Antimicrobial and anthelminthic resistance (AMR) poses a growing threat to global health security and to progress towards the control, elimination and eradication of NTDs. Preventive chemotherapy and case management remain central pillars of many NTD programmes, making the long-term effectiveness of essential medicines critical to sustained impact. This includes anthelminthics used in mass drug administration programmes for diseases such as schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases, antibiotics such as azithromycin used in trachoma elimination and child survival programmes, and antifungals increasingly important in the management of emerging fungal threats and opportunistic infections in vulnerable populations.
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GCNTDR supports rigorous, policy-relevant research to strengthen the understanding, surveillance and mitigation of AMR, including resistance affecting bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens relevant to NTDs. This includes advancing tools and approaches to monitor emerging resistance, assess drug efficacy and treatment outcomes, and inform adaptive programme strategies in elimination settings where repeated or large-scale antimicrobial use may increase selective pressure.
Recognising that antimicrobial resistance does not occur in isolation,
GCNTDR integrates AMR within a broader One Health framework. Patterns of antimicrobial use in human and animal health, environmental contamination, water and sanitation conditions, and health system practices all influence resistance dynamics. By promoting cross-sectoral research and dialogue across human, animal and environmental health, GCNTDR contributes to protecting the effectiveness of essential medicines and sustaining progress towards NTD elimination.
Supporting evidence generation
We prioritise and promote research that:
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Monitors resistance markers in parasites and other NTD pathogens
Evaluates the impact of repeated MDA on resistance emergence -
Develops and validates molecular tools for early detection of resistance
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Investigates optimal treatment regimens and dosing strategies
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Explores alternative or combination therapies where appropriate
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Assesses the broader ecological and One Health dimensions of antimicrobial use
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Strengthens surveillance systems and laboratory capacity for antimicrobial resistance monitoring in endemic settings
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Examines the impact of antimicrobial use across human, animal and environmental interfaces, including water systems and agricultural practices
This includes research relevant to anthelmintic resistance in helminths, emerging resistance risks linked to large-scale azithromycin distribution, antifungal resistance in clinically significant fungal pathogens, and drug efficacy monitoring in elimination settings.
Strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity
Through training, mentorship and grants, GCNTDR aims to support:
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Development of laboratory capacity for molecular diagnostics and resistance detection
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Standardised protocols for resistance monitoring in low-prevalence settings
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Integration of AMR surveillance into national NTD and broader health systems
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Capacity-building for researchers and programme implementers in endemic countries
Our online training resources, including molecular and qPCR-based methodologies, contribute to strengthening diagnostic and surveillance capabilities in low- and middle-income countries.