World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, observed every year on 30 January, shines a spotlight on a group of preventable and treatable diseases that continue to affect the world’s most vulnerable people. Despite major progress over the past decade, neglected tropical diseases still impact around one billion people globally, largely in underserved communities where poverty, limited healthcare access and poor living conditions persist.
NTDs include a wide range of conditions such as lymphatic filariasis, river blindness, schistosomiasis and leprosy. While diverse, they share a common feature: they thrive where health systems are weakest. The good news is that these diseases can be controlled, eliminated and, in some cases, eradicated. In 2024, around 1.4 billion people required interventions against NTDs, representing a 36 per cent reduction since 2010. This progress shows that sustained investment and coordinated action work.
As of early 2026, 58 countries have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. This is a major milestone on the road to the World Health Organisation’s ambitious target of 100 countries achieving elimination by 2030. Country-led programmes, supported by international partners, have proven that elimination is achievable even in low-resource settings.
However, this hard-won progress is now under serious threat.The recent withdrawal of United States funding from neglected tropical disease programmes jeopardises nearly two decades of global investment. Between 2018 and 2023, aid for NTDs declined by 41%, making them one of the most underfunded areas in global health. This funding gap directly affects communities, delaying treatment, increasing disability and prolonging cycles of poverty.
Early reports shared with the WHO show that funding cuts have already delayed 47 mass treatment campaigns, preventing 143 million people from receiving medicines that would protect them from NTDs. Abrupt reductions in official development assistance have also halted critical research into new treatments, diagnostics and surveillance systems, undermining long-term global health security. WHO has warned that more than 70% of its country offices have reported health service disruptions linked to sudden funding suspensions, with NTD programmes among the most severely affected.
The challenge is not a lack of solutions. Proven, low-cost tools already exist. Preventive chemotherapy, which involves the regular distribution of safe medicines, delivers an estimated 25 dollars in economic benefits for every dollar invested. Investments in diagnostics, surveillance and integrated health systems further strengthen the impact. What is needed now is political commitment, sustainable financing and stronger partnerships.
On World NTD Day 2026, the call to action is clear: unite, act and eliminate. Countries are urged to invest in domestically owned and financed NTD programmes that can be sustained over the long term. Development partners are encouraged to honour existing commitments, protect past achievements, unlock innovative financing and adopt new approaches that accelerate progress.
The World Health Organisation plays a central role in this effort by setting global strategies, coordinating partners, monitoring progress and supporting Member States in overcoming technical and operational challenges. With continued leadership and resources, NTD elimination remains one of the most achievable and equitable goals in global health.
Source: World Health Organisation
