63 Countries Achieve Milestone in Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases
The WHO reports significant advancements in the fight against neglected tropical diseases, with 63 nations eliminating at least one by mid-2026.
63 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease by June 2026.
Funding for neglected tropical diseases remains 30% below pre-pandemic levels.
Dengue cases surged to 15.1 million in 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a significant milestone in the battle against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), revealing that 63 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD by June 2026. This marks a notable increase from 42 countries reported at the end of 2020. The findings are part of a midterm evaluation of the WHO's NTD roadmap for 2021 to 2030, which aims to address and reduce the burden of these diseases globally.
Despite the progress, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for sustained efforts to maintain the gains achieved. He warned that the advancements could easily be reversed if countries do not enhance domestic funding, continue external support, and integrate NTD services into primary health care systems. The overarching goal is not only to eradicate these diseases but also to alleviate the associated disabilities, disfigurements, and poverty that affect communities.
The report highlights that while some diseases are on the decline, challenges remain. For instance, cases of sleeping sickness have plummeted by 98% since 1999, and Guinea worm disease has reached a historic low with only 10 reported cases in 2025. However, the total number of individuals needing interventions for NTDs has decreased to 1.41 billion in 2024, a 36% reduction since 2010 and a 19% decrease since 2020. In contrast, dengue fever has seen a dramatic rise, with cases hitting 15.1 million in 2024, indicating that vector-borne diseases continue to pose significant threats.
The WHO's report also raises concerns about funding for NTDs, which has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Current financial resources for these diseases are approximately 30% lower than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, jeopardizing the achievement of the 2030 targets. This funding shortfall could hinder ongoing efforts to combat NTDs effectively.
Looking ahead, the WHO calls for immediate action from countries and partners to bolster financial support and ensure that the progress made is not lost. The organization stresses the importance of integrating NTD services into broader health initiatives to sustain the momentum and ultimately improve health outcomes for affected populations.
