January 30th marks World NTD Day, a day to celebrate progress and accelerate efforts to eliminate NTDs for good. While treatment has significantly reduced the burden of these diseases, elimination requires more than medicine—it demands long-term prevention. As a global leader in NTD prevention, NALA is driving this shift with sustainable, locally led solutions that stop NTDs at their source.
This global movement is already showing results. In 2024, seven countries were recognized by the WHO for eliminating an NTD, bringing the global total to 54—more than halfway to the WHO’s 2030 goal of 100. This momentum is evident in Africa as well, where a total of 22 nations have eliminated at least one NTD, reflecting the continent’s strong commitment to public health. since 2010, the number of people in need of care has dropped by 690 million. These milestones highlight the power of global collaboration and reinforce the urgency of making prevention a priority.
At NALA, we ensure that once NTDs are eliminated, they don’t return. By working with governments, we help embed prevention into national health systems and drive policy change. Our multi-sectoral coordination model, adopted as national policy in Ethiopia, brings together health, education, and water sectors to tackle disease at its source. From innovative tools like snail mapping to community-led education, we deliver sustainable solutions that stop NTDs before they spread.
World NTD Day is not only a celebration of progress but a reminder that partnerships are essential to achieving lasting impact. Our commitment to NTD prevention and collaboration is why we joined the Kigali Declaration—aligning with global efforts to accelerate progress, drive investment, and put prevention at the heart of NTD elimination. By strengthening health systems, engaging local communities, and forging global alliances, we can turn elimination from ambition into reality—and we remain steadfast until we see lasting change for all communities affected.