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January 31,2022
Anna Murray
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on everyone to come together on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (WNTDD) on January 30 to confront the inequalities that characterize Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and ensure that the poorest and most marginalized communities receive the health services they require.
The WHO classifies leprosy as one of 20 non-communicable diseases (NTDs). Other diseases include Buruli Ulcer, Chagas Disease, Dengue and Chikungunya, Guinea-worm Disease, Echinococcosis, Foodborne Trematode Infections, Human African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness), Leishmaniasis, Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantitis), Mycetoma, Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Rabies, Scabies, Schisto NTDs, such as leprosy, are treatable and preventable diseases that affect over 1.7 billion people globally, primarily in tropical and subtropical countries. The severity of these diseases varies, but they all have a devastating impact on poor populations. Children, women, and people with disabilities suffer disproportionately.
In 2022, World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day coincided with World Leprosy Day. On January 27, the WHO held two events: World NTD Day 2022: Achieving Health Equity to End Poverty-Related Disease Neglect and Mobilizing the World to Defeat Neglected Tropical Diseases, while partners included government and industry leaders through the 100 percent committed campaign, which aims to support the neglected tropical diseases roadmap for the years 2021-2030.
In the meantime, World Leprosy Day (WLD) is observed on the last Sunday of January. In 2022, World Leprosy Day will be observed on January 30. The "United for Dignity" campaign encourages people to stand together in honoring the dignity of leprosy patients. Mycobacterium leprae is the causative agent of leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, which is a chronic infectious disease. The skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory mucosal surfaces, and eyes are the most affected by the condition. Leprosy affects people of all ages, from infancy to old age. This international day honors those affected by leprosy, raises awareness about the disease, and calls for an end to the stigma and discrimination associated with the condition.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in his message on World NTD Day that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed millions of people deeper into poverty and impacted those who already have limited access to health services. Dr. Tedros also urged the international community, countries, partners, and colleagues to continue their efforts in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.