World Health Assembly Highlights Neglected Tropical Diseases

The World Health Assembly (WHA) recently focused on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) which hurt many people in the poorest parts of the world.
NTDs are a group of 20 diseases like dengue, leprosy and Chagas disease that affect more than 1.6 billion people mostly in places where people don’t have good healthcare or clean water.

At the meeting countries promised to follow the WHO’s plan called the NTD Road Map 2021–2030, which hopes to stop or control these diseases. Leaders said we need more money, stronger support from governments and countries working together to beat these diseases. They explained that NTDs mostly harm poor communities that lack doctors, hospitals and safe living conditions.

Health leaders from different countries shared stories showing that these diseases can be stopped with good planning and care. They talked about how important it is to have community help, regular health checkups and quick treatment when someone gets sick. The leaders also said we need better tools like cheaper and easier tests, medicines and vaccines. They believe that adding NTD care to regular health services will help in the long run. The meeting also thanked charities, scientists and companies for helping in the fight against NTDs. They warned that problems like climate change and war can make these diseases spread more quickly.

WHA asked countries to use digital tools like computers and apps to track and stop the spread of diseases faster. They also said it’s very important to help women, children and people who are often left out. This new focus on NTDs gives hope that more people will get help and fewer people will suffer from these diseases.

Leaders said that fighting these illnesses is not just about health it’s also about fairness and making sure everyone has the chance to stay healthy. By talking about these diseases the WHA wants to bring more care and support to the people who need it most.

The meeting ended with a clear message: no one should be forgotten when it comes to health. To win this fight all countries must work together, stay strong and share the money and tools needed to stop NTDs for good.