Over one billion affected as WHO raises alarm on stigma linked to neglected tropical diseases

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Communities across the world have been urged to unite against stigma, discrimination and untreated mental health conditions affecting millions of people living with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), as the World Health Organization (WHO) marked World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day on January 30.

In a statement released in Geneva, WHO warned that while progress has been made in reducing the burden of NTDs, many affected persons continue to suffer in silence due to social exclusion, misconceptions and lack of access to mental health care. The global health body noted that true elimination of NTDs must go beyond medical treatment to include psychological and social support.

World NTD Day 2026 is being commemorated under the theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”, with WHO and its partners calling on governments to integrate mental health services into national NTD programmes to ensure that no one is left behind.

According to WHO, more than one billion people worldwide are affected by neglected tropical diseases, while a similar number live with mental health conditions.

People suffering from NTDs that cause physical impairments or visible disfigurement—such as leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, mycetoma and noma—are particularly vulnerable to stigma and discrimination.

The organization explained that widespread misconceptions about contagion and infection often lead to rejection, isolation and social exclusion of affected individuals.

As a result, people living with chronic NTDs experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviour compared to the general population and even those living with other chronic illnesses.

Despite this heavy burden, WHO noted that mental health care and psychosocial support remain largely absent from many NTD programmes, leaving millions without the help they urgently need within their communities.

“The fight against neglected tropical diseases is not only a fight against pathogens, but it’s a fight against the profound human suffering they cause,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “True elimination means freeing people not only from the disease, but from the shame, isolation and despair that too often accompany it.”

To address this gap, WHO recently launched its first global guide titled “Essential Care Package to Address Mental Health and Stigma for Persons With Neglected Tropical Diseases.”

The guide provides health service leaders and policymakers with evidence-based interventions aimed at promoting good mental health, identifying and treating mental health conditions, and reducing stigma at individual, community and health-system levels.

The guide also emphasizes the need for community-based approaches that empower affected persons, promote inclusion and challenge harmful stereotypes associated with NTDs.

While highlighting progress made over the past decade, WHO warned that historic gains in the fight against NTDs are now under threat due to declining funding. The organization disclosed that the number of people requiring NTD interventions has fallen to a historic low of 1.4 billion, with significant reductions in mortality and disability.

So far, 58 countries have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, putting the world on track toward WHO’s target of 100 countries by 2030. Countries across different regions, including Brazil, Jordan, Niger and Fiji, were cited as examples that elimination is achievable with sustained commitment.

However, findings from the Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2025 revealed that global official development assistance for NTDs declined by 41 per cent between 2018 and 2023, raising fears that hard-won gains could be reversed.

WHO stressed that the funding decline contradicts strong economic evidence showing that every one dollar invested in preventive chemotherapy for NTDs yields an estimated return of 25 dollars.

Without renewed action, neglected tropical diseases are projected to continue draining lives and livelihoods, costing affected families and communities an estimated 33 billion dollars annually in lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses.

As the world marks World NTD Day, WHO called on governments, donors, civil society groups and communities to safeguard past progress, mobilize new funding, accelerate innovation and integrate mental health into NTD responses.

The global campaign also invites the public to engage with stories of resilience and country-led successes, reinforcing the message that eliminating neglected tropical diseases is not only possible, but essential for restoring dignity, inclusion and hope to millions worldwide.