World NTD Day 2024
On January 30, 2024, Act to End NTDs | East joined the World Health Organization, health ministries, and partners around the world to commemorate World NTD Day. From road walks and press briefings to health fairs and local dance groups, the global NTD community participated in diverse celebrations to honor the day and acknowledge the remarkable progress achieved in NTD elimination efforts. Here are some notable highlights:
Philippines
The Philippines marked World NTD Day with the launch of its Multi-Disease Elimination Plan (MDEP). The MDEP aims to achieve zero or reduced infection of 13 target diseases, including several NTDs. The event was attended by various NTD stakeholders including high level representatives including the Philippines Secretary of Health, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and USAID Assistant Administrator, Dr. Atul Gawande. Other guests included representatives from patient organizations, private sector, local government units, Department of Health (DOH) - Center for Health Development, and others.
Ethiopia
Haiti
Haiti marked World NTD Day in the Northern Department capital city of Cap Haitien. Representatives from WHO, Haiti’s Ministry of Health and Population, other government authorities, and local health officials attended a ceremony that highlighted recent achievements toward the country’s NTD goals. The USAID Mission participated virtually and shared that it has helped distribute 80 million doses of LF medication and that 9 million Haitians are no longer at risk for contracting LF. During the celebration, roving sound trucks broadcast messages and a motorcycle parade helped raise awareness about LF and the upcoming MDA campaign in the North Department.
Indonesia
Act to End NTDs | East’s Indonesia brought back NTD champions Fil and Sista to celebrate World NTD Day and Indonesia’s progress toward lymphatic filariasis (LF) in their third consecutive comic strip. See the full comic strip here.
Mozambique
NTD stakeholders in Mozambique gathered in the capital city Maputo and several other districts to build awareness and discuss progress towards NTD elimination. Speakers at the event in Maputo included the Chief Doctor of the City of Maputo, the district health director, and a representative from the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, in KaMpfumo District, a health fair was organized to provide education on NTD prevention.
Nepal
Nepal's Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) organized a gathering of journalists and high-level officials from the Ministry of Health and Population, WHO, and partners working to eliminate NTDs. Following an opportunity for the journalists to speak with the officials, numerous articles on NTDs appeared in Nepali news outlets
Nigeria
The NTD community in Nigeria gathered to commemorate in style, stretching their World NTD Day across three days. A highlight of those celebrations was the Walk to End NTDs, when NTD champions paraded and danced through the streets of Abuja to raise awareness and celebrate Nigeria’s progress towards NTD control and elimination.
Tanzania
In Tanzania, to celebrate World NTD Day, the National Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme (NTDCP) collaborated with partners to create health education materials, train journalists, and conduct radio and TV sessions. Additionally, they partnered with Sightsavers to screen and operate on 885 cases of Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) in Nachingwea District.
Uganda
Uganda’s celebration in Pakwach district was attended by the Dr. Ruth Acheng, Honourable Minister of Health, who reiterated Uganda’s goal to eliminated NTDs by 2030. In addition to celebratory dancing, the occasion highlighted Uganda's achievements in NTD control, including the interruption of trachoma and LF transmission in Pakwach and neighboring districts, along with the recent elimination of OV in a nearby Wadelai focus. The event called for action to enhance WASH activities, community engagement, inter-ministerial collaboration, domestic resource allocation, and mobilization.