World Health Organisation(WHO)’s World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (WNTDD) is annually observed across the globe on 30 January to create better awareness of the devastating impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on the poorest populations around the world.
Theme 2024:
The theme of WNTDD 2024 is “Unite. Act. Eliminate”.
- The theme builds on the call to action from President Embaló of Guinea-Bissau’s piece published in Health Policy Watch in July 2023.
Background:
i.The observance of World NTD day was first announced by the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi at the 2019 Reaching the Last Mile Forum.
- The inaugural NTD Day was observed in January 2020.
ii.On 31st May 2021, 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) recognised the 30th January of every year as World NTD Day through the decision WHA74(18).
- The observance was proposed by the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Oman and Brazil and was supported by several member states.
iii.WNTDD is now one of the 11 Global Health Days and 2 Global Health Weeks recognized by WHO.
Why January 30?
The day commemorates the launch of the 1st NTD road map and the London Declaration on NTDs on 30 January 2012.
The new NTD road map (2021-2030) was launched on 28th January 2021.
Significance:
i.The observance of World NTD Day aims to
- Raise the profile of NTDs and the suffering they cause;
- Garner support for efforts in controlling, eliminating, and eradicating NTDs.
ii.This is in line with the strategic goals outlined in the NTD Road Map 2021−2030; and the commitments of the 2022 Kigali declaration on NTDs.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs):
i.NTDs are a group of preventable and treatable parasitic, viral, bacterial, fungal, and infectious diseases that affect more than 1 billion people globally.
ii.NTDs or neglected infectious diseases comprise around 20 conditions prevalent in areas with compromised living conditions.
iii.NTDs are most common in tropical and subtropical regions and most heavily affect people living without access to adequate sanitation, basic infrastructure, and health services.
Note: As of the end of 2023, 50 countries have succeeded in eliminating at least one NTD, marking the halfway point towards the 100-country target set for 2030.
About World Health Organization (WHO):
Director General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
