World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed annually on 30 January.
Purpose:
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), highlight the suffering they cause, and mobilize support for their control, elimination, and eradication. The focus is on addressing the inequalities driving NTDs and making sustainable investments to break the cycle of disease and poverty.
WHO’s Call to Action (2024):
On World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on everyone, including leaders and communities, to unite and take decisive actions. The goal is to free the estimated 1.62 billion people in the world’s most vulnerable communities from the vicious cycle of disease and poverty.
Objectives
- Raise Awareness:
- Highlight the profile of neglected tropical diseases.
- Emphasize the suffering caused by these diseases.
- Mobilize Support:
- Garner support for the control, elimination, and eradication of neglected tropical diseases.
- Align with the programmatic targets outlined in the NTD Road Map 2021−2030.
- Address Inequalities:
- Focus on addressing the underlying inequalities driving neglected tropical diseases.
- Make Bold Investments:
- Advocate for bold, sustainable investments to break the cycle of disease and poverty.
Historical Recognition
- On 31 May 2021, the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly recognized 30 January as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.
- The recognition was approved unanimously through decision WHA74(18) by WHO Member States.
- This day is now one of the 11 Global Health Days and 2 Global Health Weeks officially recognized by WHO.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- When is World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day observed?
- A) 31 May
- B) 30 January
- C) 1 February
- D) 15 March
- What is the primary purpose of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day?
- A) Celebrate global health achievements
- B) Raise awareness about NTDs
- C) Promote vaccination programs
- D) Discuss climate change impacts
- Who is leading the call to action on World Neglected Tropical Disease Day 2024?
- A) UNICEF
- B) WHO
- C) World Bank
- D) Red Cross
- When was 30 January recognized as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day?
- A) 30 January 2022
- B) 31 May 2020
- C) 31 May 2021
- D) 15 March 2023