U.S. Government contributions to efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are extraordinary, cost-effective success stories in health, development and U.S. soft power. U.S.-funded NTD programs—costing at its height $115 million annually or 0.0017% of total U.S. government spending—have leveraged the largest private medical donation program in the world to give hundreds of millions of people a chance at a better, more productive life. In partnership with business and faith-based communities, more than 54 countries have eliminated at least one NTD in the last 10 years, with 14 more eliminations expected in the next five years.

These successes and partnerships give the U.S. influence with governments and citizens in strategically important parts in the world, helping to preserve American geopolitical influence and protect American interests. With so many countries on the verge of permanently eliminating or controlling these diseases, now is the moment for strengthening America’s bold leadership on NTDs.

Conversely, permanently terminating American funding for NTD programs would be a dangerous strategic error. The halt in funding has already disrupted distribution programs in recipient countries, with donated drugs sitting in warehouses and likely to expire. If the funding does not resume, the 14 U.S.-assisted countries projected to eliminate an NTD in the next five years will miss their goals. Millions more people will suffer from NTD infections—and the United States will fail to reap the health, economic and political benefits of its investments.