World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day

February 1, 2022

The World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is celebrated on January 30. The day is marked to create awareness on the neglected tropical diseases.

Theme

In 2022, the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is celebrated under the following theme:

Achieving health equity to end the neglect of poverty related diseases

History

The first World Neglected Tropical Diseases was marked in 2020. The proposal to celebrate the day was made by UAE (United Arab Emirates). The proposal was made at the 74^th World Health Assembly.

Why on January 30?

To commemorate the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases. It was launched in January 30, 2012. It was the first road map on Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Significance

The day calls to end the suffering from 20 diseases. These diseases are caused by bacteria, virus, fungi and other toxins. The 20 neglected tropical diseases are Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, Dengue and Chickengunya, Dracunculiasis, Yaws, Foodborne trematodiases, human African trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis. Rabies, schistosomiasis, soil – transmitted helminthiasis, taeniasis or cysticercosis, trachoma, chromoblastomycosis, scabies, snakebite envenoming.

Why are they grouped as neglected diseases?

Because their ill effects are under estimated. Also, they are asymptomatic. They have long incubation periods. They are overlooked because they mainly affect the developing world largely. These diseases receive very less funding. Thus research activities in the treating these diseases is less.

Road Map for Neglected Topical Diseases

This road map was prepared by the World Health Organization. It is to be implemented between 2021 and 2030. The road map is as follows:

To measure the impact of the diseases
To shift towards collaborative work from disease specific planning
To shift towards programmes that are country owned and country financed

Need

The Neglected Tropical Diseases is killing more than one billion people every year. These disease are preventable and curable. The inter relationship between the diseases and poverty is creating devastating social and economic consequences.

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