From stronger data systems to WASH, One Health and female genital schistosomiasis, our team will help lead practical conversations on building more connected and resilient responses to neglected tropical diseases. 

From 29 September to 1 October 2026, Unlimit Health will join the global neglected tropical disease (NTD) community in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 17th Annual NTD NGO Network (NNN) conference. 

This year’s theme, ‘People, systems and resilience: adapting NTD responses through holistic approaches’, closely reflects how we work: alongside affected countries and communities, using evidence and expertise to strengthen health systems and support sustainable progress against parasitic diseases. 

Across the three-day programme, our team will contribute to plenaries, workshops and cross-cutting group sessions exploring what meaningful integration looks like in practice. 

Our contributions will begin on Tuesday 29th September with sessions exploring how stronger collaboration with other sectors can help advance NTD priorities. 

Our Head of Health Systems, Carolyn Henry, will contribute to a workshop on the return on investment in One Health, led by One Health Society Tanzania. The discussion will consider how the sector can better articulate the value of One Health and strengthen the economic evidence for integrated approaches (learn more in our blog: Beyond the best buy: Unlocking better value through One Health). 

Later that day, our Director of Policy and Innovation Yael Velleman, will co-organise and facilitate an interactive One Health Cross-Cutting Group session led by the Female Genital Schistosomiasis Integration Group. Using female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) as a practical example, participants will draw on case studies from Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania to explore how to engage stakeholders beyond the NTD sector, understand their priorities and identify shared objectives. 

On Wednesday 30th September a central moment of the conference will be the special session, ‘Collaborating for true multisectoral action’. Developed by the NNN Cross-Cutting Groups with UNICEF, Kikundi and GLIDE, and supported by the Health Campaign Effectiveness Coalition, the interactive workshop will encourage delegates to explore what integration means across the network. 

Sixteen flash talks will showcase projects, ideas and approaches in a marketplace of examples. Participants will work together to identify practical mechanisms for stronger collaboration across sectors. Their reflections will help inform an NNN Integration Statement intended to support future practice. 

Making data use more sustainable 

NTD programmes increasingly depend on data to guide decisions and identify opportunities for integration. However, differences in governance, coordination and systems can lead to duplication or limit the uptake of new tools and approaches. This will be explored at a session on Wednesday afternoon, with Alex Carlin, Technical Advisor Data; and Carolyn Henry leading and facilitating a workshop by the NNN Ensuring Sustainable Systems Cross-Cutting Group on the principles of sustainable data use.  

The workshop will bring together ministries of health, funders and partners to discuss practical principles for coordination, integration and long-term resilience across NTD data systems. 

These questions are becoming even more important as artificial intelligence is introduced into global health. 

Strengthening collaboration on WASH 

On Wednesday evening, Yael will facilitate the WASH Working Group side meeting. Drawing on feedback from programme managers, the session will focus on monitoring and evaluation, social and behaviour change, coordination and community engagement. A fast-paced challenge and innovation exercise will give participants a direct role in identifying priorities and developing potential solutions. 

A new chapter for NNN leadership 

The close of the conference will mark an important milestone for Unlimit Health, as Aparna formally takes up the role of NNN Chair. 

“Integration isn’t just a principle; it’s a practice we build together. As I take up the role of NNN Chair, my commitment is to keep connecting people, ideas and opportunities so that the NNN remains a strong, inclusive and influential voice for everyone working towards a world free of NTDs.” 

Through these contributions, Unlimit Health will help move the conversation beyond the principle of integration towards the practical partnerships, systems and approaches needed to put it into action.”  – Aparna Barua Adams 

See the full calendar of Unlimit Health events below.