Understanding World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | World NTDs Day is observed on January 30th to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The 2025 theme is "Unite. Act. Eliminate". |
| Significance | Marks the launch of the first WHO NTD roadmap and the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs, which shaped global NTD elimination efforts. |
| What are NTDs? | A group of 20 diseases that affect 1.7 billion people, primarily in poverty-stricken tropical and subtropical regions. Examples: Chagas disease, dengue, leprosy, schistosomiasis. |
| Progress Achieved | - 50 countries have eliminated at least one NTD. - The number of people needing NTD interventions reduced by 600 million (2010-2020). |
| Challenges | - The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted NTD programs, delaying treatments and diverting resources. - Funding shortages remain a major obstacle. |
| Theme 2025 | "Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs" - A call for global collaboration, strategic action, and elimination of NTDs. |
| Sustainable Financing | Advocated by President Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the need for long-term funding to sustain NTD programs. |
| Impact of COVID-19 | - Delays in treatment campaigns and disruption of supply chains. - Reallocation of resources affected NTD-focused initiatives. |
| Chagas Global Coalition's Role | - ChagatChat (a virtual dialogue platform) promotes discussions on Chagas disease and NTD challenges. - Advocacy for increased funding and policy support. |
| WHO Roadmap for NTDs | Targets the control, elimination, and eradication of NTDs by 2030. |