Our Approach
NTDs do not occur in isolation. Many are zoonotic, vector-borne, and/or closely linked to environmental conditions such as water, sanitation, climate change, land use, and biodiversity. Addressing them effectively requires coordinated action across human, animal and environmental health sectors.
GCNTDR integrates a One Health perspective across its research portfolio, capacity-building activities and partnerships, aligned with the World Health Organization NTD Road Map 2021–2030 and its One Health companion framework, developed in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
IN PRACTICE
What this means in practice
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Integrated research across sectors
We prioritise research that generates actionable evidence for programme design and decision-making, including:
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Transmission dynamics across human–animal interfaces
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Cost-effective, multi-sectoral intervention models
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Environmental and climate-linked risk mapping
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Diagnostics suitable for achieving elimination
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By translating research into accessible outputs — including policy briefs, training resources and communications — GCNTDR contributes to informed, evidence-based implementation of the One Health agenda.
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Strengthening national One Health capacity
GCNTDR supports countries to:
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Incorporate One Health principles into national NTD strategies
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Strengthen surveillance systems that integrate human and animal health data
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Develop cross-ministerial collaboration between health, agriculture and environment sectors
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Through training, mentorship and grants, we help early-career researchers and national programme staff develop the skills required to operationalise One Health approaches.
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Evidence to inform policy and implementation
We promote and support research that advances WHO NTD road map targets, including:
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Zoonotic reservoirs and animal health systems
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Vector ecology and environmental change
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Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems
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Climate variability and spatial epidemiology
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Land use, agriculture and ecosystem dynamics
Our member institutions enable collaboration between infectious disease specialists, veterinarians, environmental scientists, engineers, modellers and social scientists.