Commitment to Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Advancing Global Health on World NTD Day

On January 30, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) marked this day as "World NTD Day." To commemorate the occasion, the National Department of Health (NDoH), the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), WHO, JICA, The Leprosy Mission (TLM), and other partners organised a special event at Kaugere Health Center in Port Moresby.

During the event, representatives from each organization delivered speeches on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), highlighting their global status, past achievements, and future efforts towards elimination. The event reaffirmed the importance of revitalizing activities across different regions to improve lives and strengthen engagement. Also, community participants, under the direction of TLM, performed a role-play in Tok Pisin about NTDs and leprosy. The children watched the play with great enthusiasm and enjoyment.

The theme for World NTD Day 2025 is "Unite. Act. Eliminate." Eliminating NTDs remains a significant challenge, but by uniting efforts, taking action, and promoting sustainability and investment, it is possible to achieve their elimination while strengthening healthcare systems.

This project focuses on reinforcing efforts to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), one of the most prevalent NTDs. In support of the event, the project provided promotional materials to enhance awareness activities. In addition to the ceremony, NCDPHA and TLM led awareness campaigns in multiple communities across Port Moresby in the days leading up to the event. Also, a Radio Talkback Show organised by WHO was held to introduce and raise awareness about NTDs.