We put the spot on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and call for action.
Every year on January 30th is World NTD Day! Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect more than 1 billion people in the poorest and most marginalized communities worldwide with devastating health, social and economic consequences. World NTD Day marks an annual opportunity to mobilize together with more than 230 partners greater attention and to celebrate hard-earned progress.
In 2023, to mark the day, we had a word from one of our local heroes in the fight against schistosomiasis in Kenya.
"It really motivates me to see people getting rid of neglectted tropical diseases. And with concerted efforts, the elimination of schistosomiasis by 2030 is possible."
Dr. Jackson Muinde Mwandi
NTD Coordinator for Msambweni sub county, Kenya
We have committed ourselves to the fight against the NTD schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia). Based on our integrated approach built on five components, we want to ensure progress and success in the fight against this devastating disease. We present each component with its own theme day throughout the week of World NTD Day.
Day 1, 19/01/2022: Kick-Off
We invite you to watch this video of Peter Guenter, member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO of Healthcare, on the progress made in the elimination of schistosomiasis here.
Day 2, 20/01/2022: Research & Development
Innovation is critical to fight neglected tropical diseases. We are investing in collaborative efforts for innovative health solutions in this field.
Read here about what we are doing to advance global health.
Day 3, 22/01/2022: Health Education
Neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis are preventable and treatable. We provide treatments free of charge and launched a storytelling lab to raise awareness in local communities.
Find out more here.
Day 4, 24/01/2022: Treatment
In partnership with WHO, we have enabled the treatment of more than 600 million schoolchildren. Since 2007, we have provided the 1.5 billionth tablets to people in need in 47 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Read the press release here
Day 5, 27/01/2022: Partnerships
Collaboration is absolutely crucial to reach the WHO’s NTD roadmap goals for 2030. After ten years of joint efforts in the fight against NTDs the launch of the Kigali Declaration calls for continued commitments from all partners. We remain 100% committed to the elimination of schistosomiasis.
Day 6, 29/01/2022: Water Sanitation and Hygiene
Safe water and sanitation, as well as good hygiene behaviors (WASH) are important in the prevention of schistosomiasis. We support our partners in their efforts to improve WASH measures.
Learn more here
Day 7, 30/01/2022: World NTD Day 2022
We are celebrating World NTD Day 2022! We are 100% committed to fight against the NTD schistosomiasis until it’s elimination. Together with our partners we continue #MakingSchistory!
To help us raise awareness we invite you to follow and share our activities on social media using the hashtags #MakingSchistory #EndtheNeglect #BeatNTDs #100percentcommitted
