India’s Battle Against Neglected Tropical Diseases: Kala Azar, Dengue, and Elephantiasis Explored on World NTD Day 2024 – World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day calls for action to address inequalities and make sustainable investments in freeing affected individuals from disease and poverty. – Neglected tropical diseases are preventable and treatable, and taking action can improve the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide. – India, home to about 12 NTDs, has made progress in eliminating major diseases like Guinea worms, Leprosy, and Kala Azar. – Breakthroughs in treatment include combo drugs for Kala Azar and additional drugs for Elephantiasis and Leprosy. – Efforts are needed for vector control, drug accessibility, early diagnosis, awareness programs, community participation, and WASH facilities. – The NDTV-Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign highlights the importance of WASH, nutrition, healthcare, and addressing environmental issues. – Together, we can create a clean and healthy India and achieve Swasth Bharat goals.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is an important event that aims to raise awareness and mobilize support for the control, elimination, and eradication of neglected tropical diseases. These diseases are preventable and treatable, and taking action can greatly improve the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for action to address the inequalities that drive neglected tropical diseases and to make sustainable investments in freeing affected individuals from disease and poverty. By raising the profile of neglected tropical diseases, the day hopes to garner support for their control, elimination, and eradication, and remind people of the significant public health issue they pose.
This day aligns with the NTD Roadmap 2021-2030 and the commitments of the 2022 Kigali Declaration on neglected tropical diseases. Recognized by the World Health Assembly, World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is one of the 11 Global Health Days and 2 Global Health Weeks recognized by WHO.
Individuals can make a difference by uniting and taking action to support those affected by neglected tropical diseases. Events and activities for World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day focus on the theme of uniting, acting, and eliminating these diseases.
In India, neglected tropical diseases are a major concern, with the country home to about 12 of these diseases. While India has made progress in eliminating major neglected tropical diseases like Guinea worms, Leprosy, and Kala Azar, there have been outbreaks of other diseases such as Dengue.
The WHO has launched a roadmap for neglected tropical diseases from 2021-2030 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In India alone, around 1.7 billion people are affected by neglected tropical diseases, with a susceptible population of about 700 million.
Climate change also plays a significant role in the spread of neglected tropical diseases, particularly Dengue. Efforts are needed for integrated vector control, drug accessibility, early diagnosis, awareness programs, community participation, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
In order to address these issues, the NDTV-Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign focuses on the principles of One Health, One Planet, One Future, and the health of vulnerable communities. The campaign highlights the importance of WASH, nutrition, healthcare for women and children, and addressing environmental issues like air pollution and waste management.
By working together, we can create a clean and healthy India, which in turn can help eradicate diseases and achieve the goal of a Swasth Bharat (Healthy India). So let’s support World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day and take action to eliminate these diseases and improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.