[e-drug] Students lead the way, raise awareness & funds for NTD control efforts

E-DRUG: GNNTD: Students lead the way, raise awareness & funds for NTD control efforts
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Students Lead the Way, Raise Awareness and Funds for NTD Control Efforts
http://www.globalnetwork.org/press/2008/12/17/students-lead-way-raise-awareness-and-funds-ntd-control-efforts

Published on 12.17.08

In recent weeks, a number of student groups have demonstrated
significant leadership in the fight against NTDs. One such group,
Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM), a coalition of
student-led chapters at more than 40 universities in North America, is
working to improve research for and access to medicines for neglected
diseases around the world. Their focus is on the world's "bottom
billion"—those living on less than $2 per day and commonly infected
with one or more NTDs.

An article in the latest volume of Global Forum Update on Research for
Health highlighted the work of UAEM; in particular, it discussed
UAEM's efforts to expand programs in Africa. With a focus on a
"bottom-up approach driven by students and young researchers across
disciplines," UAEM has begun to assemble the first, open-access
curriculum on neglected diseases for use in universities worldwide. In
addition, it has partnered with student-led, community-based programs
in Africa to disseminate information and best practices around
neglected disease control efforts.

Other student groups have also seen success in their fundraising
efforts for the Global Network. Through a week-long Loose Change
campaign, students at the University of Minnesota—led by Emily Moody
and the Students' International Health Committee (SIHC)—raised over
$730 for NTD control and advocacy efforts. Ms. Moody reported that
students who participated were "really interested in the campaign, and
in tropical diseases in general." Because the events were so
well-received, she noted the group may host another Loose Change
campaign in the coming year.

The critical momentum around NTDs generated by the grassroots
movement—led by groups such as UAEM and SIHC—complements the growing
recognition of NTDs as a significant health problem by political
leaders and major corporations. We are proud of the advocacy work
student groups have accomplished to raise the profile of NTDs in their
communities, and we encourage others to spread the word about these
diseases and the low-cost, proven-effective solution that exists to
treat them.

Matt Price
matthewrprice@gmail.com