Campaign key messages

Theme for World NTD Day 2024:

Unite. Act. Eliminate.

1. NTDs and Universal Health Coverage / Health System Strengthening

Prioritizing NTDs in Universal Health Coverage ensures a comprehensive healthcare approach that includes everyone. Strengthening health systems against neglected tropical diseases ensures no one is left behind.

2. NTDs and Climate Change

NTDs are particularly sensitive to shifting global climate patterns. Effectively addressing the exacerbating effect of climate change on NTDs requires adapting public health strategies to our changing environment.

3. NTDs - '50 down, 50 to go'

The end of NTDs is within reach. So far, 50 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, marking a halfway milestone towards the 100-country target set for 2030 in the WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases.

4. NTDs and Global Health Security

NTDs are a critical component of global health security. Safeguarding against NTDs protects global populations.

 5. NTDs and Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR) 

Essential health services, including NTD services, must be maintained during health crises to serve the most vulnerable and prevent rebounds in transmission. Highlighting the integral role of NTD initiatives in PPPR, underscores the interconnectedness of global health efforts, and can proactively address potential outbreaks before they escalate into global crises. 

 6. NTDs and Equity

NTD elimination is a driver for broader social and economic equity, empowering communities through improved health. Prioritizing the most marginalized by focusing NTD resources and programmes on those who bear the greatest burden, is a step forward towards equity in global health.