The Fight to Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Global Progress and Action on the Ground in Papua New Guinea (World NTD Day)

30 January: World NTD Day
Every year on 30 January, the World Health Organization (WHO) marks World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that mainly affect people living in tropical and subtropical regions and are closely associated with poverty and limited access to health services. It is estimated that around 1.4 billion people worldwide are currently affected by NTDs.

At the same time, many NTDs are preventable and treatable, and can be eliminated through appropriate interventions. Since 2010, steady progress has been made globally: the number of people requiring NTD interventions has decreased by around 36 per cent, and by early 2026, 58 countries are expected to have eliminated at least one NTD. These figures reflect the accumulation of tangible results worldwide.

Global challenges and World NTD Day 2026
In recent years, reductions in Official Development Assistance (ODA) for global health, particularly funding for NTD programmes, have raised concerns that progress achieved to date could slow or be reversed.
In response, WHO uses World NTD Day to call for stronger, country-led and sustainable NTD responses, alongside innovative financing and strengthened partnerships.

The theme for World NTD Day 2026, continuing from last year, is: “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
This theme highlights the importance of stakeholders working together, taking action and mobilising resources to advance NTD elimination efforts.

Progress on NTDs in Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), efforts to address NTDs are also moving forward. In 2025, the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Priority Diseases for Elimination (2025–2029)” was developed and released, and WHO validated the elimination of trachoma as one of the country’s NTDs.

Under the JICA project for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF), the following key activities were supported in 2025:
・Completion of the second round of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for LF in West New Britain Province
・Post-MDA evaluation survey (Transmission Assessment Survey) in New Ireland Province, and additional-focal drug administration in East New Britain Province

In addition, as part of the response to skin-related NTDs, training for health workers and the provision of diagnostic kits and medicines have been carried out in multiple provinces, led by the National Department of Health (NDoH) with support from partners. These activities form part of an integrated approach.

World NTD Day–related activities
To coincide with World NTD Day this year, the following activities were implemented. The project supported these efforts through assistance with promotion (PR) materials and awareness activities via radio talks and local communities. During community awareness activities, several cases of yaws were identified, and medication was provided by the Provincial Health Authority (PHA).
・Live NTD awareness programmes broadcast by three local radio stations (26–28 January)
　（NBC Radio Port Moresby, Radio Maria, Wantok Radio Light）
・Community awareness activities in Port Moresby (27–29 January)
　（9 Mile roadside market and surrounding community on 29 January）
・A commemorative event at NDoH (30 January)
　Some activities were cancelled due to area security conditions and adverse weather.

Commemorative event and the way forward
Approximately 100 participants, including NDoH officers and external partners, attended the commemorative event held at the NDoH conference room. Representatives from the NDoH, WHO, JICA, and The Leprosy Mission (TLM) shared the achievements of NTD interventions in PNG and expressed both recognition and appreciation for the strong collaboration among stakeholders. Through the accumulation of these efforts, awareness and understanding of NTDs across PNG are steadily increasing.

Going forward, it is expected that stakeholders, led by the NDoH, will further strengthen their collaboration and continue integrated efforts on NTD prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up within the framework of community-based primary health care. The project will continue to work closely with national and international partners, making effective use of limited funding and resources to contribute to NTD interventions and the strengthening of the overall health system in PNG.

Website: World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026_World Health Organization (WHO)