WNTDD: WHO Calls For United Action

As the globe  marks the World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 2024, the World Health Organisation( WHO) is calling on countries, leaders and communities, to unite and act to address the inequalities that drive neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
The Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTDs) include Bumli Ulcer, Chagas Disease, Dengue, Leprosy, Guinea Worm and Elephantiasis among others.
It is  estimated that 1.62 billion people, in the world’s most vulnerable communities, from a vicious cycle of disease and poverty are affected by NTDs.
The aim of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is to raise the profile of neglected tropical diseases, the suffering they cause and to garner support towards their control, elimination and eradication, in line with the programmatic targets set out in the NTD road map 2021″2030.
In 2022 an agreement that will drive countries,  commitments of the Kigali declaration on neglected tropical diseases was launched.
On May 31 2021 at the 74th World Health Assembly, the body recognised January 30 as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day through the unanimous approval of decision WHA74(18)  by WHO Member States. This day is now one of the 11 Global Health Days and 2 Global Health Weeks recognized by WHO..

Kevin Nengia