Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its latest progress report on the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) entitled “Global report on neglected tropical diseases 2023.” The report highlights the progress and challenges of delivering NTD care around the world, against a backdrop of COVID-19-related disruptions.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, says, “Around the world, millions of people have been liberated from the burden of neglected tropical diseases, which keep people trapped in cycles of poverty and stigma.” But, as the report shows, there is still a lot of work to be done. NTDs continue to disproportionately affect the poorest members of the global community, primarily in areas where water safety, sanitation, and access to health care are inadequate. The report estimates that around 1.65 billion people globally require treatment for at least one NTD.
However, the new progress report shows that there have been significant accomplishments in the fight against NTDs. The number of people requiring NTD interventions fell by 80 million between 2020 and 2021. In 2022, eight countries were certified or validated as having eliminated one NTD, and 47 countries had eliminated at least one NTD as of December 2022. Over the past decade, there has been a 25% decrease in the number of people requiring interventions against NTDs compared to 2010.
The report also notes the impact of COVID-19 on NTD care. The pandemic caused a 34% decrease in the number of people receiving treatment for NTDs between 2019 and 2020. However, a general resumption of activities in 2021 enabled a 11% increase in recovery, with approximately 900 million people being treated.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus adds, “We have the tools and the know-how not just to save lives and prevent suffering, but to free entire communities and countries of these diseases. It’s time to act now, act together, and invest in NTDs.”