Neglected Tropical Diseases
NTDs and Focal Point: Health in humanitarian crises and Equity
Working Group on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
and Focal Point: Health in Humanitarian crises and Equity
The Working Group on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) aims to strengthen the role of Europe as a strategic partner in the global fight against NTDs. It brings together researchers, clinicians, and public-health professionals across FESTMIH societies and beyond, serving as a hub for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity strengthening.
NTDs disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, yet they remain underepresented in global research agendas and funding schemes. By fostering partnerships with colleagues in endemic regions, amplifying advocacy, and supporting training opportunities for the next generation, the Working Group aims to elevate NTDs on the European agenda and contribute to global control, elimination, and eradication efforts.
Objectives
- Promote exchange and collaboration between European institutions and partners in NTD-endemic countries.
- Strengthen training opportunities and active engagement for early-career researchers and clinicians.
- Increase visibility of NTDs within European research, education, and policy frameworks.
- Foster synergies by mapping expertise and projects across FESTMIH societies and connecting with global partners and professional societies.
- Encourage integration of NTD-related themes into major international conferences and funding schemes.
Ongoing projects
The webinar series “NTDs Around the World” is showcasing NTD-related field experiences, innovations, and challenges with spotlights on different countries
Interested to work with us?
Members:
Co-Lead NTD WG: Hendrik Sy
Hendrik Sy, MD is a member of the German Society for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Global Health e.V. He is an internist and infectious diseases physician trained in Berlin and New York, with a focus on neglected tropical diseases, particularly dengue. He is committed to fostering research collaboration, advocacy, and trainee engagement to strengthen Europe’s role in NTD control and eradication together with international partners.
Co-Lead NTD WG: Miriam Müller
Miriam Müller, MD, MScPH, DTMPH, is a member of the German Society for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Global Health e.V. She is a physician with international experience in clinical practice and research on neglected tropical diseases, with a main interest in Chagas disease. She is dedicated to strengthening collaboration across European networks and beyond, and to advancing tropical medicine and global health in an inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic way.
Co-Lead FP Health in humanitarian crises and Equity: Mirna Abd El Aziz
Mirna Abd El Aziz, MD is an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist. She holds an antimicrobial stewardship expert diploma from the German Society of Infectious Diseases as well as a Diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTM&H) and an MSc in Tropical Medicine & International Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She is a founding member and current lead of the German NTD Youth Initiative (AG NTD), focusing on advocacy and policy as well as raising awareness for NTDs. As part of her work in the AG NTD, she has started an international NTD Youth Initiative network.
Co-Lead FP Health in humanitarian crises and Equity: Denise Rabl
Denise Rabl, MD is a member of the German Society of Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Global Health (DTG). She is currently training in internal medicine with a focus on infectious diseases and tropical medicine in Düsseldorf, Germany. Denise has gained international work experience in Ethiopia, contributing to projects on sepsis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Her experiences in sub-Saharan Africa have further deepened her commitment on humanitarian aid and to advancing equity in global health.
