<p>As part of the push towards universal access to health services, there is international consensus that Neglected Tropical Diseases such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis and trachoma, must be tackled more effectively and NTD control programmes need more assistance.</p>

<p>COUNTDOWN will trial and evaluate new approaches to drug distribution, which target those who are currently overlooked and excluded. It will also examine how NTD programmes can be better integrated into broader health system responses.</p>

<p>As part of this response we want to stimulate, and be part of, dialogues which bring together different stakeholders with the aim of accelerating progress &nbsp;on NTDs. Cross-Talk is an online space where we can start discussions and encourage others to share their news.</p>

<p>Funded by UKaid from the Department for International Development.</p>