Securing a Future Free of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) cause illness and lifelong disabilities for more than one billion of the poorest and most marginalized people worldwide. Not addressing NTDs traps individuals and communities in poverty and impairs progress towards achieving global health and development goals. For 15 years, USAID has supported more than 30 countries to combat five of the most common and burdensome NTDs.

January 30th is the second annual World Neglected Tropical Disease Day. This year, the Agency is highlighting the progress made and steps taken to secure a future free of NTDs. We are also recognizing the launch of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Road Map for NTDs.

Since 2006, USAID’s NTD Program has achieved significant results. Ten USAID-supported countries have eliminated at least one NTD as a public health problem. Governments have distributed more than $26 billion in donated pharmaceuticals resulting in 2.8 billion treatments to 1.4 billion people. Now, nearly half a billion people worldwide no longer require treatment for three of the most burdensome NTDs.

USAID is proud to work alongside countries as they build resilient, country-led NTD programs. As more countries are making progress towards disease goals, USAID is doubling down on efforts to achieve these goals and ensure the viability of national NTD programs by supporting government-led sustainability plans, reinforcing national ownership, and strengthening health systems to deliver NTD services. 

In a world facing many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, USAID remains committed to global progress to eliminate NTDs.

We hope you will join us in celebrating by:

• Reading about Pelagie, a researcher fighting NTDs in Benin
• Learning more about USAID’s NTD Program
• Reviewing the new WHO Road Map on NTDs
• Joining on social media using the hashtags #BeatNTDs and #EndtheNeglect

Photo credit: RTI International