Over 200 international researchers, clinicians and policymakers are due to meet in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Tuesday for a forum geared to finding a solution toward neglected diseases.

The Geneva-based Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) has sponsored the second stakeholders meeting which is hosted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute .

"We anticipate an exceptional meeting of neglected disease experts. This event will be an excellent forum to share our knowledge on the realities of conducting research, managing drug development, ensuring access to treatment, and securing funding for neglected diseases," said DNDi's executive director Dr. Benard Pecoul, and the chair board of directors, Dr. Marcel Tanner in Nairobi ahead of the meeting.

This is the first time this meeting is held in Africa. About four health ministers from the region -- Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan -- are expected to grace the forum, which attracts other distinguished guests from all over the world.

The meeting will also cement DNDi's partnership with key players such as NGOs and leading African and international experts on infectious and neglected tropical diseases, according to Dr. Monique Wasunna, the assistant director.

The scientists will examine ongoing DNDi projects in drug research and development access and capacity strengthening.

Despite the phenomenal changes in medicine over the past half- century, with therapeutic advances saving millions of lives, adequate drugs are still not available of many diseases affecting the poor -- neglected populations of the developing world.

In an attempt to bridge this gap, DNDi is currently developing new treatments against sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis, Chagas diseases and malaria.