World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026

Brazzaville (Congo) - In commemoration of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day 2026, the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO), under the leadership of the Regional Director and in collaboration with the AFRO Staff Association and the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) and Tropical and Vetor Borne Diseases (TVD) teams in the Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control (DPC) cluster, organized an Onchocerciasis Awareness Session combined with a “Walk the Talk” initiative for AFRO staff. The event, held at the Regional Office in Brazzaville, aimed to raise awareness on onchocerciasis prevention while promoting staff health and well‑being.

The hybrid session brought together over 150 participants to enhance understanding of onchocerciasis transmission, clinical manifestations, prevention measures, and the specific exposure risks associated with the WHO AFRO working environment, particularly in the Djoué area.

The session was officially opened by Dr Elizabeth Juma, ESPEN Team Lead, who highlighted World NTD Day as an opportunity to reaffirm WHO’s commitment to protecting both affected communities and staff working in endemic settings.

The technical session was delivered by ESPEN, with a presentation by Dr Didier Bakajika, Medical Officer for Neglected Tropical Diseases. His presentation reviewed the main clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis and emphasized that prolonged exposure increases the risk of severe disease outcomes. He further noted that onchocerciasis transmission remains ongoing in the Djoué area, referencing findings from entomological studies conducted in 2018 and 2023, which documented ongoing transmission in Madibou District and surrounding areas. These findings underscore the sustained exposure risk for staff working within and around the WHO AFRO premises. 

The session also reviewed WHO‑recommended interventions, including preventive chemotherapy with ivermectin (Mectizan), alongside vector control measures and case management. Guidance was provided on treatment dosage, potential adverse events, and personal protection measures. An interactive question‑and‑answer session enabled staff to seek clarification on personal risk and access to preventive measures.

Following the session, the AFRO Staff Clinic team facilitated an on-site ivermectin distribution, reaching around 90 staff members and their family members. The World NTD Day celebration then concluded with a “Walk the Talk” activity organized by the AFRO Staff Association, reinforcing the call to unite and take action to eliminate NTDs across the Region.

Overall, the event strengthened staff awareness of the ongoing onchocerciasis transmission risks and reaffirmed WHO AFRO’s leadership in tackling neglected tropical diseases—starting with the protection and well-being of its own workforce. By combining practical prevention through ivermectin distribution with the “Walk the Talk” initiative, the Regional Office demonstrated a clear commitment to turning awareness into action, while standing in solidarity with endemic communities across the Region.