on assistance to the Ministry of Health of Madagascar to further its efforts to reach elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the country. This new partnership and expanded support for Madagascar is made possible through the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF), a global coalition of countries, donors, and partners working to accelerate the elimination of neglected tropical diseases.

Signed on Oct. 29, 2025, this agreement marks a decisive milestone in the fight against neglected tropical diseases, particularly lymphatic filariasis, a mosquito-borne parasitic disease, which continues to affect residents in 87 districts across the country.

“We are honored to enhance our collaboration with WHO to help Madagascar take a crucial step toward eliminating lymphatic filariasis and we are grateful to RLMF for helping to make this work possible. Together, we can truly reach the goal of ending this debilitating affliction,” said Gregory S. Noland, director of the Lymphatic Filariasis Program at The Carter Center.

The project aims to strengthen national efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem by 2030, in support of the Ministry of Public Health. It will enable mass treatment to prevent transmission, reinforce epidemiological surveillance, improve the quality of care for people living with lymphoedema or hydrocele, and bolster logistics and local technical capacities—contributing to a more resilient and inclusive health system.

“The support of The Carter Center and WHO represents a major lever for accelerating the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in our country. This joint commitment strengthens the Ministry’s ability to provide quality services to affected populations and to intensify prevention and case management efforts,” said Madagascar Minister of Health Dr. Monira Managna.

This work is implemented within the framework of the National Programme for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (PCMTN) in Madagascar, and is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which seeks to ensure good health and well-being for all.

“This partnership reflects our collective commitment to reach the most vulnerable communities and provide them with essential care. By supporting the Ministry of Public Health in its efforts to fight neglected tropical diseases, we are contributing to saving lives and strengthening health systems,” said Professor Laurent Musango, WHO representative in Madagascar.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Ministry of Public Health, WHO, and The Carter Center to strengthen partnerships, coordination, and resource mobilization to put an end to preventable diseases and reduce health inequalities in Madagascar.

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Contact: media@cartercenter.org