The World Health Organization (WHO) urged the international community Sunday to rally against inequalities that characterize neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The WHO also called for the availability of healthcare services for the poorest and most marginalized communities, who are most vulnerable to these diseases.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his message that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the condition of these communities by thrusting millions of people “deeper into poverty” with lost livelihoods, malnutrition and little access to healthcare services. Ghebreyesus called upon the global community, its partners and colleagues to continue working to bring an end to NTDs.

The WHO categorizes twenty medical conditions, caused by various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, as NTDs. More than one billion people suffer from NTDs globally. This adversely affects social, economic and health conditions.

These diseases are prevalent in the world’s poorest regions, where access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services are inferior. NTDs are most widespread in rural areas, conflict zones and hard-to-reach areas. These diseases are “neglected” because they are rarely included in the global health agenda, have limited funding, and are often associated with stigma. The complex epidemiology of NTDs makes their public health control difficult.

The WHO released in January 2021 its roadmap for 2021-2030 aimed at ending NTDs in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals. The WHO also released Friday a companion document to the 2021 roadmap guiding all stakeholders and advocating for a “one health” approach.

According to WHO experts, the previous roadmap on NTDs released in 2012 has resulted in significant progress, with more than 43 countries eliminating at least one NTD. Further, the WHO reports that 757 million people received treatment for NTDs in 2020 despite the global strain on healthcare systems due to the pandemic.

This year, World NTD Day coincided with World Leprosy Day. Leprosy is also classified as an NTD. The WHO advocates a cross-sectoral approach to end the spread of NTDs and tackle mental health concerns arising from the stigma and discrimination associated with the diseases.