Progress in Disease Elimination: 11 Countries Eliminate NTDs in 2024
11 countries have successfully eliminated a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) since the beginning of 2024, bringing the global total to 56 countries. This remarkable pace of progress in disease elimination is a testament to the collective efforts of the global health community.
Mauritania and Papua New Guinea have recently declared the elimination of trachoma, a debilitating eye disease that causes infectious blindness. Trachoma is a significant public health issue, particularly in impoverished rural areas with limited access to water and sanitation facilities.
With the addition of Mauritania and Papua New Guinea, the number of countries that have eliminated trachoma now stands at 23. Trachoma is just one of the many NTDs that affect over one billion people worldwide, with Africa being the most affected continent.
These two countries were among the 11 nations honored by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating at least one NTD in 2024. The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described this achievement as a ‘golden age of disease elimination’ during a ceremony at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The fight against NTDs has been a remarkable success story in global health, with significant progress made in poverty alleviation, education advancement, gender equality promotion, and reducing inequalities in affected communities.
Mauritania’s success in eliminating trachoma was a result of collaborative efforts across government ministries, the private sector, and community health workers. The country implemented the WHO’s SAFE strategy, focusing on surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements for prevention and treatment.
Dr. Isatou Touray, Interim Executive Director at Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases, highlighted the importance of political commitment, government leadership, and collective action in achieving disease elimination goals. The elimination of trachoma in Mauritania and Papua New Guinea serves as a beacon of hope for other endemic countries.
Despite challenges posed by funding cuts, the global health community must maintain momentum to achieve the WHO’s 2030 NTD elimination targets. Papua New Guinea’s achievement in eliminating trachoma underscores the importance of sustained political will, community engagement, and targeted health interventions.
As the world grapples with cuts to official development assistance, securing innovative financing solutions for NTDs is crucial. The WHO’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap 2021 – 2030 aims to eliminate NTDs globally by 2030, aligning with efforts towards Universal Health Coverage for all.
