What's happening for World NTD Day 2026?
World NTD Day 2026: A Global Wave of Action
Momentum is building as partners, communities, and countries around the world prepare to mark World NTD Day 2026 with a vibrant line‑up of activities. From high‑profile advocacy moments to community‑driven celebrations, this year’s events highlight the collective commitment to ending neglected tropical diseases and advancing health equity. Below is a growing snapshot of what’s planned across the globe, showcasing the creativity, leadership, and collaboration driving this movement forward.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 16 to 28 January |
GANE NTD Trivia challenge The Global Alliance for NTD Elimination is marking the countdown to World NTD Day with the NTD Trivia Challenge—a daily, interactive knowledge series running from 16–28 January. Each day features one short, thought‑provoking question designed to raise awareness, challenge assumptions, and spark conversation about Neglected Tropical Diseases. Aligned with the 2026 theme Unite. Act. Eliminate., the challenge highlights the power of shared knowledge in driving action toward ending NTDs. Participants who engage throughout the series will be eligible for recognition, with certificates awarded to the top three contributors on 29 January. |
| 19 to 30 January |
Online campaign: Let's lift the lid on parasites! The Centre for Tropical Health and Emerging Diseases at QIMR Berghofer, is running an information and fundraising campaign that aims to support sanitation initiatives — specifically the construction of toilets in vulnerable communities in Lao PDR and Cambodia — to help address one of the key environmental drivers of transmission. Follow them on LinkedIn. Check out their fundraising campaign. |
| 19 to 30 January |
DNDi Spotlighting NTDs campaign Ahead of World NTD Day on 30 January, Drugs for Neglected Tropical Diseases inntiative (DNDi) are spotlighting a selection of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through their social media platforms. |
| 28 January |
ESPEN Webinar: World NTD Day 2026: Protecting Africa’s NTD Progress in the Time of Global Uncertainty. WHO's Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) will mark World NTD Day 2026 with a regional webinar on 28 January, bringing together countries and partners to reflect on progress, challenges, and priorities for protecting Africa’s NTD gains amid global uncertainty. Aligned with the theme Unite, Act, Eliminate, the session will spotlight strategic actions to sustain momentum toward the 2030 targets and feature partner insights, including from the Reaching the Last Mile Fund. The event forms part of WHO AFRO’s wider World NTD Day activities in Brazzaville. Webinar details
Find out more here: https://espen.afro.who.int/updates-events/events/world-ntd-day-2026-protecting-africas-ntd-progress-time-global-uncertainty |
| 28 January |
Mwele Malecela Days of Action Webinar: Integrating Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) into Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. One Health Society, Tanzania will host a virtual World NTD Day webinar on 28 January 2026 (18:00–19:45 EAT) as part of the Mwele Malecela Days of Action, focusing on how Female Genital Schistosomiasis can be integrated into sexual and reproductive health services. The session will highlight the heavy but often overlooked burden of FGS—which increases risks of HIV and cervical cancer for millions of women and girls—and outline practical, evidence‑based approaches for embedding FGS within SRH and primary healthcare. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/MweleMalecelaWebinar2026. |
| 28 January |
Webinar: Knowledge Exchange Café - Delivering health interventions to special populations: Trachoma Toolkit The 28 January 2026, in collaboration with the International Coalition for Trachoma Control and The Carter Centre, iCHORDS Knowledge Exchange Café features Dr. Angelia Sanders presenting a new toolkit designed to support health programme implementation in challenging operating environments, drawing on lessons from the global trachoma programme. The session focuses on improving delivery of interventions for indigenous, nomadic, and displaced populations—groups whose mobility and marginalization often hinder progress toward universal health coverage and NTD targets. Dr. Sanders brings extensive field and technical experience from her work with The Carter Center and international partners, offering practical insights for programme managers working in resource‑constrained and complex settings. Webinar details
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| 29 January |
Webinar: Tackling vectors: the domino effect to accelerate cross-cutting progress in Neglected Tropical Diseases ISNTD will mark World NTD Day 2026 with an online webinar on 29 January (14:00–15:30 UTC) focused on vector control as a cross‑cutting accelerator for neglected tropical disease elimination. Featuring experts from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, WHO, and Bavarian Nordic, the session will explore emerging insights across vector‑borne NTDs—including onchocerciasis, chikungunya, dengue, and malaria—and highlight how strengthened vector strategies can complement interventions like mass drug administration. Positioned as a powerful start to the year, the event aims to amplify science, partnerships, and lived experiences that drive progress across the NTD community. |
| 29, 30, 31 January |
One Health – una sola salute: a Bologna tre giornate dedicate alle Malattie Tropicali Neglette The Italian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases and the IRCCS Policlinico di Sant’Orsola, in collaboration with AIFO ETS, are marking World NTD Day with a three‑day programme dedicated to awareness, education, and clinical capacity‑building on Neglected Tropical Diseases. Running from 29–31 January, the initiative includes an outreach day for secondary school students, a scientific symposium for researchers and health professionals on 30 January, and a specialised training course on 31 January focused on the diagnosis and management of Hansen’s disease. The programme aims to strengthen knowledge, foster dialogue across sectors, and promote a One Health approach to tackling NTDs. |
| 30 January |
Commemoration of World NTD Day 2026 at the WHO Regional Office for Africa The Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) and the WHO Regional Office for Africa will commemorate World NTD Day 2026 in Brazzaville with an event centred on the global theme Unite. Act. Eliminate. The programme highlights the ongoing burden of NTDs in the region and focuses on onchocerciasis through an awareness session on transmission, prevention, and elimination strategies. Activities include a symbolic ivermectin distribution at the WHO AFRO Clinic and a Walk the Talk event on campus, reinforcing solidarity and collective responsibility in advancing progress toward the WHO NTD Roadmap 2030 targets. Find out more here. |
| 30 January |
The Journey to Elimination: A Path Paved by Partnership The END Fund is marking World NTD Day with a global webinar, The Journey to Elimination: A Path Paved by Partnership, highlighting the historic progress toward eliminating trachoma. The event will feature insights from national leaders in Burundi and Mauritania—both recently certified by WHO as having eliminated trachoma—as well as perspectives from the Fred Hollows Foundation on Eritrea’s near‑elimination status. Pfizer will also share reflections on its long‑standing antibiotic donation programme, which has been central to global progress. Taking place on 30 January at 9:00AM/14:00GMT/17:00EAT, the webinar celebrates partnership‑driven success and explores what it takes to turn elimination goals into reality. |
| 30 January |
Webinar – WHO Collaborating Centres network for NTDs: towards the 2030 road map targets The WHO Collaborating Centres Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases will host a World NTD Day webinar on 30 January at 16:00–17:30 (GMT+8; Beijing time) // 09:00–10:30 (CET; Geneva time), showcasing how scientific collaboration, technical expertise, and coordinated research are accelerating progress toward the 2030 NTD Road Map targets. The session will bring together WHO specialists and representatives from Collaborating Centres to highlight current innovations, share country experiences, and discuss how strengthened partnerships can support national programmes in advancing sustainable elimination efforts across all NTDs. |
| 30 January |
WHO Webinar – From progress to sustainability: country-led integration for lasting NTD impact WHO will mark World NTD Day with its flagship global webinar, From Progress to Sustainability: Country‑Led Integration for Lasting NTD Impact, on 30 January from 15:00–16:30 CET (UTC+1). The event will spotlight how countries are embedding Neglected Tropical Disease services into routine health systems to secure long‑term, sustainable impact aligned with the 2030 NTD Road Map. Featuring national programme leaders, WHO experts, and partners, the session will explore practical pathways for integration, showcase country experiences, and highlight the critical role of strong health systems in protecting and sustaining hard‑won gains against NTDs. |
| 30 January |
The Threshold Live Podcast Taping on World NTD Day Foreign Policy’s global health podcast “The Threshold, supported by the Gates Foundation, is hosting a special virtual dialogue on World NTD Day on 30 January from 10:00–11:00 ET. Host Henry Bonsu will moderate a conversation with Sabena Solomon, GSK vice president and head of global health access, and Sam Macintosh, The END Fund’s vice president of global strategic partnerships, about pharmaceutical companies’ unique role in the fight to end NTDs. |
| 30 January |
Webinar Bridging Gaps in Neglected Tropical Diseases Data PAHO, the Chagas Coalition, and DNDi are hosting the World NTD Day webinar Bridging the Gaps in Neglected Tropical Diseases Data on 30 January at 10:00 EST, bringing together regional experts, ministries of health, civil society, and researchers to address persistent data gaps that hinder progress toward NTD elimination. Speakers include Ana Lucianez (PAHO), Ronaldo Scholte (PAHO), Elvira Hernández (FINDECHAGAS), representatives from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, Martha Saboya (PAHO), teams from the Ministry of Health of Colombia and the Felehansen organization, Diogo Galvão (DNDi Latin America), Alison Krentel (University of Ottawa), and Annastacia Sampson (Ministry of Health of Guyana), with closing remarks by Sylvain Aldighieri (PAHO). The event will showcase innovative data strategies, country experiences, and collaborative approaches to strengthen surveillance and ensure more equitable, evidence‑driven NTD responses. |
| 30 January |
Japan Alliance on Global NTDs World NTD Day 2026 Webinar On 30 January 2026, the Japan Executive Committee will host its World NTD Day webinar from 5:00–7:00 PM JST, offering a national platform to deepen understanding of neglected tropical diseases and inspire action toward their elimination. The online event will feature commemorative video messages, a keynote address by Dr. Osamu Kunii of the GHIT Fund, and the award ceremony for the 3rd Neglected Tropical Diseases Contest, celebrating creative public engagement on NTDs. A special session, Next-Generation NTDs — Transformation Driven by AI and Technology, will spotlight innovators Misako Uehara (SORA Technology Inc.) and Shintaro Nakayama (OUI Inc.), moderated by Yuya Kondo of the NTDs Youth Organization, followed by a panel discussion including the contest’s Grand Prize winner. The webinar highlights Japan’s growing leadership in NTD advocacy, innovation, and youth engagement. Find out more here in English and on this website in Japanese: https://worldntdday.jp/ |
| 30 January |
DZIF World NTD Day 2026: Unseen realities: art, policy and conflicts—A fight against NTD The German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) is marking World NTD Day 2026 with an in-person event Unseen Realities: Art, Policy, and Conflicts in the Fight Against NTDs. This one‑day World NTD Day event combines an art exhibition—featuring works selected through a competition organized with DTG, the NTD Working Group, the Ethiopian NTD Youth Initiative Alert Gursha, and Ethiopian artist Solomon Kifle, with support from the Andreas Ruppel Fund—with a panel discussion bringing together NGO experts, DZIF representatives, and political actors to examine global challenges affecting NTD control. After the discussion, attendees can explore the exhibition and speak with panelists and members of the DZIF TTU Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases. The event targets the general public, policymakers, and NGOs, and will be held in German. |
| 30 January |
MRC World NTD Day Call for Art Contributions Sudan’s World NTD Day ArtSphere campaign invites creators to submit short videos, posters, photo series, or cartoons that celebrate progress against NTDs and inspire community action. Open to artists, students, NGOs, and health workers, the competition highlights Sudan’s ongoing NTD efforts and awards standout entries across multiple categories, including a youth prize. Submissions must be culturally relevant, accurate, and accessible, with materials usable for national awareness and advocacy. |
| 30 January |
Webinaire - Mise à jour sur l’ulcère de Buruli en Afrique subsaharienne World NTD Day webinar hosted by KALKIS Health Solutions will offer a practical update on Buruli ulcer in sub‑Saharan Africa, covering clinical recognition, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Experienced clinicians from Canada, the DRC, and Côte d’Ivoire will share insights and discuss real‑world challenges in low‑resource settings. The session takes place Friday 30 January from 17:00 to 18:30 UTC, with certificates available for participants who complete both the pre‑ and post‑tests. |
| 30 January |
RF MTN Webinaire: Maladies tropicales négligées, maladies non transmissibles et exposition Hosted by Inserm’s Thematic Institute for Immunology, Inflammation, Infectiology and Microbiology (IT I3M) as part of the Francophone Network on Neglected Tropical Diseases (RF MTN), this World NTD Day webinar on 30 January 2026 (13:00–14:00 CET) will explore the intersections between neglected tropical diseases, non‑communicable diseases, and the exposome. Featuring researchers Bruno Bucheton and David Courtin, the session will examine the long‑term health implications of African trypanosomiasis and the immunological effects of urogenital schistosomiasis on malaria and respiratory outcomes in Ghanaian schoolchildren. The event forms part of IT I3M’s ongoing webinar series, with replays available online. |
| 30 January |
Webinar Skin-NTDs Across Borders: The Impact of Migration and Climate Change on Skin Health This World NTD Day 2026 webinar is hosted by the NTD NGO Network’s Skin Cross‑Cutting Group and the International League of Dermatological Societies’ WHA Resolution Implementation Taskforce. The session will highlight the global relevance of skin‑related neglected tropical diseases, examine how migration and climate change are reshaping their distribution and burden, and discuss the implications of the 2025 World Health Assembly Resolution (WHA 78.15) recognising skin diseases as a global public health priority. It will also review WHO’s integrated approaches outlined in the Strategic Framework for Skin‑related NTDs, underscoring the need for coordinated, cross‑sector action. |
| 2 February |
Webinar: Integrated Futures: Advancing NTDs through PHC Integration and Sustainable Financing This World NTD Day webinar is taking place on 2 February 2026, co‑hosted by the African Union (AU) Commission, WHO ESPEN, The END Fund, Kikundi Community of Practice, Speak Up Africa, and Uniting to Combat NTDs. Running from 1–2pm GMT (4–5pm EAT) with interpretation in English, French, and Portuguese, the session marks the midpoint of the AU’s Continental Framework on NTD Control and Elimination by 2030 and focuses on accelerating progress through practical action. The event will showcase successful models for integrating NTD services into primary health care and explore solutions to the persistent challenge of sustainable financing. |
| 4 February |
UK Parliament reception event “Leaving No One Behind: Reaching 1 billion people affected by NTDs” Unlimit Health and the UK Coalition Against NTDs will co‑host a World NTD Day parliamentary reception at the Houses of Parliament on 4 February, spotlighting the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Reaching 1 Billion People Affected by NTDs.” The event will brief newly elected MPs through testimonies from people affected by NTDs and highlight the UK’s leadership in research and innovation for NTD elimination. It will also showcase winning children’s posters from the national Light the Path competition, reinforcing public engagement and creativity in raising awareness. Find out more here. |
| 4 February |
Launch of the WHO ECP to address mental health and stigma for persons with NTDs The WHO will launch its new Essential Care Package (ECP) to address mental health and stigma among people affected by neglected tropical diseases on 4 February 2026, in a hybrid event hosted at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and online. The session will highlight how more than a billion people living with NTDs face intertwined burdens of stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, and elevated mental health risks, and will introduce evidence‑based interventions designed to improve psychological wellbeing and reduce stigma at community and health‑system levels. Developed with international partners, the ECP provides practical guidance for prevention, assessment, and care, and outlines actions for policymakers, health workers, and affected communities to strengthen person‑centred support. Find out more here. |