Global report on neglected tropical diseases 2024
Foreward
Globally, programmes to fight neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are making significant progress. Fifty countries have eliminated at least one NTD, halfway towards the elimination target of 100 countries by 2030. That this milestone has been reached before the midway point of the road map’s target date is no mean feat, given the challenges facing national health systems and the difficulties in attempting to recover to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels of service. Much of this success is thanks to the concerted efforts of health workers and volunteers committed to alleviating and preventing the suffering of some of the world’s most marginalized populations.
At the same time, climate change, population displacement, an uncertain funding landscape and other factors have the potential to increase the spread of many NTDs beyond their traditional breeding grounds in lowincome countries and tropical zones. This only increases the need for cross-sectoral interventions to improve water, sanitation and hygiene; vector control; and One Health approaches to human, animal and environmental management; along with individual case management and preventive chemotherapy.
While we have many effective tools, we must also acknowledge the need for new and cost-effective strategic approaches for NTDs. Further research is needed for the development of diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, antivenoms and morbidity management strategies. Additionally, mental health support and interventions to reduce the social stigma associated with NTDs need to be scaled up.
There is a concurrent need to strengthen data collection and surveillance mechanisms, to enhance the evidence base and to improve the global capacity to deliver high-quality interventions for NTDs. Many countries are now taking over domestic NTD programmes and initiatives, which can help empower affected communities to play an active role in their own health.
Despite the various challenges described in this report, it also provides many reasons to be optimistic. Although gaps remain, we have the know-how and the momentum to support countries to break generational cycles of disease and poverty and give their populations one of the greatest gifts – the elimination of diseases.