GENEVA,January 29,2026 – More than one billion people globally are battling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs),and a startling number are also silently struggling with mental health conditions exacerbated by stigma and discrimination,the World Health Institution (WHO) warned today. The agency is urging governments too integrate mental health care into NTD elimination programs, ensuring extensive support for those affected.
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Millions face discrimination, social isolation, and mental health challenges alongside physical ailments.
- Funding for NTD programs has declined by 41% between 2018 and 2023, threatening progress.
People living with chronic NTDs, particularly those causing visible disfigurements, experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts compared to the general population and those with other chronic illnesses. Despite this increased need, many lack access to vital mental health support within their communities.
“The fight against neglected tropical diseases is not only a fight against pathogens, it’s a fight against the profound human suffering they cause,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “True elimination means freeing people not only from the disease, but from the shame, isolation, and despair that too often accompany it.”
New Global Guide Aims to Bridge the Gap
To address this critical gap in care, the WHO recently released its frist global guide on the Essential care package (ECP) to address mental health and stigma for persons with neglected tropical diseases. This resource provides health service leaders with evidence-based interventions focused on:
- Promoting good mental health.
- Identifying and assessing mental health conditions in people living with NTDs.
- Managing and treating mental health conditions.
- Reducing stigma at individual, community, and health systems levels.
Progress at Risk as Funding Dwindles
The World NTD Day global campaign, spearheaded by the WHO and a coalition of partners, emphasizes that NTDs represent a solvable global health challenge and a smart investment.Over the past decade, collaborative efforts have led to a historic low of 1.4 billion people requiring NTD interventions, alongside significant reductions in mortality and morbidity.
Currently, 58 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, putting the world on track to achieve the WHO’s goal of 100 countries by 2030. Success stories are emerging from nations like Brazil, Jordan, Niger, and Fiji, demonstrating that elimination is achievable.
However,the Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2025 reveals a concerning trend: global official development assistance (ODA) for NTDs plummeted by 41% between 2018 and 2023,jeopardizing hard-won gains.
What is the return on investment for NTD programs? every US$ 1 invested in preventive chemotherapy yields an estimated return of approximately US$ 25. Without renewed funding,NTDs will continue to inflict significant economic and human costs,totaling an estimated US$ 33 billion annually in lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses for affected families and communities.
This World NTD Day serves as a call to action to protect past achievements, mobilize new funding and leadership, foster innovation, and integrate health services-including mental health care-into NTD responses. The campaign invites the global community to explore inspiring stories of resilience and country-led successes on the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026 page.
