World NTD Day, observed every year on January 30, is a Global Day of Awareness dedicated to ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These preventable and treatable diseases affect more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, primarily in underserved and marginalized communities.
World NTD Day brings governments, organizations, and communities together to raise awareness, inspire action, and accelerate progress toward eliminating NTDs.
Why World NTD Day Matters
The purpose of World NTD Day is to raise the profile of NTDs, highlight the suffering they cause, and garner support for their control, elimination, or eradication–all in line with the programmatic targets set out in WHO’s 2021–2030 road map and the commitments of the 2022 Kigali Declaration on NTDs. These initiatives provide a framework for coordinated global action and sustainable solutions.
The History of World NTD Day
On May 31, 2021, the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly formally recognized January 30th as World NTD Day through the unanimous approval of decision WHA74(18) by WHO Member States. Today, World NTD Day is one of 11 Global Health Days, and 2 Global Health Weeks recognized by WHO. Learn more here.
Why Do NTDs Matter?
NTDs are often called “diseases of poverty”. They disproportionately affect regions with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, trapping individuals and families in cycles of poverty. The effects of NTDs go beyond physical suffering, often leading to profound mental health challenges. The social stigma associated with visible symptoms of these diseases can foster feelings of shame, isolation, and anxiety. The economic hardships resulting from illness, along with barriers to education and employment, can exacerbate stress and depression.
Despite these challenges, NTDs are also known as “best buys” in global health. For every dollar invested in combating these diseases, the return is up to $25 in economic benefits. Eliminating NTDs means healthier communities, stronger economies, and brighter futures for millions.
Progress Worth Celebrating on World NTD Day
World NTD Day is not just a call to action but also a celebration of the significant progress being made. As of October 2025, 58 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD, putting us more than halfway towards reaching WHO’s goal of 100 countries having eliminated at least one NTD by 2030. Several countries have eliminated 2, 3, or even 4 NTDs. Globally, 75 elimination processes have been successfully completed and acknowledged by WHO. In 2024 alone, 7 countries eliminated an NTD. Investments in treatment programs, community outreach, and global partnerships have already led to millions of lives being transformed. These milestones demonstrate that, by working together, we can create lasting change.
What Needs to Be Done?
While progress is encouraging, there is still much work ahead. Tackling NTDs requires:
- Sustained Funding: Securing consistent donations to ensure programs can reach those most in need.
- Community Leadership: Empowering local leaders and health workers to drive long-term sustainable, culturally appropriate solutions.
- Global Collaboration: Partnerships across governments, organizations, and private sectors to strengthen efforts worldwide.
- Innovation: Developing new tools, treatments, and strategies to address emerging challenges like climate change and its impact on disease spread.
Join Us in Ending Stigma
Lasting change requires all of us to work together – through awareness, action, and sustained commitment.
Learn more and take action at stillathing.ca, where you can explore why neglected tropical diseases are still a thing, learn about our work to strengthen health systems and confront stigma, and dive into our research that helps drive evidence-based, locally led solutions.
Your voice, awareness, and compassion can help dismantle stigma – one belief, one conversation, one action at a time. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) and take action by sharing our pinned post!
