World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day (January 30th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every January 30th
It's also known as:	NTD Day, Neglected Tropical Disease Day
Tagged as:	Healthcare Nature & Environment
What are the hashtags?	#WorldNeglectedTropicalDiseaseNTDDay #NTDDay #NeglectedTropicalDiseaseDay
When was it founded?	2020
Who founded it?	Uniting to Combat NTDs
We first published this page on:	Jul 27th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Jul 27th, 2025

Contents

Neglected Tropical Diseases, or NTDs, are a group of infections that affect over a billion people worldwide.

They thrive in places with limited clean water, poor healthcare, and overcrowded living conditions.

These diseases often bring pain, lifelong disability, and even early death. Yet, they rarely make the news. That’s why World NTD Day exists—to speak up for those who can’t always speak for themselves.

It draws attention to forgotten communities and helps break the silence around their daily struggles.

This day reminds the world that suffering caused by NTDs is preventable. Many of these diseases can be treated or even wiped out entirely with basic tools. Medicines exist. So do solutions.

But they don’t always reach the people who need them most. By raising awareness, this day sparks action—from better funding to stronger health systems.

It sends a clear message: no one should be left behind just because of where they live.

How to Celebrate World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day

World Neglected Tropical Disease Day offers a chance for everyone to get involved and help raise awareness in meaningful ways.

Join a Local Awareness Event

Many cities host walks, talks, or interactive exhibits on this day. Find one nearby and show your support. Walk with purpose, ask questions, and learn more from experts and volunteers.

Seeing real stories makes the issue feel personal and urgent. Your presence helps bring attention where it’s needed most.

Share Stories on Social Media

Create a simple post explaining what NTDs are and why action matters. Include a short quote or fact to grab attention.

Tag health organizations or use trending hashtags to expand your reach. A few words online can start powerful conversations. Every share adds to a global voice calling for change.

Watch a Documentary or Webinar

Set aside time to stream a video or attend an online discussion focused on tropical diseases. Many global health groups offer free, engaging materials.

Visuals and expert voices help explain complex topics in simple terms. Watching with friends makes it more memorable and may inspire group action afterward.

Support a Nonprofit or Campaign

Look for reputable groups that fight NTDs through research, medication delivery, or education.

Donate, even a little, if you can. Not able to give money? Volunteer time or help with translation, social posts, or design work. Your skills may match exactly what they need.

Talk to Schools or Community Centers

Reach out to a teacher, librarian, or youth leader about hosting a short info session. Offer simple resources and encourage questions.

Kids and teens absorb messages quickly, especially when learning feels interactive. This small step can help future generations grow up informed and inspired to help.

History of World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day

World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day officially began in 2020. The organization Uniting to Combat NTDs started it with support from global health partners.

Their mission was clear—bring attention to diseases that affect over one billion people but often receive little funding or focus.

These diseases mostly affect people in poor, rural communities and can cause pain, blindness, and lifelong disabilities.

The date chosen for the day is important. It marks the anniversary of the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs.

That declaration brought together governments, health agencies, and private groups to speed up progress in controlling and eliminating these diseases.

Since then, many countries have made strong progress thanks to medicine donations, better health services, and international support.

This global awareness day gives people, leaders, and organizations a chance to speak up. It highlights the need for fair access to treatment, stronger health systems, and better living conditions.

Each year, more communities join the effort, showing that unity can make change possible. World NTD Day continues to push for a world where no one suffers from diseases that are both preventable and treatable.

World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day