On occasion of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2023, on January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2023.

Over the recent years, the treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has faced many challenges. Perhaps the most notorious one was the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected not only new and upcoming programmes, but also longstanding ones. Between 2019 and 2020, there was a 34% decrease in the number of people treated for NTDs. Despite this, efforts to resume activities are being made, with 900 million people being treated for NTDs in 2021.

Over the years, notable progress has been achieved on NTDs – in 2021, 25% less people required intervention against these conditions, when compared to 2010. As of the end of 2022, 47 countries have eliminated at least one NTD.

Nevertheless, progress can only be achieved – according to the WHO – with “multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships”. Gaps still exist, requiring the intervention of partners and donors. Robust domestic funding to the treatment of NTDs is also paramount to assuring proper treatment and prevention.

NTDs are a group of 20 conditions mainly prevalent in tropical areas, which are caused by different pathogens. These pathogens include, for instance, viruses, fungi, bacteria, toxins and parasites. While 179 countries and territories have reported cases of NTDs in 2021, the prevalence of these conditions is still very unbalanced, with 80% of cases being focused in 16 countries. The vast majority of these countries is located in South-East Asia and African WHO Regions