World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed every year on 30 January. This date marks the launch of both the first WHO road map and the London declaration on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), in 2012.
The purpose of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is to reflect on the suffering caused by NTDs; celebrate those who are engaged in tackling their burden and the accomplishments of the global NTD community; and gather more support towards their control, elimination and eradication, in line with the programmatic shifts and targets set in the current road map 2021−2030 and the commitments pledged through the 2022’s Kigali declaration on neglected tropical diseases.
On 31 May 2021, the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly recognized 30 January as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day through the unanimous approval of decision WHA74(18) by WHO Member States. This Day is now one of the 11 Global Health Days and 2 Global Health Weeks recognized by WHO.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day has been observed by the global partners’ community since 2019, while WHO first commemorated the event on 30 January 2022.