On World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 2025 , the World Health Organization (WHO) and the global partners' community are calling on everybody to unite, act and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
"On World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 2025, we urge unified action to eliminate NTDs, strengthen health systems and empower communities for sustainable solutions," said Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director, WHO Global NTD Programme.
This year's campaign stresses that combating NTDs not only reduces the burden of these diseases but also contributes to stronger health systems; that addressing the impact of climate change on NTDs is possible through a One Health approach that combines human, animal and environmental health; and that empowering people and communities will lead to person-centred, tailored, inclusive and impactful programmes and pave the way for sustainable and effective programmatic solutions to the challenges faced.
WHO and the global NTD community urge stakeholders to:
- Increase investments to close financial gaps.
- Amplify political will to sustain progress and protect millions at risk.
- Enhance data systems for better planning, resource allocation and response to emerging issues.
- Accelerate research and development (R&D) to devise new tools and integrate them into routine health care.
- Strengthen community engagement, focusing on gender, equity, and youth through local leadership, health worker support and grassroots advocacy.
Moving forward in a challenging environment
2024 was marked by significant progress, though it ended with the demise of former US president Jimmy Carte r, who leaves a legacy of unwavering dedication and support to combating NTDs.
Back in January, the year opened with the launch of the Global Appeal 2024 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy , an event led by the Sasakawa Health Foundation and hosted by WHO at its headquarters premises. In May, WHO's Global report on neglected tropical diseases 2024 was released. Throughout the year, new partnerships and initiatives were established: a committee and a pilot project aimed at strengthening supply chains and reporting mechanisms for NTD medicines were launched; in June Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, United Against Rabies and WHO joined forces to make human rabies vaccine available free of charge to over 50 countries; while in December an MoU was signed between the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund and WHO to promote access to NTD medicines, vaccines and diagnostics. 2024 was also marked by a high-level advocacy event convened by the President of Chad to mobilize support towards eradication of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease). During the year, hundreds of millions of people received treatment for NTDs thanks to over 1.8 billion tablets and vials that were donated and delivered ; and seven countries celebrated the elimination of an NTD, bringing the total number to 54 .
Challenges
Despite progress there are persistent challenges. These include a changing funding landscape; irregular country ownership; dwindling expertise; data collection difficulties; gaps in knowledge, operational tools and processes, as well as in availability and access to medicines, and diagnostics; social instability, migrations and conflicts. Climate change has also emerged as a formidable threat, especially with regard to vector-borne diseases.
WHO is addressing the above challenges through a series of initiatives that will further grow in 2025. These include estimating intervention costs for the 2030 NTD road map targets ; expanding online tools for capacity strengthening; enhancing monitoring, supply chain and data systems; addressing programme gaps through an R&D blueprint ; and adapting disease control strategies to the impacts of climate change.
