New Delhi: The fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) must be centered on affected communities and climate change impacts, said Saima Wazed, Regional Director for World Health Organization, South-East Asia on the World NTD day.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day was observed on January 30. The theme this year was “Unite. Act. Eliminate”.
“Unite. Act. Eliminate. These three words embody our shared commitment to combating NTDs, a cause that impacts over 1.5 billion people worldwide, predominantly among the most vulnerable populations,” said Wazed.
“World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025 is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a healthier, more equitable future. Let us unite to advocate for change, act to deliver impactful interventions, and eliminate the burden of NTDs in our Region and beyond,” she added.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are 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.
The diseases are called ‘neglected’ because they are almost absent from the global health agenda; in addition, are associated with stigma and social exclusion.
