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Diseases

Global Progress in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Decade of Collaboration and Results

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a comprehensive report on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), highlighting a significant decrease in the global burden of NTDs over the past decade. Between 2010 and 2023, the number of people requiring NTD interventions dropped by 32%, while the disease burden decreased by 18% between 2015 and 2021. The report also showcases seven countries that have achieved NTD elimination in 2024. This progress is a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and development partners working together to combat these ancient diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The global NTD burden decreased by 32% from 2010 to 2023, with 122 million fewer people requiring NTD interventions in 2023 compared to 2022.
  • The disease burden dropped from 17.2 million to 14.1 million DALYs between 2015 and 2021, while NTD-related deaths decreased from 139 000 to 119 000.
  • In 2023, 867.1 million people were treated for at least one NTD, an increase of 18 million from 2022.
  • Seven countries were acknowledged by WHO for eliminating an NTD in 2024, a significant milestone in the fight against NTDs.
  • WHO has launched a process to define research and development priorities for NTDs and has prequalified six new medicine formulations, one active pharmaceutical ingredient, and a new dengue vaccine.
  • Medicines and other health products, including 19 different types of NTD medicines donated by 12 manufacturers, have been made available to countries.
  • Partnerships have been established or renewed with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (on rabies vaccine), and with the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (on access to medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics).
  • Sustainability plans are being developed by African countries to strengthen the delivery of NTD services.

Statistics:

  • 1.495 billion people required NTD interventions in 2023, a 32% decrease from the 2010 baseline.
  • 122 million fewer people required NTD interventions in 2023 compared to 2022.
  • 17.2 million to 14.1 million DALYs decrease in the disease burden between 2015 and 2021.
  • 139 000 to 119 000 decrease in NTD-related deaths between 2015 and 2021.
  • 867.1 million people were treated for at least one NTD in 2023, an increase of 18 million from 2022.
  • 1.8 billion NTD treatments were delivered to countries in 2024 alone.
  • 1 million diagnostics tests for five NTDs were facilitated by WHO in 2024.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization
  • World Health Organization (Category: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Events)
  • Contify.com (Copyright 2017)

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