Commemorating World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025

On World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 2025, held January 30, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the global partners’ community called on Government, leaders, communities and individuals 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.
According to WHO, this year’s campaign stressed that combating NTDs not only reduces the burden of these diseases but also contributes to stronger health systems.
It noted 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, which will pave the way for sustainable and effective solutions to the challenges faced.

The health organisation added that 2024 was marked by significant progress, though it ended with the demise of former US president Jimmy Carter, who has left a legacy of unwavering dedication and support to combating NTDs.
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 WHO noted.
NTDs are mainly prevalent among impoverished communities in tropical areas, although some have a much larger geographical distribution.
It is estimated that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people, while the number of people requiring NTD interventions (both preventive and curative) is 1.6 billion.
NTDs include leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, dengue and severe dengue; scabies and leishmaniasis.

The purpose of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is to raise the profile of NTDs, highlight the suffering they cause and garner support for their control, elimination or eradication.
They are termed ‘neglected’ as they generally affect poorer populations often living in remote rural or peri-urban areas in developing countries without adequate sanitation, in poor housing conditions and with little access to health services, and they are rarely given high priority by decision-makers in endemic countries.
In a recent Guyana Ministry of Health (MOH) interview, Dr Annastacia Sampson, Focal point for Neglected infectious diseases Vector Control Services MOH, noted that leprosy, leishmaniasis, Chagas, filariasis and soil transmitted helminth diseases, are types of NTDs present in the country.
Active programmes underway include lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis and leprosy disease programmes or projects, with significant improvement over the years.
Just last year, Health Minister Dr Anthony had stated that leprosy is on the decline.
Speaking on the filariasis programme, Sampson revealed that significant strides have been made after the programme was launched in 2000. Minister Anthony also noted in 2024 that instances of filaria have vastly declined.
Not many are educated on what is filaria, or how it’s caused, Sampson noted, but despite a mixed response from public, though mostly good feedback, she is hopeful of a future campaign, planning for the second quarter of this year.
Dermal leishmaniasis is caused by sandflies and progressively damages the skin, she explained. The disease remains present in Regions Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten, as well as some areas in Region Two, she outlined. She noted that many miners, soldiers, and loggers are at risk of developing leishmaniasis (also known as bush yaws) due to their work in endemic regions.