Switzerland renews commitment to DNDi to advance medical innovation for neglected patients

Geneva — 15 Sep 2025

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has renewed its commitment to health for all with a contribution of CHF 7.2 million (EUR 7.6 million) to DNDi for the period 2025–2028. Arriving in the context of serious challenges to the future of global health and medical innovation for vulnerable populations given dramatic recent funding cuts, this core funding will enable DNDi to continue developing and delivering affordable treatments for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, parasitic worm diseases, mycetoma, and dengue.

NTDs affect 1.6 billion people worldwide – hitting already vulnerable communities the hardest – yet they remain overlooked by traditional, profit-driven models of pharmaceutical research and development (R&D). DNDi works to close the gaps in R&D for neglected diseases by partnering with endemic country stakeholders, research institutes, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical companies to discover, develop, and deliver treatments that are safe, effective, affordable, and adapted to local conditions.

‘DNDi is very grateful for the SDC’s continued support of our mission to deliver the best science for the most neglected,” said Dr Luis Pizarro, Executive Director of DNDi. ‘In a time of unprecedented geopolitical instability, this contribution is more than financial—it is a powerful message of solidarity and enables us to continue delivering on our promise to neglected patients and build resilient, inclusive innovation ecosystems in the countries that need them most.’

Switzerland has been a steadfast partner in DNDi’s journey since 2005 – from its early days as a bold experiment in not-for-profit drug development to its current role as an established global partner in medical innovation for neglected diseases. Since its founding over 20 years ago, DNDi has delivered 13 new treatments for six deadly diseases, saving millions of lives. Switzerland’s renewed support for the organization reflects a shared vision for a healthier, more equitable world – one where medical innovation serves those most in need.

‘Switzerland and the SDC have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to health equity and the progressive realization of the Sustainable Development Goals,’ said Erika Placella, Head of the Health and Food Section, SDC. ‘Confirming our support to DNDi in the current context of funding cuts affecting access to health services for millions of people gives a strong signal of trust and commitment towards all actors in global health. It also demonstrates support for Geneva as the world’s health capital.’

In its 2025-2028 International Cooperation Strategy, the Swiss Federal Council highlights the importance of sustainable development, access to healthcare, climate resilience, gender equality, and inclusive innovation – which deeply align with DNDi’s mission and values.

The support of the SDC is critical to the achievement of DNDi’s objectives and contributes directly to delivering the medical innovation that is urgently needed to save lives, prevent disability, and contribute to the sustainable elimination of NTDs in underserved communities.

About DNDi

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a not-for-profit medical research organization that discovers, develops, and delivers safe, effective, and affordable treatments for neglected people. DNDi is developing medicines for sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, river blindness, mycetoma, dengue, paediatric HIV, advanced HIV disease, cryptococcal meningitis, and hepatitis C. Its research priorities include children’s health, gender equity and gender-responsive R&D, and diseases impacted by climate change. Since its creation in 2003, DNDi has joined with public and private partners across the globe to deliver 13 new treatments, saving millions of lives. dndi.org