Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases

On January 30, 2025, the global community will observe World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day. This day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against NTDs, which affect over 1.5 billion people worldwide, particularly in vulnerable communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for unified action to eliminate these diseases through sustainable investments and collective commitment. The theme for this year, โ€œUnite. Act. Eliminate,โ€ emphasizes the need for collaboration among governments, leaders, and communities to tackle this pressing health issue.

NTDs: A Global Challenge

Neglected Tropical Diseases encompass a wide range of more than 21 conditions, including parasitic, bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. These diseases predominantly affect populations in the worldโ€™s poorest regions, where access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services is severely limited. NTDs are responsible for thousands of preventable deaths each year and impact over 1 billion people globally.

In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, the burden of NTDs is particularly heavy. Millions of people are affected annually, with an estimated 75 million requiring interventions. Displaced populations are especially vulnerable to outbreaks of NTDs, which can exacerbate their already precarious living conditions. Skin-related NTDs, such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, are prevalent in this region and can lead to severe psychological issues, stigma, and disabilities if left untreated. The WHO highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these diseases and improve the health outcomes of affected communities.

Progress and Challenges

Despite the daunting challenges posed by NTDs, significant progress has been made in recent years. As of 2024, ten countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region had successfully eliminated at least one NTD. Between 2010 and 2022, the number of people requiring interventions against NTDs in the region decreased by an impressive 54%. Globally, 54 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, with seven countries achieving this milestone in 2024 alone. The WHO aims to see 100 countries eliminate at least one NTD by 2030.

In 2023, over 860 million people received treatment for NTDs through mass drug administration and individual disease management efforts. However, despite the availability of effective treatments, gaps remain. Many treatments do not reach the populations that need them most. The WHO’s roadmap for NTDs from 2021 to 2030, along with the 2022 Kigali Declaration, outlines clear targets for controlling, eliminating, and eradicating these diseases. World NTDs Day serves as a vital platform to highlight these goals and the ongoing challenges in achieving them.

Key Challenges in the Fight Against NTDs

While progress is evident, several challenges hinder the global fight against NTDs. Funding gaps and shifting financial landscapes pose significant obstacles. Inconsistent political commitment and ownership at the country level can lead to uneven progress. Additionally, dwindling capacities and expertise in some regions further complicate efforts to combat these diseases.

Data gaps also present a challenge, as accurate disease burden statistics are often difficult to generate. Migrations and conflicts disrupt access to healthcare, making it harder for affected populations to receive necessary treatments. Climate change is emerging as a major threat, particularly for vector-borne diseases, which are sensitive to environmental changes. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated global effort to ensure that NTDs remain a priority on health agendas.

A Call for Collective Action

The WHO is urging continued collaboration across sectors to prioritize NTDs on national and global health agendas. World NTDs Day is not only a time to celebrate progress but also a moment to renew the commitment to eliminate these diseases. The WHO encourages everyone to join the global NTD community and contribute to the collective goal of eradicating NTDs. By uniting, acting, and eliminating these diseases, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of billions of people worldwide.

About WHO and NTDs

The World Health Organization is at the forefront of global efforts to control and eliminate NTDs. The organization collaborates with governments, partners, and communities to implement integrated strategies for prevention, control, and elimination of these diseases. Through these efforts, WHO aims to create a healthier future for all, free from the burden of neglected tropical diseases.

 


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