Dr. Peter Hotez's progress report at the 2008 Clinton Global Initiative.
Special Report
Neglected Tropical Diseases take center stage at CGI
By Dr. Peter Hotez
Each year the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) brings together politicians, heads of state, individuals from the celebrity community, and policy experts in all aspects of international development to meet and identify opportunities for future growth and philanthropy.
CGI holds special meaning for the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases because we were launched there in 2006, and we have been privileged to be invited back to CGI to work with the Clinton Foundation and other organizations. Together, we can raise the profile of NTDs and mobilize resources for urgently-needed rapid impact packages of essential medicines for these conditions.
This year, something very special happened at CGI. Following remarks by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the closing session attended by more than 1,000 people, President Clinton invited me on the stage to talk about the global impact of the NTDs, not only on health, but also on education and socioeconomic development. This was a rare opportunity to reach a large and influential audience. I made a comment that it was unusual (and somewhat unsettling) for me to address so many people on this subject – after all these conditions are referred to as ‘neglected’ for a reason. But then calmed down sufficiently to describe what it means to help so many of the world’s poor in such a tangible and efficient manner. I also used the opportunity to highlight the commitment of our global ambassadors, Alyssa Milano and Governor Tommy Thompson, and to thank the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their long-standing support to NTDs, as well as to Mort and Chris Hyman for their passion and support. At the end of my speech, President Clinton concluded by supporting the low-cost treatment packages for NTD control. He stated, “If you’re looking for something discreet you can do at $0.50 a pop, any commitment that comes through MyCommitment.org to this effort is one that you know has perfectly predictable results which the good doctor has so eloquently outlined.”
Afterward, Dr. Paul Farmer of Partners in Health and actor and philanthropist Matt Damon expressed their support for our NTD efforts, for which I was very grateful. We look forward to linking with Partners in Health in Haiti, Rwanda, and in other areas where our efforts can be synergistic. We were also privileged to make a number of new friends and supporters from organizations similarly dedicated to poverty alleviation and disease control, and we are excited to expand our collaborative network to combat the afflictions of the world's bottom billion.
I am exceedingly grateful to the President and his family and to Tom Kalil and his outstanding staff at CGI for making the event happen and to their willingness to provide leadership for NTDs from the beginning!
