World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day is observed globally every January 30 to raise awareness about 20 preventable and treatable diseases that disproportionately affect over 1 billion impoverished people in tropical and subtropical regions. Established in 2020, the day commemorates the anniversary of the landmark 2012 London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases, which mobilized international commitment to combat diseases affecting the world's poorest populations. These diseases thrive where poverty meets poor sanitation and limited healthcare access, making them critical public health priorities.
Why it matters
Neglected tropical diseases cause severe disability, disfigurement, blindness, and profound social stigma, yet they receive significantly less funding and research attention compared to malaria, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS. Over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from at least one NTD, with approximately 200,000 deaths annually attributed to these diseases. The economic burden is staggering: affected communities lose productive years to illness, deformity, and early mortality. Mass drug administration, improved water sanitation, vector control, and early case detection are proven interventions that cost-effectively eliminate transmission when implemented at scale. Awareness campaigns drive policy change and government funding essential for achieving WHO elimination targets.
History
The World Health Organization formally recognized neglected tropical diseases as a public health priority in the early 2000s, establishing a dedicated NTD program in 2007. The 2012 London Declaration represented a watershed moment when 13 pharmaceutical companies pledged free or discounted donations of essential medicines for NTDs. In 2019, the WHO set bold elimination targets across multiple NTDs. The first World NTD Day was formally launched on January 30, 2020, chosen to honor the anniversary of the London Declaration. Since 2020, the annual observance has grown from a regional initiative to a globally recognized day with participation from 145+ countries, major NGOs, and the United Nations. The WHO, UNICEF, and international partners leverage this day to advocate for the estimated $3 billion annual investment gap in NTD programs.
Diseases included
- Lymphatic filariasis
- onchocerciasis
- loiasis
- dengue fever
- chikungunya
- Zika virus
- leishmaniasis
- kala-azar
- Chagas disease
- sleeping sickness
- leprosy
- rabies
- echinococcosis
- cysticercosis
- trichuriasis
- ascariasis
- hookworm
- schistosomiasis
- trachoma
Global burden
- Over 1 billion people affected
- 200
- 000 annual deaths
- primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Risk factors
- Poverty
- inadequate water and sanitation
- malnutrition
- poor housing
- tropical climate zones
- limited access to diagnosis and treatment
Prevention methods
- Mass drug administration
- improved sanitation and clean water access
- mosquito and vector control
- health education
- early case detection and treatment
- hygiene promotion
Who is affected
- Low-income populations in tropical regions
- children under 5 years
- pregnant women
- agricultural workers
- displaced persons and refugees
In Bangladesh
Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in its NTD control programs, funded by the Government and supported by international partners including WHO, GAVI, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The country has successfully eliminated lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) as a public health problem through sustained mass drug administration campaigns reaching millions of at-risk populations annually. Bangladesh's National NTD Elimination Program has made substantial progress against kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), reducing cases from thousands to hundreds in endemic districts through targeted surveillance and early treatment. Leprosy control remains active with early case-finding and multi-drug therapy integrated into general health services. The country continues dengue surveillance and response systems, particularly critical given the disease's rising incidence in urban areas. Bangladesh's integrated approach combines disease-specific programs with broader health system strengthening, clean water initiatives, and community health worker engagement in rural and urban slum populations.
Frequently asked questions
- What is World NTD Day and when is it celebrated?
- World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed annually on January 30 to raise global awareness about 20 preventable tropical diseases affecting over 1 billion people in low-income countries. The date commemorates the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs.
- Which 20 diseases are classified as neglected tropical diseases?
- The WHO recognizes 20 NTDs: lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, loiasis, dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, leishmaniasis, kala-azar, Chagas disease, African sleeping sickness, leprosy, rabies, echinococcosis, cysticercosis, trichuriasis, ascariasis, hookworm infection, schistosomiasis, and trachoma.
- How many people are affected by neglected tropical diseases worldwide?
- Over 1 billion people suffer from at least one NTD, with approximately 200,000 deaths annually. These diseases disproportionately affect impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions.
- What are the main causes and risk factors for NTDs?
- NTDs thrive in conditions of poverty, inadequate water and sanitation, malnutrition, poor housing, and tropical climates. Limited access to diagnosis and treatment in low-income countries perpetuates disease transmission.
- Can neglected tropical diseases be prevented and treated?
- Yes, all 20 NTDs are preventable and treatable. Mass drug administration, improved water and sanitation, vector control, health education, and early case detection and treatment are proven cost-effective interventions.
- What progress has Bangladesh made against NTDs?
- Bangladesh has eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem and significantly reduced kala-azar cases through sustained national programs. The country continues integrated vector control, leprosy treatment, and dengue surveillance efforts.