By Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia
DILI, 30 january 2025 (TATOLI) – Unite. Act. Eliminate. These three words embody our shared commitment to combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a cause that impacts over 1.5 billion people worldwide, predominantly among the most vulnerable populations. On this World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025, let us celebrate our achievements, recognize ongoing challenges, and recommit to realizing a future free from NTDs.
In the South-East Asia Region, 16 NTDs remain endemic, with at least one disease present in each of the 11 Member States. In the last decade, significant progress has been made in eliminating NTDs, with seven Member States successfully eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease, demonstrating the impact of collaborative and sustained efforts. In 2023 alone, over 860 million people benefited from mass drug administration and targeted interventions. However, challenges remain. Inadequate health system capacity, funding gaps, disparities in access to healthcare, social determinants of health, lack of tools and innovation, geopolitical instability and climate change continue to hinder progress, leaving 833 million people in the Region still in need of NTDs interventions.
Our NTDs elimination strategies is guided by the three strategic pillars of the Regional Strategic Framework for sustaining, accelerating and innovating to end NTDs in the South-East Asia Region, 2024–2030: (i) strengthening country ownership, leadership and stewardship, (ii) accelerating programmatic actions, and (iii) intensifying integrated and cross-cutting approaches. To effectively deliver NTDs elimination strategies while overcoming the existing challenges, our efforts need to be further aligned with the key components of our WHO South-East Asia Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience (ROADMAP): the shared strategic framework towards a healthier Region, enabling a holistic, equitable, and impactful approach.
NTDs extend beyond physical health, causing significant social and psychological burdens, including stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion. Integrating mental health support into NTDs programmes can enhance the quality of life for affected individuals, while promoting dignity and reducing harmful biases. Simultaneously, prioritizing equitable access to treatment, prevention, and care for marginalized groups—such as women, girls, and vulnerable populations—is essential. Empowering these groups ensures that systemic inequalities are addressed, and no one is left behind in our efforts to eliminate NTDs.
Innovation and capacity building are critical to transforming NTDs programmes and achieving sustainable impact. Cutting-edge diagnostics and the adoption of digital health tools are revolutionizing how NTDs are detected and treated. By adopting these technologies across the Region, programmatic outcomes can be significantly strengthened, and progress toward elimination can be accelerated. However, technology alone is not enough. Enhancing local capacity through training, operational research, and fostering knowledge sharing is equally vital. Strengthening data systems, surveillance mechanisms, and research capabilities will empower Member States to effectively respond to evolving challenges and ensure that programmes are adaptable and resilient.
Achieving the ambitious targets for NTDs elimination demands robust leadership and collaborations. WHO’s role as a trusted partner in advocacy, resource mobilization, and technical support remains central to this mission. By enhancing programmatic accountability and fostering partnerships with governments, donors, and implementing organizations, WHO can galvanize global action. Building strong coalitions and aligning resources with programmatic needs will ensure that efforts are coordinated and impactful, driving us closer to a world free from the burden of NTDs.
Investment in NTDs is a gateway to stronger health systems and economic growth. The South-East Asia Region has benefited from the world’s largest medicine donation programme, yet, achieving the 2030 targets set by Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021−2030 requires bold action and increased financial commitments. I urge policymakers, donors, and private sector stakeholders to prioritize funding for NTDs interventions as a critical step toward universal health coverage and sustainable development.
Our fight against NTDs must center on empowering affected communities and adapting to the realities of climate change. Person-centered approaches and community leadership are vital for sustainable solutions, while integrating a One Health approach ensures resilience against the growing impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025 is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a healthier, more equitable future. Let us Unite to advocate for change, Act to deliver impactful interventions, and Eliminate the burden of NTDs in our Region and beyond. Together, we can transform lives and achieve lasting change.
TATOLI
Source: WHO