WHO and Bayer Extend Pact to Tackle Neglected Diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Bayer AG have renewed their two-decade collaboration to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), extending the partnership through 2025–2030.

The deal includes the donation of 18 million tablets and vials—worth an estimated US$15.5 million—and US$9.45 million in financial support to strengthen WHO’s global, regional, and country-level programmes.

Under the new agreement, Bayer will continue donating suramin and nifurtimox for human African trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease, along with niclosamide for taeniasis. The initiative aligns with WHO’s NTD road map 2021–2030, aiming to accelerate progress toward elimination targets and reinforce public–private health partnerships.

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“For over two decades, the partnership between WHO and Bayer AG has effectively supported global initiatives to combat neglected tropical diseases. Driven by its mission of “Health for All, Hunger for None,” Bayer is reaffirming its commitment to addressing the urgent needs of millions of affected patients through the manufacturing and donation of essential medicines,” said Claus Runge, chief health equity officer and global head of public affairs, sustainability & internal engagement at Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

He added: “Bayer remains dedicated to ensuring sustainable actions aimed at eliminating sleeping sickness and controlling Chagas disease and taeniasis.”

WHO’s Dr. Jeremy Farrar praised the partnership as a model of trust and collaboration that has significantly reduced disease burden. Between 2020 and 2025, 10 African countries were validated by WHO for eliminating sleeping sickness as a public health problem, with cases dropping sharply to fewer than 600 in 2024.

Bayer’s continued support will focus on high-burden countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, advancing surveillance, awareness, and early diagnosis. Since 2020, the company has also driven access to paediatric nifurtimox, improving treatment for children with Chagas disease.

With NTDs still affecting millions in low-income regions, this renewed WHO–Bayer partnership marks a crucial step toward sustainable disease control, aiming for stronger local ownership, better data systems, and lasting health impact across endemic communities.