World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day is celebrated annually on the 30th of January. However, unlike what the word “neglected” suggests, these diseases very much exist among us. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that about 1.4 billion people require interventions against NTDs. A large proportion of this population is found in tropical regions, with children being the most affected.The WHO defines NTDs as “a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences.” Increased prevalence has been recorded in impoverished communities within tropical regions. Although the epidemiology of NTDs is complex, it is closely linked to environmental conditions, as many are vector-borne diseases, have animal reservoirs, and possess complex life cycles.
What are these neglected diseases?
Neglected tropical diseases include Buruli ulcer, chagas disease, dengue and chikungunya, dracunculiasis, echinococcosis, foodborne trematodiases, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses, noma, onchocerciasis, rabies, scabies and other ectoparasitoses, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, snakebite envenoming, taeniasis/cysticercosis, trachoma, and yaws. They are termed “neglected” because they predominantly affect the underserved and marginalised — people who lack access to basic healthcare services, live in impoverished communities, and have limited political influence. This leads to neglect of these diseases in global health agendas, particularly in terms of political prioritisation and resource allocation.
What are the implications of these diseases?
NTDs generally cause more disability than death, with studies estimating about 57 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. The World Health Organisation also reports about 14.1 million DALYs lost and 120,000 deaths annually. Their consequences are largely social, as affected individuals often face stigmatization and social exclusion and discrimination. This results in a range of challenges, including loss of employment, reduced educational opportunities, and inability to fully exercise civic rights. These factors contribute significantly to mental health conditions, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, among affected populations. There are also substantial economic consequences.
A WHO report estimates that households lose over $33 billion annually due to NTD-related costs and productivity losses. A study conducted by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine on people living with skin NTDs helps to further illustrate this burden. Abdulmimini Hussain, a participant with leprosy, shared that “we are not allowed to live where other healthy people stay, and I am not happy seeing that we are separated from the others.” Other participants described losing their livelihoods. Saidu Isah, also living with leprosy, explained, “I took this photo because of my ill health. I am idle without a trade or any activity to keep me busy. It shows that I beg for alms to earn a living.”What has been done so far? The World Health Organization, non-governmental organisations, and foundations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have played key roles in controlling NTDs.
The WHO NTD Roadmap for 2021–2030 sets ambitious targets aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Significant progress has been made, including a 36% reduction in the population requiring treatment since 2010. Additionally, 58 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, demonstrating meaningful advancement toward the WHO’s target of 100 countries achieving elimination by 2030. However, there is still a pressing need to scale up efforts to achieve lasting and equitable solutions.
What’s our role in this?
As this year’s theme states, we must unite, act, and eliminate NTDs, building a safer and more resilient world for everyone. Countries are encouraged to invest in better tools, systems, and partnerships so that locally owned and sustainably financed NTD programmes can thrive.You and I, as individuals, must serve as advocates — raising awareness, speaking up, and bringing these neglected diseases into the light. Let us be the light in a room of darkness.
Always remember: the change begins with you and me.
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