No one left behind.
Unite to end neglected tropical diseases.
“World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day” is observed on Thursday, 30 January 2025. Tropical diseases are illnesses that are prevalent in or unique to tropical and subtropical regions. Some common tropical diseases include malaria, dengue, cholera and yellow fever, with Zika Virus joining the list. These diseases can have severe health, social, and economic consequences. They are often called “neglected” as they are not given priority in the global health agenda. Ironically, tropical diseases are invariably coupled with neglected diseases and are called neglected tropical diseases. Several tropical diseases can be life-threatening if left untreated. India has the ignominy of having the highest number of people affected by neglected tropical diseases. The goal is to control, eliminate, or eradicate tropic disease and improve the quality of life for those affected. It is also essential that tropical diseases are not neglected.
Act: Foster country commitment, resources, technical guidance, solidarity and coordination.
“World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day” is observed on Thursday, 30 January 2025. It is the first WHO global observation of 2025. The member states unanimously approved the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day observation on 30 January at the 74th World Health Assembly held in 2021. It aims to promote awareness and acceleration of strategies for elimination and control.
Tropical diseases are illnesses that are prevalent in or unique to tropical and subtropical regions. Pathogens often cause these diseases. Some common tropical diseases include malaria, dengue, cholera and yellow fever, with Zika Virus joining the list. These diseases can have severe health, social, and economic consequences. They are often called “neglected” as they are not given priority in the global health agenda. Ironically, tropical diseases are invariably coupled with neglected diseases and are called neglected tropical diseases. Several tropical diseases can be life-threatening if left untreated. Tropical diseases affect over 1.7 billion people and result in thousands of preventable deaths every year. Limited awareness, social stigma, and insufficient research, prevention, and treatment funding exist.
Eliminate: End NTDs by delivering treatment, reducing transmission, managing disability and combating stigma.
Tropic Diseases can be prevented, controlled and eliminated. The worldwide efforts have shown the results. WHO data indicates that by the end of 2024, 54 countries had succeeded in eliminating at least one tropical disease, and several countries had eliminated 2, 3 or 4. During COVID-19, there was a deprioritisation in attending to tropical diseases in many countries.
Some countries most impacted by tropical diseases include India, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Brazil and Sudan. Each country has a high prevalence of one or two tropical diseases. India has the highest number of people affected by neglected tropical diseases.
Many neglected tropical diseases are indeed curable or manageable with appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing and reducing the disease burden. Efforts to control and eliminate them include mass drug administration, improved sanitation, vector control, and vaccination programs.
Everyone, including leaders and communities, should unite, act, and eliminate neglected tropical diseases. WHO
The goal is to control, eliminate, or eradicate tropical diseases and improve the quality of life for those affected. It is also essential that tropical diseases are not neglected.
Unite. Act. Eliminate.
Toons: Anusha Thati
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
