World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026
Event Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Recognizing Body: World Health Organization (WHO)
Short Event Descriptor: World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is a WHO-recognized global observance focused on awareness and action related to neglected tropical diseases.
What the Event Is
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026 is an international health observance recognized by the World Health Organization to highlight the global burden of neglected tropical diseases and the coordinated efforts to address them. The event serves as a fixed annual reference point for governments, health institutions, researchers, and international organizations working on prevention, control, and elimination strategies.
Origins and Background
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day was formally recognized by the World Health Organization in 2021 following endorsement by WHO Member States. The observance builds on earlier international advocacy milestones, including the 2012 London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases and subsequent global roadmaps aimed at accelerating disease control and elimination.
The date of January 30 aligns with historical commitments made by governments, pharmaceutical partners, and global health organizations to coordinate long-term responses to neglected tropical diseases. Since its establishment, the observance has functioned as a unifying framework rather than a single centralized event.
Purpose and Scope of the Event
The purpose of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is to document progress, reinforce accountability, and maintain international visibility for diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The scope of the event covers a group of communicable diseases identified by the World Health Organization, including but not limited to lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, leprosy, and trachoma.
The event supports coordination across public health systems, research institutions, and multilateral agencies by providing a shared temporal marker for reporting and evaluation.
Event Theme (Current or Upcoming)
Theme: Unite, Act, Eliminate.
The 2026 theme “Unite, Act, Eliminate.” has been announced by the World Health Organization and reflects the continued emphasis on coordinated global action toward the elimination of neglected tropical diseases. The theme is used by WHO and affiliated entities as a framing mechanism for activities, communications, and technical discussions during the 2026 observance period.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day Themes
| Year | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Achieving Health Equity to End the Neglect of Poverty-Related Diseases | Emphasized the importance of equitable health services to combat NTDs affecting impoverished populations. |
| 2020 | Beat NTDs | Signified a call to action to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases and marked the first official World NTD Day. |
| 2021 | Face NTDs: End the Neglect | Highlighted the need to address the lack of attention given to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). |
| 2022 | Achieving Health Equity to End the Neglect of Poverty-Related Diseases | Focused on addressing inequalities in healthcare access and the connection between NTDs and poverty. |
| 2023 | Act Now. Act Together. Invest in Neglected Tropical Diseases. | Urged immediate collective action and investment to combat NTDs and address related inequalities. |
| 2024 | Unite. Act. Eliminate. | Encouraged global partnerships, investments, and advocacy to eliminate NTDs and improve affected communities' lives. |
| 2025 | Unite. Act. Eliminate. | Reinforces the need for collective action, urgency in response, and sustained efforts to eradicate neglected tropical diseases. |
| 2026 | Unite. Act. Eliminate. | Reinforces the need for collective action, urgency in response, and sustained efforts to eradicate neglected tropical diseases. |
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is directly linked to specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its alignment with internationally agreed health and development targets.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Reducing the burden of neglected tropical diseases contributes to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 1: No Poverty – Addressing neglected tropical diseases supports poverty reduction by reducing disease-related disability and economic vulnerability.
How the Event Is Observed
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed through a range of activities coordinated by national governments, international organizations, academic institutions, and public health agencies. These activities may include publication of surveillance data, technical briefings, policy discussions, and educational programming.
In 2026, a webinar organized by the Japan Organizing Committee has been announced as part of the global observance, with the stated aim of raising awareness and supporting action toward the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases.
Key Facts at a Glance
Date: January 30 (annually)
Established by: World Health Organization
First observed: 2021
Primary focus: Neglected tropical diseases
Global scope: International
Frequently Asked Questions – World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026
What is World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026?
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026 is a WHO-recognized global observance held on January 30. It focuses on documenting progress and maintaining awareness of efforts to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases worldwide. The event serves as a reference point for international health reporting and coordination.
Who recognizes World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day?
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is recognized by the World Health Organization. The observance is supported by WHO Member States and aligned with global public health frameworks. WHO provides official guidance and thematic framing.
Why are neglected tropical diseases the focus of a global observance?
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day exists because these diseases affect hundreds of millions of people and often receive limited attention. The observance helps ensure continued visibility within global health agendas. It also supports coordination among disease control programs.
What is the theme of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026?
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026 uses the theme “Unite, Act, Eliminate.” The theme has been announced by the World Health Organization. It reflects ongoing global strategies to eliminate neglected tropical diseases.
Is World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day observed every year?
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed annually on January 30. The date remains consistent each year to support longitudinal tracking and comparison. Annual themes may vary.
Does World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day involve public events?
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day may include webinars, reports, and institutional briefings organized by participating entities. Activities vary by country and organization. There is no single centralized public event.
References
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day – World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-neglected-tropical-diseases-day – Last updated 2024
Ending the Neglect to Attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030 – World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010352 – 2021
Neglected Tropical Diseases – World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/teams/control-of-neglected-tropical-diseases – Accessed 2025
