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

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.

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 this project, the following key activities were supported in 2025:

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.

This project was implemented in collaboration with the NDoH, WHO, and other partners to mark this year’s World NTD Day. To raise awareness of NTDs, the project supported the development of communication materials, including posters and leaflets, as well as the design and partial procurement of campaign polo shirts for the event. The project also supported NTD control efforts through information dissemination via radio broadcasts and participation in community awareness activities.

The NDoH coordinated with various radio stations and worked closely with the National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) and the NGO, The Leprosy Mission (TLM), to implement these awareness activities. During community outreach activities, several cases of clinical yaws were identified among local residents, and PHA staff provided treatment with azithromycin on site.

During the awareness activities, community members raised various questions and concerns, and the team provided explanations and guidance as appropriate. Some examples are provided below. Many residents noted that they had previously been unaware of the different types and symptoms of skin diseases and expressed interest in seeking proper diagnosis and treatment.

Female resident A:
“I didn’t realise that the condition I often saw among kids in the community was yaws. After seeing the poster, I finally understood what it was. I’d now like to visit a health facility and get proper diagnosis and treatment.”

Male resident B:
“I may have a condition like scrotal swelling, but I was too embarrassed to talk about it, even with family or friends. The symptoms shown on the poster looked similar to mine, so I’d like to get checked and receive treatment.”

Male resident C:
“I had no idea there were so many different types of skin diseases. I’d like to share what I’ve learned with my family and friends. I also have similar symptoms myself, so I plan to visit a local clinic or hospital and get proper treatment.”

In general, awareness of skin diseases in PNG remains limited. Many people do not seek diagnosis or treatment, even though these conditions are treatable. Due to limited understanding, stigma, or the burden of travelling to health facilities, people often endure the symptoms rather than seeking care.

Although the session was relatively short, it helped improve community members’ understanding of skin diseases and showed early signs of positive behaviour change, particularly in their willingness to seek diagnosis and treatment. The willingness of residents who had previously hesitated due to stigma or limited knowledge to come forward for diagnosis and treatment represents an important step toward strengthening NTD control efforts at the community level.

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.