We need more knowledge
All of DAHW's mandated diseases are actually curable. Nevertheless, they claim millions of lives every year and cause disabilities, some of which are extremely severe. Those affected are marginalized and discriminated against. To solve this problem in the long term, one thing above all is needed: more knowledge. That is why DAHW is more active than ever in the area of research.
Medicines alone do not help
To effectively counter the spread of leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), more than effective medicines are needed: Only practicable, cross-sectoral overall concepts that include all social determinants can sustainably combat poverty-associated and neglected diseases. People's living conditions must be improved overall, and economic, physical and psychological barriers to health care must be removed.
Due to the lack of public funding and the fact that most pharmaceutical companies focus on more lucrative projects, it is primarily non-governmental organizations such as DAHW that initiate research initiatives in the NTD field and finance them with donations and/or third-party funding.